If you’ve recently purchased a new Mercury outboard – or you’re thinking about it – you’re in the right place. This guide covers the essential first steps to get you ready for the water, including breaking in your engine, setting up your personalized app experience and preparing a maintenance plan.
Start your journey here and make those epic days on the water come easy.
Set Up Your Personalized Mercury Marine App Experience
The Mercury Marine app is your digital boating companion. You should set up a personalized dashboard so you can use the app to track maintenance, access how-to videos, find waterfront services and more.
Ask your dealer about a SmartCraft Connect Mobile module to unlock even more features, like live performance data and digital gauges streamed wirelessly to the app.
If you do not have SmartCraft Connect Mobile, follow these steps to get started:
- Download the app.
Mercury Marine for iOS
Mercury Marine for Android - Create an account.
- Add your engine.
- Set up your Preferred Dealer – This lets you connect with your dealer of choice.
If you do have SmartCraft Connect Mobile, follow these steps to get started:
- Download the app.
Mercury Marine for iOS
Mercury Marine for Android - Create an account.
- Key on the boat’s power (with SmartCraft Connect Mobile already installed)
- Select “Add Product” in the app to connect your engine.
- Set up your Preferred Dealer – You’ll be able to share performance data from the app to your dealer.
Review Your Operation Manual
Your operation and maintenance manual is your go-to guide for safe operating procedures, pre-start checklists, maintenance and more – tailored to your specific outboard model. Take time to review it before heading out.
- You should have received a printed manual with your engine. If not, contact your dealer. You can also access a digital version through the Mercury Marine app or by using this online tool: Find Your Manual.
Make a Service and Routine Maintenance Plan
Your dealer may recommend a quick checkup a few weeks after purchase, but for most boaters, the first scheduled service is annual maintenance – completed at 100 engine hours or prior to fall or winter storage. If you’re a high-hour boater, own a V12 outboard or intend to boat year-round, follow the hour-based service schedule in your engine manual.
Here are some other helpful resources:
- Mercury Maintenance Made Easy Guide – Review maintenance basics and download a handy guide every boater should have.
- How-To Maintenance & Care Tutorials
Be Prepared to Boat Safely
Before operating your new outboard, check off the following safety items:
- Verify you have all essential – and required – safety gear as outlined in your state’s boating regulations and by the U.S. Coast Guard. Most items are available from your local Mercury dealer. For extra peace of mind, schedule a free vessel safety check with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or your state boating authority. It only takes a few minutes and can help you stay safe while avoiding fines.
- Review all boating safety laws, starting with the navigational “rules of the road.” These laws are covered in boating safety courses and your state boating guidebook.
- Make sure your PFDs are in working condition and you have one per person in the appropriate size for everyone who’ll boat with you.
Learn more about boating safety:
Break In Your Outboard
Properly breaking in your new outboard is essential. Be sure to follow the exact procedure outlined for your specific engine model in your manual.
Here’s a general overview of the Mercury outboard break-in process:
Brush Up on Essential Boating Skills
Whether you’re an experienced captain or a first-time owner, Mercury has expert advice that can help you tackle any boating task easily – from trailering and launching to securing your boat at the dock.
Learn more:
- Mercury Boating Basics for Freshwater
- Mercury Boating Basics for Saltwater
- Mercury Boating Basics for Tow Sports
Master Your Favorite Activities
Big fish, sick waves or perfect Saturdays – whatever draws you to the water, the Mercury Dockline Blog can help you make the most of every opportunity, with expert tips on the most popular boating activities.
Explore some of our favorite topics:
FRESHWATER FISHING
- Newcomer’s Guide to Freshwater Fishing
- How to Catch Bass in Spring
- How to Catch Bass in Summer
- Musky Fishing Mastery: Land More Fish with the Figure 8
- How to Get Started Musky Fishing
- The 5 Most Essential Musky Lures Every Angler Should Own
- How to Choose the Best Fishing Rod
- Salmon and Lake Trout: Trolling How-To
- Panfish Tips and Tricks: 6 Rigs to Know
- Northern Pike: 12 Months of Tactics
- Walleye Trolling with Line-Counter Reels
- How to Catch Freshwater Striped Bass
- Bobber Fishing Basics
- Lake Trout Tactics – How to Catch Them Year-Round
- How to Catch More Crappie with Forward-Facing Sonar
SALTWATER FISHING
- Tarpon Fly-Fishing 101
- Tarpon on Live Bait and Artificials
- Intro to King Salmon Fishing
- How to Bottom Fish in Saltwater
- How to Fish for Mahi-Mahi
- Redfish: When and How to Fish Spoons
- Pacific Bluefish Tuna Tactics
- Inshore Fishing Essentials: Tackle for Seatrout, Redfish, Snook and Flounder
- Everything You Need for Wahoo
- How to Throw a Cast Net to Catch Bait
TOW SPORTS
- Waterskiing Do’s and Don’ts
- Tubing: Tips and Tricks for a Fun, Safe Experience
- 7 Types of Waterskiing You Should Try
- 5 Tow Sport Do’s and Don’ts
- How to Learn to Waterski
- Must-Know Waterskiing Safety
Get the Gear You Need
Looking to maximize performance? Need a spare prop to have onboard? Want to look good on the water? Mercury offers parts, accessories and apparel that perform just as well as your new outboard:
- Mercury Propeller Selector – Find the right prop for the performance you demand.
- Mercury Precision Parts and Lubricants – Learn about the best parts made specifically to fit your outboard.
- Mercury Dockstore – Shop for Mercury apparel and boating accessories.
Connect with Mercury
There’s nothing like making memories on the water. And with your new outboard, you’re ready to create many more.
We’d love to follow your journey. Connect with us on social media, tag us in your adventures and share your favorite Mercury-powered moments along the way.