The root of those problems is generally the same as well: fuel, air, and spark. If your battery wasn’t charged during storage, it might be dead (spark), you might have the bad luck of finding a mouse nest in your intake (air), or old gas might have wreaked havoc on your fuel system.

These are just a few examples. Let’s look at the most common engine symptoms you might experience, what they mean, and what you can do to prevent or fix them.

If your boat’s engine is running rough — sputtering, surging, or losing power — it’s likely you have a fuel system issue. A clogged fuel filter is a common culprit. It’s a good idea to check your fuel filter before heading out and to carry an extra one with you in case you need to change it on the water. An obstructed fuel injector or carburetor jet could also cause these problems. Or, you might have a dirty air filter.

It’s possible that a loss of compression from a more significant mechanical failure is to blame for your rough-running engine, but it’s best to check the simple things before tearing into your engine or calling your mechanic.

Unlike automotive engines, boat engines most commonly use the water they’re floating on for cooling. If an intake port is clogged, water won’t be able to circulate and your engine will get too hot, leading to failure. Check for weeds or other debris in your cooling ports. If they are clean, you might have a loose or cracked cooling hose.