
July 10, 2025
Getting Back on the Water: Essential Engine Inspection & Tune-Up in Kemah, TX
After a period of inactivity, even just a year or two, a marine engine can develop issues that aren’t apparent until you try to start it up and put it under load. While low hours might suggest minimal wear, the act of sitting can often be more detrimental than regular use. If your boat’s engine has been dormant for a while, a comprehensive inspection and tune-up are critical steps to ensure safe, reliable boating when you’re ready to hit the waters of Kemah, Clear Lake, or Galveston Bay.
At Yes Centers, we specialize in bringing dormant marine engines back to life. We understand the specific challenges that arise from extended storage and offer expert dockside service throughout Kemah, TX, and surrounding local marinas, providing the quick inspection and tune-up your vessel needs for a worry-free season.
Why Your Boat Needs a Professional Check-Up After Sitting:
Even if your engine had low hours when it was last turned off, two years can introduce several potential problems:
Fuel System Degradation: This is often the number one culprit. Gasoline, especially ethanol-blended fuel, can degrade over time, leading to gumming, varnish buildup in carburetors or injectors, and corrosion in fuel lines and tanks. Diesel fuel can suffer from microbial growth (algae). Old fuel can clog filters and cause hard starting or poor performance.
Battery Issues: Batteries naturally discharge over time, and a completely flat battery can suffer permanent damage. Even if it holds a charge, its cold cranking amps might be significantly reduced. Corroded terminals are also very common.
Fluid Contamination/Degradation: Engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant can absorb moisture or degrade over time, losing their protective properties.
Impeller & Belt Deterioration: Rubber components like raw water pump impellers and engine belts can dry out, crack, or become brittle when not used, leading to potential failure when the engine is finally run.
Corrosion: Unused components, especially in a humid marine environment, are more susceptible to corrosion in electrical connections, exhaust systems, and internal engine parts if not properly laid up.
Our Quick Inspection & Tune-Up for Safe Boating:
At Yes Centers, our experienced marine technicians perform a targeted inspection and tune-up designed to address the most common issues arising from a boat sitting unused:
Fuel System Service: We’ll inspect your fuel tank for signs of contamination, check and replace fuel filters, and ensure clean fuel delivery to the engine. We can also treat your fuel to stabilize it.
Battery & Electrical System Check: We’ll test your battery’s health, clean terminals, and inspect wiring for corrosion or loose connections to ensure reliable starting.
Fluid Inspection & Replacement: We check all essential fluid levels and conditions, recommending changes if needed (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, etc.).
Cooling System Health: We’ll inspect raw water hoses, check the impeller’s condition, and ensure your cooling system is free of blockages, critical for preventing overheating.
Belts, Hoses & Connections: A thorough visual inspection for cracks, chafing, or looseness in all belts and hoses.
General Tune-Up: This includes checking spark plugs (for gasoline engines), inspecting air filters, and ensuring all basic engine functions are ready for reliable operation.
Trial Run (if applicable): Once vital checks are done, a supervised start-up and brief run can confirm all systems are operating as expected.
Don’t let a couple of years of sitting turn into a major headache on your first outing. A proactive inspection and tune-up are essential investments in your boating safety and enjoyment. Yes Centers offers the professional expertise and dockside convenience you need to get your engine ready for a season of dependable performance.
Ready to safely get your boat back on the water in Kemah?
Request a Quick Inspection & Tune-Up by filling out our convenient online form: https://yescenters.com/service-request-form/
Let Yes Centers ensure your vessel is ready for many more hours of reliable cruising!