Protect Your Motor! The Importance of Using Silicone Spray After Offshore Trips
If you spend any time offshore, you already know that saltwater is brutal on everything it touches—especially your outboard motors. Salt buildup and corrosion are the enemies of longevity, and if you’re not taking the right steps to protect your investment, you could be cutting the life of your motor short. Fortunately, keeping your engine in top shape isn’t complicated; it just takes consistency and the right approach.
Keeping your motor properly maintainted will ensure years of reliable use!
I follow a simple three-step process after every offshore trip to ensure my outboards stay in peak condition. It doesn’t take long, but trust me—it can add years to the life of your motor.
Step 1: Flush Your Motors While They’re Still Warm
The moment you get back to the dock or your house, flush your engines. Don’t wait until later in the day—the key is to flush while the motor is still warm. Why? Because salt deposits are easier to break down when they haven’t had time to harden. Running fresh water through your cooling system while the motor is still warm ensures that salt and mineral buildup gets flushed out effectively.
Most modern outboards have built-in flush ports, making this step a breeze. If yours requires earmuffs, just make sure you have good water pressure and let the motor run for at least 10-15 minutes per engine.
Step 2: Rinse the Exterior with Fresh Water
Once your engines have cooled down, it’s time to rinse them. Grab a hose and thoroughly rinse the entire outboard, paying close attention to areas where salt can accumulate—like the trim and tilt mechanisms, brackets, and lower unit.
A light rinse is enough—you don’t want to blast your engine with high-pressure water, which can push salt and debris into places you don’t want it. Just a steady stream of freshwater is all you need to wash away lingering salt deposits.
Step 3: Apply a Protective Coat of Silicone Spray
Now for the secret weapon—silicone spray. This is what truly protects your outboard from corrosion and keeps all your moving parts operating smoothly.
I personally recommend Yamaha’s Yamalube Silicone Spray or CRC-656. Both are excellent at displacing moisture and leaving behind a protective barrier against salt, oxidation, and rust. Simply spray a liberal coat over the entire motor, focusing on metal components, electrical connections, and any moving parts.
Make sure to avoid spraying the belts or air intakes—you don’t want silicone getting where it doesn’t belong. Otherwise, coat everything else generously and let it dry.
Why This Process Works
This simple 3-step routine ensures that salt doesn’t have a chance to wreak havoc on your engine. By flushing immediately, rinsing thoroughly, and applying a protective silicone barrier, you’re giving your motor the best shot at staying corrosion-free for years to come.
Whether you’re running a single-engine center console or a quad-powered offshore battlewagon, proper post-trip maintenance is key to avoiding costly repairs and keeping your outboard running like new. So, next time you pull into the dock, take those extra few minutes—it’s a small effort that pays off big in the long run.
Got your own motor maintenance tips? Drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for ways to keep my gear in top shape!