| Something's Wrong?Now What? | | | | Calling around, perhaps to the manufacturer or to |
| Mr. Fisher calls the 1-800 number to ask questions | | | | some local boating shops that carry parts for |
| about parts for his Johnson outboard motor. He | | | | your Johnson outboard. Simply ask if there is |
| loves everything about his new boat, and so far | | | | someone available to whom you could pose |
| he and the family have enjoyed many weekends | | | | questions about repair and/or proper installment |
| on the sleek craft. The kids have been having a | | | | of replacement parts. Most people would be |
| great time at the lake, and the wife has stopped | | | | happy to try and help, or offer some good |
| adding to his honey-do list now that they're out | | | | advice. Granted, some people will not be able to |
| on the boat every Saturday. He's caught more | | | | help at all, and it might take a good deal of calling |
| fish than ever with the new boat, and feeling fine. | | | | around before you turn up any valuable |
| But early last week, the engine started to make | | | | information, but it will be worth the effort |
| a funny noise. So he called the 1-800 number, and | | | | eventually. |
| has been on hold ever since. The Mrs. is asking | | | | But if you still do not feel satisfied, there are a |
| when he'll be finished fixing the boat, and in truth | | | | number of good Internet sites out there that will |
| he hasn't even looked at it yet. What does he | | | | provide information. Any search for Johnson |
| know about boat engines, after all? Finally, he | | | | outboards will yield results, though it might take a |
| slams the phone down in disgust. No one at the | | | | little digging before you turn up anything that can |
| 1-800 number is going to help him. He might as | | | | truly help. If you aren't very good with |
| well fix the thing himself? | | | | computers, you probably won't even want to try |
| Repair and maintenance on anything mechanical | | | | this. |
| isn't easy - it isn't supposed to be. The more we | | | | If You Absolutely Cannot Do It On Your Own |
| learn and grow as a society, the more | | | | If you do not feel confident servicing your |
| complicated mechanics and technology become. | | | | Johnson outboard on your own, by all means |
| Finally, even your Johnson outboard motor is so | | | | seek professional help. Mechanics and boat repair |
| complex that you feel you need to have a | | | | shops abound, and should only be considered to |
| degree just to figure out why it's not running, as | | | | be a last resort when one is strapped for cash. A |
| it should. Once you have discovered that it isn't | | | | professional is always your best bet when it |
| out of gas, you're stumped. The owner's manual | | | | comes to repair on your Johnson outboard, |
| is confusing and doesn't explain a thing. Where are | | | | because you'll want only the best for your boat. |
| you supposed to turn? | | | | Everything from annual maintenance to simple and |
| What Are The Options? | | | | complex repairs is a whole lot easier when you |
| Taking the boat to an expensive repair shop is | | | | have a helping hand to guide you. Working on |
| often considered a last resort. Why pay so much | | | | your Johnson outboard without having the proper |
| money for something that you should reasonably | | | | knowledge will most likely do more harm than |
| be able to fix yourself? The only problem is, you | | | | good, and what good is a boat that does not run |
| aren't quite sure how to fix it. But you do know | | | | properly? Don't waste your time calling companies |
| you don't want to pay someone else. So what's | | | | on the phone, talking to expensive mechanics' |
| the next move? | | | | shops, or trying to replace parts all by yourself. |
| Sometimes, all you need is a good place to get | | | | You want your Johnson outboard to last and last, |
| started. Take a look inside your owner's manual. It | | | | and knowing the proper maintenance and repair |
| won't be interesting reading by any means, but it's | | | | techniques is one way to be sure that it will. |
| a good idea to read it over nonetheless. The | | | | Taking good care of your boat, using the right |
| manual will advise you on proper repair and | | | | parts, and understanding what you are working on |
| maintenance. If that doesn't answer your | | | | will help you take your Johnson outboard to the |
| questions, though, there are still resources | | | | lake time and time again. |
| available to you. | | | | |