How to Improve the Performance of Your Outboard Motor

F.R. Smith and Sons Marina • December 29, 2023

Share this article

How to Improve the Performance of Your Outboard Motor

Are you frustrated with your outboard motor's performance? Do you want to improve its efficiency and power? If so, you've come to the right place. In this post, our team at F.R. Smith & Sons will discuss some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your outboard motor.


1. Keep Your Motor Clean 

One of the easiest ways to improve outboard motor performance is to keep it clean. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the motor's exterior and clog its internal parts. This can cause the motor to work harder than it needs to, reducing its efficiency. To avoid this, clean your motor regularly with a mild detergent and water. 


2. Check the Propeller 

A damaged or worn propeller can negatively affect your outboard motor's performance. Make sure the propeller is not bent, chipped, or cracked. If it is, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. You should also ensure that the propeller is the right size and pitch for your boat and motor.


3. Use the Right Fuel 

Using the wrong fuel can damage your outboard motor and reduce its performance. Always use the recommended fuel type and octane rating as specified in your owner's manual. Avoid using ethanol-blended fuels, as they can cause damage to your motor's fuel system.


4. Maintain Your Motor Regularly 

Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your outboard motor performs at its best. Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in your owner's manual, and have your motor serviced by a professional mechanic as needed. Regular maintenance can help identify and fix issues before they become major problems.


5. Trim Your Motor Correctly 

Trimming your outboard motor correctly can improve its performance and efficiency. When accelerating, trim the motor up to reduce drag, then trim it down once the boat is up on the plane. When cruising at higher speeds, trim the motor up to reduce resistance and improve fuel efficiency.

By following these tips, you can improve your outboard motor's performance and get more enjoyment out of your boating experience. Remember to always follow safe boating practices and consult your owner's manual for specific instructions on maintaining and operating your outboard motor. You can visit us in Bolton Landing, NY, to browse our inventory and learn more about outboard upkeep. We proudly serve the Saratoga and Albany areas.

Recent Posts

June 29, 2026
There are summers, and then there are summers you remember for the rest of your life. This is shaping up to be one of the second kind. ο»Ώ America turns 250 this year, and from July 1 through July 15 , we're celebrating it the only way that makes sense for a family-run marina that's called Lake George home since 1921 — out on the water. Our Sea Ray Summer Sales Event is here, and every Sea Ray on our docks is marked down to its lowest price of the season. If you've spent a few summers telling yourself next year we'll get the boat — this is the year. And these are the two weeks. Why now is the moment Half the summer is still ahead of you. The water's warm, the lake's calling, and instead of watching everyone else's wake from shore, you could be the one packing the cooler and rounding up the kids. We've sharpened our pricing across the entire Sea Ray lineup for this event — new models and pre-owned values alike. No haggling, no games, just our best number right there on the tag. And because getting your family on the water should be the easy part, we're pairing those prices with a few extras worth asking about: first-year service to start your season worry-free, gear and electronics packages, trade-in bonuses, and special financing through our lending partners. Stack it all together and this is genuinely the best time all year to bring a Sea Ray home. Find the right boat for your crew Every family boats a little differently, and the good news is there's a Sea Ray for every version of a perfect day on Lake George. If you're new to ownership or want something nimble and easy to tow, the SPX 210 is a joy to drive and makes a fantastic first boat. If your summers are all about packing in the whole crew — tubing runs, sandbar afternoons, sunset cruises — our SDX deck boats give you the wide-open layout and seating to do it all in comfort, in sizes from the easy-handling 230 up to the roomy 270. And if you'd rather ease into Sea Ray ownership at the lineup's lowest price point, we've got a couple of well-kept 240 Sundecks ready for many more seasons. You can browse the full lineup, with photos, specs, and event pricing, on our Sea Ray boats page . First boat? We've got you. Buying your first boat comes with a lot of questions, and that's exactly how it should be. A few quick things worth thinking about as you shop: how you'll use it (quick sport runs versus big family days), how it's laid out (count the seats for the crew you'll actually bring aboard), and what kind of storage and power fit your style of boating. The best part of buying local is that you don't have to figure any of it out alone. Stop by and we'll walk you through all of it — no pressure, just honest answers from people who've been doing this on this lake for over a hundred years. Why buy from F.R. Smith & Sons A great boat is only half the equation. The other half is the marina behind it. When you buy a Sea Ray from us, you're buying from a family that will rig it, service it, store it, and winterize it — all right here from our own docks in Bolton Landing. We'll still know your name in ten years. That's the kind of thing you only get from a marina that's been part of this community since 1921, and it's the reason so many Lake George families have trusted us with their summers for generations. Come make some waves The Sea Ray Summer Sales Event runs July 1–15 only, so don't let this one drift by. Swing by the marina at 36 Sagamore Rd in Bolton Landing, give us a call at (518) 644-5181, or send us a message and we'll have a boat ready to show you. Here's to 250 years of freedom — and to the best summer your family's had yet. We'll see you on the water. πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Browse the Sea Ray lineup →
June 3, 2026
Captained Cruises on Lake George WITH F.R. SMITH AND SONS MARINA
White speedboat on blue lake with people aboard, forested hills and cloudy sky in the background
May 14, 2026
Learn about the Sea Ray SURPA5S+ 5-year bow-to-stern warranty. Get expert advice on boat protection and factory coverage from F.R. Smith and Son's Marina on Lake George.
May Mix & Mingle with FR Smith Sons Marina and Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce
April 14, 2026
There's no better way to welcome the season than with good company, great food, and a sunset view over Lake George — at the Bolton Landing Chamber of Commerce's May Mix & Mingle, hosted this year at F.R. Smith & Sons Marina. Wednesday, May 14th from 5:00–7:00 PM.
Boat docked at a resort on a lake, with lounge chairs and buildings in the background on a sunny day.
By F.R. Smith and Sons Marina November 4, 2025
The Benefits of Boat Rentals
Translucent blue ice with cracks and bubbles.
October 31, 2025
As the temperature drops and winter approaches, it's essential to prepare your boat for cold-weather storage. Proper winterization ensures your vessel remains in top condition.
Show More