Miami Boat Show 2018 – a few pictures from this years show. One thing that was not missing was horsepower. Boats with two, three and even more outboard motors on a boat. And outboards with 400, 500 and more horsepower. Who would have thought that the outboards would be such a huge market. My favorite type of boat!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2014
Mercury Marine introduces oil change kits
(FOND DU LAC, Wis.) – Changing oil in a Mercury outboard is one of the most important steps to keep an engine running at its peak. Mercury has developed four new convenient oil change kits that contain all the components needed to change the oil in your outboard engine.
Each kit includes:
• Mercury 25W-40 marine engine oil featuring Flagship Protection
• OEM Mercury oil filter
• Drain plug seal
• Drip tray (if required)
• Complete instructions (printed right on the box)
Mercury oil change kits contain industry-leading Mercury 25W-40 engine oil. Over five years of engineering and development went in to the exclusive Flagship Protection formula which features a high-tech, advanced set of anti-wear additives that provide up to 33 percent better camshaft wear protection and the highest levels of corrosion and oxidation protection. Designed to maintain engine reliability and performance, Mercury 25W-40 mineral oil has been proven to hold its viscosity ratings longer in industry wear testing than other oils on the market. Mercury oils in combination with a genuine Mercury filter team up to provide the No. 1 protection on the water.
Exclusive new Flagship Protection formula provides:
• Shear Stable Formula – Proven stronger in shear and viscosity testing
• The ultimate in corrosion protection
• The No. 1 recommended brand in the Industry
Mercury Oil Change Kits:
• 15/ 20 HP CARB Oil Change Kit – 8M0081914
• 25/30 HP EFI Oil Change Kit – 8M0081915
• 40/50/60 HP EFI Oil Change Kit – 8M0081916
• 75/90/115 HP EFI Oil Change Kit – 8M0081917
Kits will be available to order with the spring 2014 program.
About Mercury Marine
Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Marine is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications, empowering boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. Mercury’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury propellers; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; Attwood marine parts; Land ‘N Sea marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.
Contact:
Lucas Lauderback
Mercury Marine Media Relations
920-929-5980
lucas.lauderback@mercmarine.com
Engine
It doesn’t matter if you have an inboard or out board engine, the basics are the same. If you didn’t change the engine oil before parking the boat, now is the time to do it. Oil is the life blood of an engine and needs to be able to efficiently lubricate and cool the engine. Oil is also cheap when compared to an engine over haul. Reference your engine service manual for recommendations as to the recommended oil change intervals. 
If your engine was winterized and treated for storage, you will need to clean or replace the spark plugs and change the fuel filters. It is easiest to just replace the old spark plugs with new ones. But if you are saving a few bucks, you can also clean and re-gap the old ones. All you need is a small stiff bristled wire brush and gapping tool.
Don’t forget to change the fuel filter before you head out on the water. Also make sure you have the tools and extra fuel filters on board before you go out for your first run. Many a boater has made it out on the water just far enough not to get back and had crud plug the filter stopping the engine.
Cooling systems should be checked and the fluid replaced or added to as necessary. All hoses, wires and belts should be inspected and replaced if dry or cracked. It is a good idea to carry an extra belt or two with you along with the appropriate tools to change the belt. Belt tension should be adjusted per the factory service manuals recommendations.
Transmission fluid, hydraulic fluids (power steering, power tilt) and oil injection tanks should all be inspected and refilled. While you are at it, check the bellows on the stern drive, packing or stuffing boxes hinge points, U joints etc. Fittings, cables and connections should be lubricated. Many of the components will have grease fitting so that they can be lubricated using a grease gun.
The lower unit, drive shafts and propellers should be inspected for nicks and damage. Basic aluminum propellers (especially on lower horsepower engines) can have minor nicks filed by hand. Paint can be touched up with a spray can of paint from a home supply or auto parts store. 
But if you have brass, stainless, adjustable blades or any other type of high performance propeller, don’t take the chance of trying to fix it your self. Take the propeller to a good prop shop and have it repaired and balanced.
Make sure that when you remove the propeller that you lubricate the shaft to prevent corrosion and assist in removal in the future. It is always a good idea to have a back up prop on hand along with the appropriate nut or cotter keys.