20-Hours Services

Protect Your New Engine With Its Most Important Early-Service Inspection

For new boats, the first 20 hours of operation are critical. This initial break-in period sets the tone for your engine’s long-term performance, efficiency, and reliability. At River City Sports, our 20-Hour Check service is designed to evaluate your boat after its earliest hours on the water, ensuring that all components are wearing correctly, operating smoothly, and functioning exactly as the manufacturer intends. This service is essential for maintaining warranty compliance and preventing early mechanical issues that can develop if break-in adjustments aren’t addressed promptly.

Why the 20-Hour Check Matters

During the first hours of use, your engine’s internal components settle into place and experience their highest levels of initial friction and heat. The 20-hour inspection helps:

Verify proper break-in wear patterns

Remove metal shavings or contaminants from early use

Check and adjust fluid levels

Identify alignment or calibration issues

Prevent premature wear or avoidable damage

Protect engine warranty coverage

Skipping this service can impact performance and may even affect long-term engine protection.

What Our Technicians Inspect

Our factory-trained team performs a comprehensive evaluation tailored to your engine’s brand and model. A typical 20-hour service includes:

Engine oil and filter replacement

Gear lube inspection or replacement

Torque check of engine and mounting hardware

Inspection of belts, hoses, and clamps

Review of cooling system and water pump function

Battery and charging output test

Diagnostic scan for error codes

Propeller, hub, and drive system inspection

Throttle, shift, and steering function check

Each step ensures your boat is operating safely and efficiently as you continue into the season.

Optimize Performance for the Seasons Ahead

Completing your 20-hour check gives you confidence that your boat is ready for extended use throughout the summer. You’ll benefit from:

Improved fuel efficiency

Smoother engine performance

Longer engine life

Stronger reliability on the water

It’s a small service that makes a big difference in long-term ownership.

Required by Most Manufacturers

Malibu, Axis, Crestliner, Mercury, and many other marine brands require this service to maintain warranty compliance. River City Sports follows each manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure your boat stays fully protected.

Schedule Your 20-Hour Check Today

Whether you're new to boating or adding another vessel to your fleet, our technicians are here to set your engine up for years of reliable performance. Let our team take care of this essential early service so you can enjoy the season with peace of mind.

Book your 20-Hour Check today and keep your new engine in peak condition.