How far in advance should I plan an order-ahead repower?

Start conversations in November so the order is locked over winter and the motor is on hand for an early-April install when we reopen. Our shop is closed December 1 through April 1, but we take orders by phone and email all winter.

Will my boat be ready for the May long weekend?

Early orders have the best shot. Lock in by January or February and you are at the front of the spring queue when we reopen in early April. Exact timing still depends on the motor, parts, and weather, so treat your written quote as the real date.

What about lake testing in winter?

Lake testing happens in spring when the marina reopens and conditions allow. Our shop is closed December 1 through April 1, so no on-water work happens in winter.

Can I do anything to prepare my boat for repower?

Clean out the boat, document any electrical issues, gather all paperwork, and ensure transom access. A clean, accessible boat speeds the install when we reopen in spring.

Winter Repower Planning: Get Ready for Spring

Winter Repower Planning Winter is when the smart repowers get ordered. The boat is doing nothing anyway, so use the off-season to lock in the right motor and a spring install slot before everyone else does. ### Why Plan a Repower Over Winter? Timing Advantages: - Order ahead...

Older outboard beside a new Mercury repower installation at Harris Boat Works

Last reviewed: 2026-09-06

Mercury Premier Dealer·Gores Landing, ON·Quote builder available

Quick answer: Winter is the best time to plan and order a spring repower. Mercury inventory is open, the spring install queue is unbooked, and we can lock in pricing before the rush. Our shop is closed December 1 through April 1, so the install itself happens once we reopen in early April. Start the configurator quote in January or February to be first in line when install work resumes in April. Build yours at mercuryrepower.ca.

::cta variant: inline heading: Bring the boat details into the repower conversation body: Use this two-page worksheet to record the hull, current engine, rigging, typical load and performance goals. It starts the assessment; it does not replace HBW's fitment check. primaryLabel: Download repower worksheet (PDF) primaryHref: /downloads/mercury-repower-planning-worksheet-hbw.pdf ::

Winter Repower Planning

Winter is when the smart repowers get ordered. The boat is doing nothing anyway, so use the off-season to lock in the right motor and a spring install slot before everyone else does.

Why Plan a Repower Over Winter?

Timing Advantages:

Order ahead and get first pick of motors before the spring rush
First-in-line for spring install slots when we reopen in early April
More time to compare options carefully
No mid-season scramble if your old motor fails

Potential Savings:

Any current Mercury promotions (the promotions page has the live list)
Finance promotions often available
Lock in the pricing set out in your written quote
Bundle the order with your fall winterization conversation

Planning Timeline

Note: The marina is closed approximately December 1 to April 1 each year for in-person service and install work. We are available by phone, text, and email throughout the winter to lock in pricing, order motors, and reserve spring install slots. Install work itself happens when we reopen in early April.

November:

Assess current motor condition
Research motor options
Get quotes from dealers
Begin decision process

December-March (marina closed for shop work):

Finalize motor selection by phone or email
Reserve your spring installation slot
Place the order so the motor is on hand for April
Arrange financing if needed

April-May (marina reopens, install work begins):

Installation performed
Lake test when conditions allow
Adjustments and setup
Ready for pickup before the season

Spring repower budget (off-season ordering)

What an order-ahead spring repower actually costs

Planning over winter gives you time to compare configurations and discuss scheduling. Confirm availability and installation dates with HBW, and use the live configurator for current CAD estimates.

Motor (90 to 150 HP FourStroke)Live quote

Price depends on the exact Mercury model. Pro XS carries a premium over a FourStroke at the same HP; the configurator shows the current figure for your exact motor.

Install and riggingQuoted with the boat

Mounting, hardware, alignment, and a water check when safe seasonal conditions allow. Transom work, if needed, is a separate line.

Control conversion (if needed)Quoted if required

Cable to digital, or tiller to side mount. Often required when stepping up from a 2-stroke.

New propellerQuoted with the setup

Sized to the motor, hull, and load. A standard allowance may apply; confirm the written quote.

First-year servicePer current schedule

Model-specific break-in guidance and maintenance-schedule review. HBW may recommend an optional early check, but it is not a universal Mercury 20-hour requirement.

Mercury Product Protection (optional)Quoted at purchase

Combined factory-plus-MPP coverage on eligible plans; current terms are quoted at purchase. Best value if you finance or plan to keep the boat past year 5.

Typical out-the-door rangeBuild the live quote

All pricing CAD, pickup only at Gores Landing. Build your specific quote at mercuryrepower.ca.

Assessment Checklist

Evaluate Your Current Motor:

Compression test results
Known issues or concerns
Approximate value
Parts availability going forward

Consider Your Needs:

Has your usage changed?
Do you need more/less power?
New features wanted?
Budget reality

Decision Points

Repair vs Repower:

Repair estimate rivalling a meaningful share of a new motor's cost?
Motor over 15 years old?
Parts becoming scarce?
Want current technology?

If yes to most, repower makes sense.

Working With Your Dealer

Information to Provide:

Boat make/model/year
Current motor details
How you use the boat
Budget range
Feature priorities

What to Expect:

Honest assessment
Clear pricing
Realistic timeline
No pressure decisions

Start Your Repower Conversation

Complete Guide to Repowering Your Boat in the Kawarthas, the full Kawarthas repower playbook
How Much Does a Mercury Repower Cost in Ontario? (2026 CAD Price Guide), transparent 2026 CAD repower pricing
Boat Repowering 101: When to Replace Your Outboard Motor, how to know it's time to replace your motor
Ontario Cottage Owner's Guide: Is It Time to Repower Your Boat?, cottage-specific repower considerations

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I plan an order-ahead repower?: Start conversations in November so the order is locked over winter and the motor is on hand for an early-April install when we reopen. Our shop is closed December 1 through April 1, but we take orders by phone and email all winter.
Will my boat be ready for the May long weekend?: Early orders have the best shot. Lock in by January or February and you are at the front of the spring queue when we reopen in early April. Exact timing still depends on the motor, parts, and weather, so treat your written quote as the real date.
What about lake testing in winter?: Lake testing happens in spring when the marina reopens and conditions allow. Our shop is closed December 1 through April 1, so no on-water work happens in winter.
Can I do anything to prepare my boat for repower?: Clean out the boat, document any electrical issues, gather all paperwork, and ensure transom access. A clean, accessible boat speeds the install when we reopen in spring.

Harris Boat Works · 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing, ON · (905) 342-2153

See all Mercury outboard prices (CAD) · Repower guide · FAQ