Technical & Rigging Knowledge Base
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear, expert answers to common questions about selecting the right outboard motor, measuring transom height, shipping crated engines, and factory warranty registration.
Freight & Delivery
Rigging & Transom
Factory Warranty
Invoicing & Orders
Q1:ABOUT OUR FREE FREIGHT & LIFTGATE DELIVERY OFFER
We provide free freight shipping on outboard motors and marine engines to residential and commercial addresses within the 48 contiguous states. Shipments originate directly from our Cookeville, TN warehouse and include hydraulic liftgate service so the crated engine is safely lowered to ground level. Free shipping excludes delivery to AK and HI; contact our sales desk for custom quotes to those regions.
Q2:HOW FAST DO WE SHIP IN-STOCK BOAT MOTORS?
Place your order for an in-stock outboard motor before 2:00 PM CST and our team will prepare and crate it for freight carrier dispatch the same business day! Orders placed after 2:00 PM or on weekends ship the next business day. Bill of Lading (BOL) and tracking numbers are emailed directly upon dispatch.
Q3:HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHAFT LENGTH (15" SHORT VS 20" LONG SHAFT)?
Measure your boat's transom vertically from the top edge down to the bottom of the hull (keel). A 15" to 16" transom requires a 15" Short Shaft outboard (common on Jon boats, inflatables, and tenders). A 20" to 21" transom requires a 20" Long Shaft boat motor (standard for skiffs, pontoon boats, and deep-V hulls). A 25" Extra Long Shaft is used on larger offshore boats and auxiliary sailboat mounts. If you're unsure, call our rigging team at (774) 390-5171.
Q4:TILLER HANDLE VS REMOTE STEERING OUTBOARD MOTORS: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
Tiller handle boat motors feature an integrated handle for hand steering, twist throttle, and shifting right at the motor. They are portable, lightweight, and ideal for Jon boats, dinghies, and smaller fishing craft. Remote steering outboards connect to a steering wheel helm (cable or hydraulic) and a console-mounted binnacle throttle box, standard on console skiffs, bass boats, and pontoon craft.
Q5:WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO WE ACCEPT?
We accept secure direct Bank Transfers (ACH / Wire Transfer), Cash App, Chime, Zelle, and Apple Pay. For commercial, fleet, or residential orders, full payment instructions and routing details are coordinated directly with our Cookeville, TN sales desk upon order review.
Q6:DO WE OFFER LOCAL PICKUP AT THE TENNESSEE WAREHOUSE?
Yes! You are always welcome to pick up your crated outboard motor directly from our Cookeville warehouse, inspect our inventory, or speak with our rigging technicians. We are located at 750 Blackwell Park, Cookeville, TN 38506.
Q7:WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON MY NEW MARINE ENGINE?
As an authorized dealer for Mercury, Yamaha, Tohatsu, Suzuki, and Honda outboards, every engine purchased from us is brand-new in factory OEM crating and includes a 100% authentic factory warranty. Mercury outboards include a 3-year limited warranty; Suzuki, Honda, and Tohatsu outboards include 5-year factory warranties. Service is honored at any certified dealer nationwide.
Q8:DO WE HAVE GENUINE OEM PARTS & PROPELLERS AVAILABLE?
Yes! We supply genuine factory OEM parts, Quicksilver marine propellers, rigging kits, control boxes, and maintenance supplies. Need help finding a specific part number or pitch recommendation? Call our parts desk at (774) 390-5171 for fast assistance.
Q9:WHAT IS THE PROPER FOUR-STROKE ENGINE BREAK-IN PROCEDURE?
A proper break-in during the first 10 operating hours seats the piston rings and ensures maximum engine longevity: During Hour 1, operate between 2,000 and 3,000 RPM (half-throttle), varying speeds every 15 minutes. During Hour 2, advance to 4,000 RPM (three-quarter throttle) to bring your boat onto plane, allowing brief 1-minute full-throttle bursts. For Hours 3 through 10, operate normally at cruising speeds, avoiding wide-open throttle (WOT) for more than 5 consecutive minutes. After 10 to 20 operating hours, perform the first scheduled engine oil and gearcase lube service.
Q10:WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BATTERY-FREE ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION (EFI)?
Battery-free Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) eliminates common carburetor issues such as clogged jets caused by ethanol-blended gasoline. Modern manual-start outboards from Mercury, Tohatsu, and Suzuki generate their own electrical current directly from the flywheel stator when pulled, triggering instant high-pressure fuel delivery. Benefits include instant cold-weather starts, zero choke adjustment, smoother idling, and up to 30% greater fuel efficiency compared to legacy carbureted outboards.
Still have questions about boat repowering?
Speak directly with a rigging specialist at our Cookeville, TN warehouse.
