Earth Day in Maine: How Clark Marine’s Suzuki 442 Repower Program is Protecting Our Lakes

Happy Earth Day 🌎

At Clark Marine, taking care of the water isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we actively build into how we do business every single day.

If you boat in Central Maine, you already know how special our lakes are. The Cobbossee watershed alone is made up of dozens of interconnected waterbodies that support fishing, recreation, tourism, and the overall quality of life for thousands of people. But those same lakes are also incredibly vulnerable—especially when it comes to pollution from older engines and the spread of aquatic invasive plants (AIPs).

That’s exactly why we created the Suzuki 442 Repower Program.

This program is one of the most meaningful ways we’ve found to combine better boating performance, environmental responsibility, and direct local impact—all in one decision.

What is the Suzuki 442 Repower Program?

The Suzuki 442 Repower Program is designed to help boaters upgrade from older 2-stroke outboards to modern, fuel-efficient 4-stroke Suzuki engines.

Here’s what that means in real terms:

• Older 2-stroke engines are removed from the water
• New, cleaner-burning 4-stroke Suzuki outboards are installed
• Customers receive an additional 10% off their new engine
• 5% of the engine cost is donated directly to local watershed protection efforts

It’s not just a repower—it’s a reset for your boat and a reinvestment into the lakes you use every season.

Why Getting 2-Strokes Off the Water Matters

Let’s talk about the environmental side for a second—because this is where the impact really starts to stack up.

Traditional 2-stroke engines are significantly less efficient than modern 4-strokes. They burn fuel differently, which can result in unburned fuel and oil entering the water. Over time, that adds up—especially on heavily used lakes.

By upgrading to a 4-stroke engine, you’re:

• Reducing emissions
• Improving fuel efficiency
• Eliminating the discharge of unburned fuel into the water
• Creating a quieter, smoother boating experience

It’s a better experience for you, and it’s a better outcome for the environment.

And when multiple boaters make that same switch? The impact compounds quickly.

Supporting Local Waters Through Watershed Friends

One of the most important parts of the 442 Program is where that 5% donation goes.

Every repower contributes directly to the work being done by the Watershed Friends—a local organization focused on protecting and preserving the Cobbossee watershed.

Their work includes:

• Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive plants
• Supporting Courtesy Boat Inspection programs
• Educating the public on lake-friendly practices
• Monitoring and responding to potential infestations

If you’ve ever seen invasive plants take over a section of a lake, you know how quickly things can go sideways. Once established, they’re expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes nearly impossible to fully eliminate.

That’s why prevention matters so much—and why this program is structured to directly fund that effort.

Real Impact, Right Here in Maine

We launched the Suzuki 442 Repower Program in the fall of 2024, and the results so far have been something we’re genuinely proud of.

Since then, Clark Marine has:

• Completed 13 repower projects
• Raised $6,015.50 for watershed protection
• Removed 13 older engines from our local waters

And that’s just the beginning.

This isn’t a national campaign with abstract results—it’s happening right here in Central Maine, on the same lakes our customers, families, and friends use every summer.

It’s real, visible impact.

Why Boaters Are Choosing to Repower

While the environmental benefits are a huge part of the story, there’s another reason this program has gained traction: it just makes sense for boat owners.

Repowering your boat can:

• Extend the life of your current boat without the cost of buying new
• Improve reliability and reduce maintenance headaches
• Increase performance and fuel efficiency
• Add resale value
• 
  

And when you layer in:

• 10% off your Suzuki outboard
• A donation to protect your local lakes
• 
  

…it becomes a pretty easy decision for a lot of people.

We’ve seen customers come in thinking they “might need a new boat,” only to realize that a repower gives them everything they actually want—at a fraction of the cost.

A Better Way to Boat

At the end of the day, boating and environmental responsibility don’t have to be at odds with each other.

Programs like the Suzuki 442 Repower Program prove that you can:

• Upgrade your experience on the water
• Reduce your environmental impact
• Support local conservation efforts

…all at the same time.

And honestly, that’s the kind of boating future we want to be part of.

Thinking About a Repower?

If you’ve been considering upgrading your engine—or even just starting to wonder if your current setup is still the right fit—this is a great time to explore your options.

We’ll walk you through:

• Your boat’s horsepower rating and compatibility
• Performance expectations with different engine options
• A full, transparent repower quote
• What to expect during installation and on-water orientation

And as always, we’ll make sure it actually makes sense for you before moving forward.

Because at Clark Marine, it’s not just about selling engines—it’s about helping people make smart, confident decisions on the water.

Cleaner water. Stronger lakes. Better boating.

Fun on the water starts here—and it stays here when we take care of it.