Keep Your Engine Running Between Seasons

Scheduled 100-hour and 300-hour engine service in Key Largo for outboard and inboard motors.

Your boat engine runs hard between fishing trips, weekend runs to the sandbar, and the occasional offshore push, and in Key Largo, that workload adds up faster than you might expect. Routine maintenance at 100-hour and 300-hour intervals helps prevent the kind of failures that strand you halfway to the reef or force you to cancel a charter. Real Extreme Marine performs complete engine services that address the wear patterns specific to saltwater boating, high ambient temperatures, and the mix of idling and wide-open throttle that defines life on the water in Key Largo.

A 100-hour service includes oil and filter changes, fuel filter replacement, spark plug inspection or replacement, and a visual check of belts, hoses, and electrical connections. The 300-hour service goes deeper, adding gear case oil changes, impeller replacement, thermostat inspection, and a full review of cooling and fuel systems. Both services are designed to catch early signs of trouble before they turn into expensive repairs, and both are adjusted based on how you use your boat and where you run it.

Contact Real Extreme Marine to schedule your next engine service in Key Largo and avoid downtime when the water is calm and the fish are biting.

What Gets Checked and Replaced During Service

When Real Extreme Marine performs a scheduled service in Key Largo, the work begins with draining old engine oil and replacing it with fresh marine-grade oil suited to your motor. Filters are swapped out, including fuel filters that trap debris and water picked up from older fuel systems or contaminated marinas. Spark plugs are inspected for fouling or electrode wear, and replaced if they show signs of misfiring or reduced efficiency.

After the service is complete, your engine will start easier, run smoother at idle, and respond more consistently when you open the throttle. You will not smell fuel vapor or notice smoke from the exhaust, and the engine will hold its temperature without fluctuating or triggering alarms.

During a 300-hour service, the lower unit is drained and inspected for metal particles or water intrusion, which are early warnings of seal failure or gear damage. The water pump impeller is replaced to maintain proper cooling flow, and the thermostat is checked to ensure the engine does not run too hot or stay too cool. Hoses, clamps, and wiring are inspected for cracks, corrosion, or looseness. This level of attention helps prevent the kind of sudden failures that happen in the middle of a trip and cost far more to fix than routine upkeep.

A Few Things People Ask Before Scheduling

Boat owners in Key Largo who are new to routine engine maintenance or switching from a dealership often have practical questions about timing, cost, and what the service actually includes.

How do I know when my engine is due for service?
You track service intervals based on engine hours, not calendar months. Most outboard and inboard engines require service every 100 hours of operation, with a more thorough service every 300 hours.
What happens if I skip a scheduled service?
Skipping service allows oil to degrade, filters to clog, and small issues to go unnoticed until they cause a breakdown. Regular maintenance is cheaper and less disruptive than emergency repairs.
Can service be done at my dock or marina in Key Largo?
Yes, Real Extreme Marine offers onsite service throughout the Upper Keys, so the work can be completed where your boat is stored. This saves you the hassle of trailering and lets you stay involved in the process.
What should I expect to pay for a 100-hour or 300-hour service?
Cost depends on engine type, brand, and what needs to be replaced during the service. You receive a clear estimate before work begins, with no surprise charges added later.
Is routine service really necessary for weekend boaters?
Yes, because even light use in saltwater accelerates corrosion and wear. A boat that sits idle between trips can develop fuel system issues, battery drain, and seal degradation that regular service helps catch early.

Whether you run charters, fish every weekend, or just want to keep your boat ready for family trips, routine engine service protects your investment and keeps you on the water. Learn more about scheduling your next 100-hour or 300-hour service with Real Extreme Marine in Key Largo.