Boat Mechanics in Austin, Lakeway, Round Rock and Cedar Park and Surrounding Areas
By: Tommy Gural of
Austin Mobile Marine
a mobile boat repair company that services all of Austin and the surrounding areas.
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Austin Boat Repair
You’re out with friends enjoying a beautiful day on one of Texas ’ lakes. The boat stops and no one knows what has happened. Your day may be ruined but your summer doesn’t have to be. A boat repair service can assess the problem and get you back on the lake in no time (we hope!).
Watch this video about boat maintenance by Local Boat Repair Expert Tommy Gural of Austin Mobile Marine.. Then read on for more boat maintenance and repair advice.
Be prepared! It can be a task to find a good boat repair company in Austin. Some boat repair companies only service certain makes of boats. Make sure to inquire about this when you first call.
Motorboat mechanics maintain and repair boat motors. Motorboat mechanics visually inspect a motor for signs of a mechanical problem. They start the motor to listen for problems. During a maintenance check, they test the motor for mechanical, fuel, or electrical problems. Sometimes they use computerized testing equipment. Motorboat mechanics adjust the carburetor mixture and timing while the motor is running.
Did You Know? Mobile Boat Repair companies in Austin can mainly provide engine, drive, and boat accessory repair and scheduled maintenance items (I.e. oil/filter changes, water pump replacements, transmission or lower unit maintenance). Boat haul-out services to the shop, to get large repairs performed. 90% of requests can be performed on-site.
After locating a problem, motorboat mechanics make repairs. Some repairs are as simple as replacing a spark plug. Other repairs require taking the engine apart using hand tools. The mechanic may need to replace a worn valve or bearing. Sometimes mechanics repair or rework parts before putting them back in engines. Mechanics use lathes, drills, and grinders to repair parts. After mechanics replace or repair all parts, they reassemble the engine. For difficult repairs, mechanics may refer to service manuals for information.
Austin Money Savers Tip! Most boat owners do not realize the majority of marine engine manufacturers recommend replacement of the water pump impeller once a year to prevent engine overheating. Impellers are made of a rubber type material, which deteriorates with age and use. Once it becomes damaged, it will not allow the engine to pull in water to cool properly and will overheat. This can potentially cause expensive engine and exhaust system damage.
Motorboat mechanics make adjustments to generators. They test the cooling system by idling the motor and watching a thermometer. They examine propellers and propeller shafts. Mechanics set starter locks and align steering and throttle controls. Outboard motors are remounted to the boat after all repairs and adjustments have been completed. Mechanics operate boats at various speeds to make sure they are running smoothly.
Be Prepared! Many people think their boat will be out of commission for long periods of time once they have a problem Normally repairs can be completed with in 3-5 days. However, most boat repair facilities get back-logged during peek seasonal time periods, right before major holiday weekends and during freezing weather. It’s best to schedule known-repairs or maintenance for your boat, avoiding these times, to reduce the time it takes to repair your boat. When finished working on a motor, mechanics write a report. This report lists the work performed on the engine and its general condition.
Motorboat mechanics service and maintain portable outboard motors in the repair shop. They work on inboard motors at the dock or marina. Inboard motors are removed from the boat only when a major overhaul is required.
Tip! Mobile service provides a huge convenience to get boats repaired and maintained without taking the time and expense to pull them to a repair facility, leave them, and pick them up when completed.
Some frequent tasks performed by motorboat mechanics include:
Start motor to listen for problems.
Refer to service manual for details on servicing and making repairs.
Test motor for mechanical, fuel, or electrical problems.
Take motor apart to inspect it for defective parts. Use hand tools and gauges.
Repair or rework parts. Use machine tools such as lathes, drills, and grinders.
Replace parts such as gears, piston rings, and spark plugs.
Adjust generator and replace faulty wiring.
Reassemble engine.
Idle motor to test cooling system. Use a thermometer.
Set starter lock and align steering and throttle controls.
Adjust carburetor mixture and timing while motor is running.
Inspect and repair propeller and propeller shaft.
Mount motor to boat and operate at various speeds to test it.
Write test report to indicate the condition of the engine.
So next time you have trouble on the lake, consider a motorboat mechanic for all your boat repairs and maintenance. Regular visits and check ups will prevent problems occurring on a beautiful weekend when enjoying time with friends and family. Unless you know your boat inside and out, leave it up to the professionals.
Still have questions about boat repair in Austin? Contact Tommy at Austin Mobile Marine.
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