20-Hour Engine Check
The first scheduled service on a new outboard or sterndrive, checked and torqued while your engine is still fresh out of break-in
Schedule Your 20-Hour Check
Protect Your Warranty From The Start
A new outboard or sterndrive needs its first scheduled service between 10 and 20 hours of run time, and most manufacturer warranties, including Mercury and Yamaha, require it to stay valid. Our technicians change the break-in fluids, re-torque every fastener that can work loose during those first hours, and inspect the fuel and electrical systems before anything has a chance to become a real problem.
We handle the warranty paperwork on our end and file it directly with the manufacturer, so you do not have to track down forms or worry about missing a deadline.
A Complete First Service Done Right
Break-In Fluid Change
We drain and replace engine oil and lower unit gear lube, clearing out the fine break-in metal that works loose during the first hours of running.
Torque And Fastener Check
Transom fasteners, steering components, motor mounts, and the propeller nut are all re-torqued to factory specification.
Fuel And Electrical Inspection
We inspect fuel lines and the primer bulb for cracking, and check battery connections and the wiring harness for corrosion or loose terminals.
Full Water Test
Your boat gets a real water test at idle, mid range, and wide open throttle, checking operating temperature, charging output, and overall engine performance.
One Service Team For Every Major Engine
Whether your new engine came from us or another dealer, our technicians are trained on outboard, sterndrive, and inboard platforms from every major manufacturer on the water.
How The 20-Hour Check Works
Intake And Warranty Verification
We confirm your engine's hours, registration, and warranty status, and pull the manufacturer's exact 20-hour service checklist for your model.
Fluid And Filter Service
Engine oil, oil filter, and lower unit gear lube are drained and replaced with fresh fluid rated for your engine.
Fastener And Rigging Torque Check
We work through every fastener on the manufacturer's torque list, including motor mounts, steering, and the prop nut.
Water Test And Sign Off
We run your boat on the water to confirm proper operation across the full throttle range, then file your warranty paperwork with the manufacturer.
Ready To Schedule Your 20-Hour Check?
Fill out the form below and our service team will follow up to find a time that works, before your warranty window closes.
Trusted With Every New Engine
Factory Trained Technicians
Our team is trained on the exact break-in and torque procedures required by Mercury, Yamaha, and other major manufacturers.
Warranty Paperwork Handled For You
We file your 20-hour service directly with the manufacturer, so your coverage stays valid without any extra work on your end.
Every Service From The Same Marina
Your engine comes back to the same technicians and the same marina on the Whitefish Chain for every future visit.
20-Hour Check Questions Answered
It is the first scheduled service on a new outboard or sterndrive engine, done between 10 and 20 hours of run time. We change the break-in fluids, re-torque fasteners, and inspect fuel and electrical systems before the engine sees heavy use.
Most manufacturers, including Mercury and Yamaha, require this first scheduled service to keep your warranty active. We recommend scheduling it as soon as you approach the required hour range.
Most 20 hour checks are completed within a day, including the water test. We will give you a firm estimate when you schedule based on your engine and current shop volume.
Yes. We perform 20 hour checks and warranty service on engines purchased from other dealers, as long as the manufacturer authorizes service at our shop.