A Mercury repower at Harris Boat Works follows a 7-step process from quote to splash. Same shop quotes, rigs, installs, and lake-tests every motor on Rice Lake.
Short answer
A Mercury repower at HBW follows seven steps from first quote to splash: consult, written quote, deposit, motor order, schedule, install and rigging, water test, pickup. Your boat is with us 2 to 5 days once the motor is in hand.
The seven steps
- Consult: phone or email walkthrough of boat, current motor, and goals
- Quote: live CAD quote built online or by phone with itemized parts and labour
- Order: deposit secured, motor ordered through Mercury (or pulled from in-stock)
- Schedule: install slot booked, you choose drop-off date
- Install and rigging: motor mounted, controls and harness fitted, fluids and prop set
- Water test: real lake test on Rice Lake, WOT RPM verified, prop adjusted if needed
- Pickup: walkthrough, warranty registered, paperwork handed over
Seasonality
Marina is closed December 1 to April 1. Most planning happens over winter. April through June is peak install season. Booking early in the season gets the best install slots.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a Mercury repower take?
- Two clocks. Your boat is with us for 2 to 5 days, drop-off to pickup, install, rigging, prop, and a real water test on Rice Lake. Motor lead time is separate: in-stock motors ship immediately; special orders wait at Mercury (the wait depends on the model and current Mercury availability), and your boat stays with you until the motor lands. Winter and early spring are the quietest booking windows, mid-summer is the busiest.
- Do I need to bring my boat to Rice Lake?
- Yes. HBW is pickup and drop-off only at 5369 Harris Boat Works Rd, Gores Landing. We do not pick up or deliver. Most customers within two hours trailer the boat themselves.
- When does install actually start?
- The marina is closed December 1 to April 1. Quotes and ordering happen all winter, install work starts in April once water is open.
- Will you test the motor before pickup?
- Yes. Every install gets a real lake test on Rice Lake before pickup, including WOT RPM check and trim function. If a prop needs to change to hit the right WOT range, we swap it.
- How much deposit do you need?
- For in-stock motors the deposit is fully refundable until install begins. Special-order motors require a non-refundable deposit because the motor is built to your spec.
- Do you handle the warranty paperwork?
- Yes. We register the Mercury warranty in your name at install, including any active promotional bonus years, and you get the registration confirmation with your pickup paperwork.
Family-owned since 1947, Mercury dealer since 1965, Mercury Premier Dealer.