A repower can sound complicated. There are engines to choose from, along with controls, steering, displays, rigging and technology. Then there are questions about horsepower, configuration and how everything works together.
But you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Your part of the process is deciding how you want your boat to perform and feel. Your dealer handles the technical details that turn those choices into a complete, working system.
In our last blog, Repower 101: Am I a Good Candidate?, we looked at what makes a boat a strong repower candidate and how dealers evaluate the boat before developing a plan. Once you’ve determined that your boat is a good candidate, it’s time to understand the choices that shape the project.
The four choices that shape a repower
Your part of the repower process comes down to four key decisions. You don’t need to know every specification or part number. Instead, think about how you want your boat to perform and feel.
- Power - How much power do you want and how many engines do you need? You may choose to match the horsepower you already have, or you may want to step up to get more performance from the same hull.
- Controls and steering - How do you want the boat to respond at the helm? Mechanical and digital controls offer different experiences, while steering options can include mechanical, hydraulic, power or electric depending on the application.
- Displays - What do you want to see while you’re underway? That could be a straightforward gauge setup, a multifunction display or a fully connected helm.
- Connected technology - How much integration do you want throughout the boat? With compatible Mercury systems, SmartCraft technology can connect the engine with displays and other digital components.
Power: How much is right for you?
The first decision is the most obvious: how much power do you want and how many engines do you need? You may choose to match the horsepower you already have, or you may want to step up to get more performance from the same hull. The right configuration depends on your boat and how you use it.
A single outboard for lake weekends is a very different application from a multi-engine setup designed for offshore runs. Your dealer can help determine what combinations are appropriate for the hull and your intended use, while also considering the weight and performance of the new system.
Controls and steering: How do you want it to feel?
Controls and steering are where many of the changes become noticeable from the helm. Mechanical controls provide a familiar, proven feel, while digital controls can provide precise electronic response and enable additional integrated features. Depending on the application, steering options can include mechanical, hydraulic, power or electric steering.
The right choice comes down to how you run your boat and what you want to feel at the helm. Some boaters want simplicity and familiarity. Others want the responsiveness and technology of a more connected system. There are also options such as joystick piloting or tiller controls for specific applications and boating styles.
Displays: What do you want to see?
The helm is another area where a repower can create a noticeably different experience. You might want a straightforward gauge setup that gives you the information you need, or you may want a multifunction display that combines engine information with charts and sonar. For some boaters, the goal is a fully connected helm where compatible systems work together through an integrated display.
The important question isn’t how much technology you can add. It’s how much information and functionality makes sense for the way you boat. Your configuration should support the experience you want rather than adding technology simply for the sake of having it.
Connect it all with SmartCraft
With a compatible Mercury system, SmartCraft technology can connect the engine with other digital components throughout the boat. VesselView provides access to engine and system information, while SmartCraft Connect can help connect the engine to compatible displays and the Mercury Marine app.
Depending on the configuration, connected technology can also enable features such as Active Trim, cruise control and Smart Tow. These features are designed to make control and information more accessible while you’re on the water, bringing more of the boat’s systems together into a connected experience.
Your choices define the scope
You don’t have to choose every available upgrade. You can keep the project focused on the power and reliability you need, or use the repower as an opportunity to modernize the entire propulsion and control system.
Your choices shape the experience. Those choices determine the scope, and the scope helps determine the investment. Once you know what you want from the boat, your dealer can determine how to build it properly.
Let the dealer handle the complexity
This is where the line between your choices and your dealer’s expertise becomes important. You define the outcome, while your dealer handles engine-to-hull matching, rigging, system integration, calibration, safety compliance and alignment with manufacturer standards.
Every boat is different, which is why the technical side of a repower should be handled by people who understand how the components need to work together. Once the scope is set and the parts are ordered, the next step is getting the boat into the shop.
In our next blog Repower 101: From the Trailer to the Shop, we’ll take you behind the scenes to see what happens after you drop off your boat, from removing the existing propulsion system to installing, integrating and testing the new one.