Boat and Engine Service

Welcome to Pier 43 Service Department, we are Lake Tuscaloosa’s premier destination for expert marine care and boat repair in Northport, AL and in Tuscaloosa County. Our team of certified boat mechanics specializes in both inboard and outboard engine service, providing authorized warranty work for Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki engines. Whether you need routine maintenance, a complete engine repower, or expert diagnostics, our full-service shop and fully-stocked parts department have you covered. We go beyond just engine repair to offer professional boat detailing, custom sound system installations, and reliable boat trailer repair. Trust the #1 full-service marina on the lake to keep your vessel running at peak performance all season long!

Boat Repair and Service we Provide:

Engine Maintenance: Routine oil changes, filter replacements, and seasonal tune-ups.
Expert Diagnostics: Advanced troubleshooting for inboard and outboard motors.
Warranty Work: Authorized service and warranty repairs for major engine manufacturers.
Engine Repowers: Professional installation of new high-performance engines.
Boat Detailing: Comprehensive cleaning and restoration services to keep your vessel looking new.
Custom Installations: Professional rigging, electronics, and custom sound system setups.
Trailer Repair: Reliable maintenance and repair for boat trailers.

Why Do I Need a Boat Mechanic?

Even if your boat never needs a repair, it will require periodic maintenance. There are some maintenance items most boat owners can learn to handle themselves, such as checking engine oil level or removing the propeller to check the propshaft for tangled fishing line. But today’s marine engines and electronics are complex, and proper service often requires special training and tools. Unless you have the time and desire to acquire those skills and tools, the services of a good marine technician are a smart investment.

At the very least your boat engine will require annual maintenance to keep its warranty up to date. And many boat owners will need to have the vessel prepared for winter storage at the end of the season.

When, or How Often, Should I Bring My Boat in for Service?

You want to follow the service schedule outlined in the owner’s manual for your marine engine, and for other systems on the boat that require service; for example a watersports boat may need to have the water ballast system winterized at the end of the season. The same will be true of fresh water and head systems on cabin cruisers.

Engine service is usually required annually or by the hours of operation, and will include an oil and oil filter change, fuel filter change, check of valve clearance and inspection or replacement of the water pump impeller. A good tech will note other areas of your boat that may need service attention to avoid trouble down the line.

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How Can I Find a Good Marine Technician?

If you are buying a new boat from us, ask about the service department before you close the deal:

Ask to meet the service manager.
Get a quick tour of the service shop area. That shop should look clean and well-organized.
Ask how long the service manager has been in the business.
Ask about the level of training the dealership’s technicians have completed.

Marine engine manufacturers have extensive training programs that lead to the certification of “master technicians” who have passed very challenging tests. If the shop has master technicians, there may be certificates, like diplomas, hanging on the walls. It’s also fair to ask about the typical wait time for service at the dealership, which can be weeks during peak season if the shop is short-staffed. Many dealerships will try to make sure their new-boat customers have a priority position for service during the season.