Covered Equipment Types

Outboard Motors

2–400 HP 2/4-stroke

Complete inspection, diagnostics, repairs, and rebuilds for outboard motors. Includes cooling system repairs, engine rebuilds, and addressing any engine issues, big or small.

Inboard Gasoline Engines

2–600 HP 2/4-stroke

In-depth inspection, diagnostics, repairs, and rebuilds of inboard gasoline engines. Servicing includes oil changes, fuel system diagnostics, cooling system repairs, and full engine rebuilds.

Marine Diesel Engines
30-1000 HP 3–24 cylinders

Inspection, diagnostics, repairs, and full rebuilds of marine diesel engines. Services include oil/filter replacement, valve adjustment, injector inspection, turbocharger cleaning, and cooling system repairs.

Marine Generators
3 kW to 500+ kW

Inspection, diagnostics, repairs, and rebuilds of marine generators. Fuel system and electrical diagnostics, oil changes, and comprehensive servicing to ensure reliability and performance.

At Marine Squadron, we pride ourselves on taking on the most difficult and complex engine repair jobs that others often shy away from. Our highly skilled technicians, many of whom are engineer-trained, have the expertise and equipment to diagnose and repair even the most severely damaged systems.

Unlike other service providers who may offer quick fixes or band-aid solutions, we take a thorough, professional approach to every repair. When your engine fails, we don’t just swap out parts and call it a day; we dive deep into the core of the issue, ensuring every problem is addressed and corrected with precision.

MECHANIC DIVISION

Engine Overhaul or Buying a Rebuilt Engine:
What’s Better for Your Boat?

Every boat owner eventually faces the need for a significant engine repair. This is due to the harsh operating conditions, high humidity, and, particularly, saltwater. Given the location of most boat engines, repairing the piston group often requires removing the engine from its mounts. Especially when the engine is located under the main salon, a complete disassembly and transportation of engine parts is usually unavoidable. Otherwise, parts of the boat’s cladding might need to be dismantled or, worse yet, holes may need to be cut in the boat’s roof or hull.
As you can imagine, this is a complex and expensive process. So, the question arises: is it more cost-effective and, importantly, better for your boat to overhaul the old engine or to purchase a rebuilt/remanufactured engine? Let’s break it down.
An engine overhaul typically involves replacing components of the piston group and, in more severe cases, the engine heads and crankshaft. The cylinders are re-bored to accommodate oversized repair pistons, the surfaces are polished, and all gaskets are replaced. The engine components are carefully cleaned using an alkaline solution and treated with an abrasive blasting machine. Once the overhaul is complete, the engine is painted to match the original color.
The result is essentially a brand-new engine with zero mileage and typically a one-year warranty. An engine overhaul is a process that restores your engine to like-new condition, extending its lifespan and ensuring optimal performance.
When purchasing a rebuilt or remanufactured engine from an unknown supplier, you’re essentially buying a “cat in the bag.” You can’t be sure which components have been replaced and which parts remain original, as some may still be “good enough” and not truly repaired. We all know how “flippers” operate in the auto industry: cheap Chinese parts with a warranty that ends at the mechanic’s door. The same applies to boats.
Buying a rebuilt engine is like a lottery: there’s no guarantee of reliability, and you might face unexpected repairs in the near future. Additionally, when installing a new engine in your boat, it will need to be disassembled and reassembled in the engine compartment. This means you’ll have to replace all gaskets again, measure compression, and, most likely, discover new issues that need addressing.
The cost savings from purchasing a rebuilt engine are often misleading. Not only does it carry potential hidden risks, but it also doesn’t guarantee the same level of quality as an overhaul performed by professionals. On top of that, the extra steps involved in installing a rebuilt engine mean you’ll still need to spend time and money on fixing new problems.
By opting for a comprehensive engine overhaul, you restore your original engine to its full potential, ensuring that it continues to serve you reliably for years to come. With years of experience and a specialized approach, we handle the most complex engine overhauls, from small Mercruisers to large Detroit Diesels.
At Marine Squadron, we specialize in boat engine overhaul, offering a reliable and efficient solution for extending the lifespan of your engine. If you want to get the most out of your boat and enjoy it for many more seasons, trust us to bring your engine back to life with a professional overhaul.
Contact us today to find the best solution for your engine!
Upgrade Your Boat
Upgrade to Hydraulic Steering

Control your boat with the precision of your car's steering

Tired of sluggish, unresponsive cable steering? A hydraulic steering system gives you precise control, smoother handling, and zero slack – just like your car! Learn why upgrading is the best move for your boat.

Traditional cable steering is outdated, unreliable, and prone to wear. If your boat’s steering feels stiff, delayed, or unpredictable, it’s time for an upgrade! Hydraulic steering eliminates slack, reduces effort, and provides smooth, effortless control in any conditions. Discover why more boat owners are making the switch and how we can install a system tailored to your vessel.

Your engine runs but lacks power or sputters during acceleration.
This often indicates a clogged fuel filter or fouled spark plugs. Inspect and replace the in-line fuel filter if it’s dirty, and check the spark plugs for wear or deposits, replacing them as needed.

The engine temperature rises above normal operating levels.
Check for adequate coolant levels and ensure the water intake is free from obstructions. Inspect the water pump for proper operation and consider replacing the thermostat if overheating persists.

The engine fails to turn over or start.
Ensure the fuel tank has sufficient fuel and the fuel valve is open. Verify that the battery is charged and connections are clean and tight. Check the ignition switch and safety lanyard to ensure they’re functioning properly.

The battery doesn’t hold a charge or depletes quickly.
Inspect the alternator belt for wear or looseness and replace if necessary. Check battery terminals for corrosion and clean them. Test the alternator’s output to ensure it’s charging the battery correctly.

Electronics or lights malfunction or don’t operate.
Examine fuses and circuit breakers for any that are blown or tripped, replacing or resetting them as needed. Inspect wiring for signs of corrosion, damage, or loose connections, and repair or replace faulty wires.

 

The engine runs but stalls when idling.
This could be due to a dirty idle air control valve or clogged fuel injectors. Clean or replace the idle air control valve and consider using a fuel injector cleaner to remove deposits.

Excessive vibration felt when the engine is running.
Inspect the propeller for damage, such as dents or bends, and ensure it’s securely tightened. A damaged propeller should be repaired or replaced to prevent further issues.

Smell of gasoline inside the boat.
Check for fuel leaks in the lines, connections, and tank. Ensure the bilge is clean and ventilated, and repair any leaks immediately to prevent hazardous conditions.

Hard to steer or unresponsive steering.
Examine the steering system for leaks, low hydraulic fluid, or mechanical obstructions. Lubricate moving parts and top off hydraulic fluid as needed.

The engine runs unevenly or backfires.
Inspect spark plugs and ignition coils for wear or damage, replacing them if necessary. Check the timing and adjust if it’s out of specification.

Electrical components fail or behave erratically due to corroded terminals and wiring.
Inspect terminals, connectors, and wires for signs of corrosion. Clean affected areas using a wire brush or contact cleaner. Apply dielectric grease to connections to prevent future corrosion, and consider using heat-shrink tubing or sealed connectors in high-exposure areas for added protection.

Boat doesn’t plane properly or has difficulty trimming.
Check the trim tabs and actuators for proper operation. Ensure there’s no debris obstructing their movement and that the hydraulic system is functioning correctly. Redistribute weight to lower levels in the bow or cabin to improve trim balance and performance.

Thick smoke emitted from the exhaust.
Identify the smoke color: blue indicates oil burning, black suggests a rich fuel mixture, and white points to water intrusion. Address the underlying cause accordingly, such as checking for oil leaks, adjusting the fuel system, or inspecting for coolant leaks.

Bilge pump doesn’t activate or remove water.
Test the pump by manually activating the float switch. Check for blown fuses, corroded wiring, or a clogged intake, and clean or replace components as necessary.

Navigation lights fail to illuminate.
Inspect bulbs for burnout and replace if needed. Check wiring connections for corrosion or looseness, and ensure the switch and fuse are operational.

Depth readings are incorrect or erratic.
Clean the transducer to remove marine growth or debris. Verify it’s properly mounted and that there are no air bubbles interfering with its operation.

Anchor windlass doesn’t operate or is sluggish.
Check the circuit breaker and ensure adequate power supply. Inspect the motor and gearbox for signs of wear or damage, and lubricate moving parts as recommended.

Instrument panel gauges are inoperative or display erratically.
Examine the wiring harness for loose or corroded connections. Test individual gauges for functionality and replace faulty units.

Delay between throttle input and engine response.
Inspect throttle cables for wear, corrosion, or improper tension. Lubricate or replace cables as necessary, and ensure the linkage is free of obstructions.

Engine performance issues due to contaminated fuel.
Drain the fuel tank and replace it with fresh, clean fuel. Inspect and replace the fuel-water separator and any inline filters. To prevent future contamination, ensure fuel caps are properly sealed and consider using a fuel stabilizer or additive designed to disperse water. Regularly inspect the fuel system for leaks or condensation buildup.