The 5 Best Performance Upgrades for Your Vessel

For boat owners, nothing compares to the thrill of smooth acceleration, responsive handling, and peak efficiency on the water. Whether you’re a weekend angler, a watersports enthusiast, or simply someone who loves cruising San Diego Bay, performance upgrades can take your boating experience to the next level.

At WOT Marine, we’ve built our reputation as the best boat repair shop in San Diego by helping boaters fine-tune their vessels for both reliability and excitement. From small tweaks to major overhauls, here are the top five upgrades we recommend for boosting performance.

1. Repower with a Modern Outboard

If your boat’s engine is outdated, heavy, or unreliable, the single biggest performance boost you can invest in is a repower. Repowering means replacing your old engine with a new, modern outboard that delivers more horsepower, cleaner emissions, and better fuel economy.

Benefits of repowering include:

• Increased reliability: Newer engines start easier and run smoother.

• Improved efficiency: Less fuel burned means more time on the water.

• Greater resale value: A repowered boat instantly becomes more desirable.

As a trusted provider of repowers in San Diego, WOT Marine works with leading brands to match your vessel with the perfect engine. If you’re ready to bring your boat into the modern era, repowering is the upgrade you’ll feel every time you push the throttle.

2. Upgrade to Smart Controls and Electronics

Technology has transformed boating in incredible ways. From digital throttle systems to advanced navigation, upgrading your vessel’s electronics can drastically improve performance and safety.

Key upgrades include:

• Digital throttle and shift (DTS): Provides smoother, more responsive control.

• Smart gauges: Real-time engine data helps you monitor performance and prevent problems.

• GPS and chartplotters: Better navigation and route planning reduce wasted time and fuel.

As a certified Mercury dealer in San Diego, we can equip your boat with the latest control systems and displays designed to integrate seamlessly with your engine. The result? A smarter, safer, and more enjoyable ride.

3. Optimize Your Propeller

Your propeller is one of the most overlooked components when it comes to performance. The right prop can improve acceleration, top speed, fuel efficiency, and even handling.

Signs you may need a new prop:

• Sluggish hole shot (slow to get on plane).

• Poor fuel economy.

• Excessive vibration or cavitation.

A propeller upgrade is a relatively small investment with big returns. At WOT Marine, our experts help you choose the right size, material, and pitch to match your boating style and vessel specs. Pairing a new prop with a fresh repower is a recipe for peak performance.

4. Install Trim Tabs

Trim tabs might not sound glamorous, but they can completely change the way your boat rides. By adjusting your vessel’s running angle, trim tabs improve fuel efficiency, reduce bow rise, and smooth out choppy water.

Benefits of trim tabs include:

• Increased stability: Less rocking in rough conditions.

• Faster planing: Your boat gets up and moving quicker.

• Better visibility: Lowering the bow improves the driver’s line of sight.

For anyone who wants a smoother, safer ride, trim tabs are a must-have upgrade. They’re especially valuable for larger boats or those frequently loaded with gear and passengers.

5. Upgrade Your Fuel System and Maintenance Plan

Even the best engine won’t perform well without clean fuel and proper maintenance. Old fuel lines, clogged filters, or neglected service schedules can rob your boat of speed, efficiency, and reliability.

Performance-focused maintenance upgrades include:

• Fuel system refresh: Replace aging hoses, filters, and fittings.

• Regular diagnostics: Prevent small issues from becoming costly breakdowns.

• Premium lubricants and additives: Extend engine life and maximize performance.

At WOT Marine, we believe the true mark of the best boat repair shop in San Diego is not just fixing problems, but preventing them. A proactive maintenance plan is one of the smartest “upgrades” you can make for consistent performance.

Why Choose WOT Marine?

From repowers in San Diego to precision propeller tuning, WOT Marine is passionate about helping boat owners unlock their vessel’s full potential. As a certified Mercury dealer in San Diego, we provide access to the latest engines and technologies trusted worldwide.

Our team combines technical expertise with a love of boating, ensuring every project is handled with care and precision. Whether you’re looking for more horsepower, smoother handling, or simply peace of mind, we’ve got the tools and experience to make it happen.

Final Thoughts

Performance upgrades aren’t just about speed—they’re about creating a more reliable, efficient, and enjoyable boating experience. By repowering your engine, upgrading electronics, optimizing your prop, adding trim tabs, and fine-tuning your fuel system, you’ll feel the difference every time you leave the dock.

At WOT Marine, we’re proud to be the go-to choice for boaters who want the best. From high-tech upgrades to expert service, we’re here to make sure your time on the water is nothing short of exceptional.

So whether you’re searching for repowers in San Diego, the best boat repair shop in San Diego, or a trusted Mercury dealer in San Diego, look no further than WOT Marine. Let’s get your vessel running at wide-open throttle.