Engine Maintenance: what should you check before every outing?

• A. Check the hull for damage
• B. Check the oil and fuel levels before every outing
• C. Check the battery only
• D. Check tire pressure

Answer: (B)

Before you head out, the focus is on the engine’s readiness by confirming essential fluids and supplies. Checking both oil and fuel levels before every outing is the best practice because oil lubricates moving parts and protects the engine from wear, while having enough fuel ensures you won’t lose power or damage the fuel system mid‑operation. If oil is low or dirty, components can overheat or seize; if fuel is low, you risk stalling or running the system dry.

Hull checks, while important for safety and seaworthiness, aren’t part of engine maintenance itself. Checking the battery is useful, but limiting it to the battery only misses other critical engine checks. Tire pressure isn’t a typical engine-maintenance item for most boats (unless you’re towing a trailer), so it isn’t the best choice in this context.