Outboard Motor Oil

Yamalube 2s oil has a wide viscosity range and special detergents appropriate for extreme temperatures. 

The properties of Yamalube 2s oil can power motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, and golf carts, but are particularly recommended for snowmobiles with 2-stroke engines.

Oil prices fell to less than $122 a barrel this week, extending the decline of expectations that 2008’s rising energy costs are undercutting the demand for gasoline in the United States.  The recent gradual strengthening of the U. S. dollar against the euro and the Japanese yen is also keeping  bulk oil prices lower–investors tend to buy commodities when the dollar softens, selling when U. S. currency becomes healthier again.

Crude oil futures have declined significantly in the past three weeks.  Prices remain about 60 percent higher than they were at this time last year.

When choosing between a two-stroke or four-stroke outboard motor for your boat, the features of each must be considered.  Two-stroke outboard motors are lighter in weight, less expensive, and often faster.   They are generally easier to repair and maintain, having a comparatively simple design that has been available for almost 80 years. Two-stroke outboard motors tend to hold their resale value, remaining in high demand in the used market. On the con side, a two-stroke outboard motor produces more pollution, smoke, are non-two cycle oil injection models, have a rougher idle than their four-stroke counterparts, and are sometimes harder to start.

Four-stroke outboard motors are cleaner, quieter, smoother, provide more fuel economy, and are often more reliable.   They are preferred by some boaters who run in lakes and rivers because they are generally accepted at any body of water. They do not run on an oil and gas mixture or generate as much pollution.  The negatives of four-stroke outboard motors include their high expense for purchase and repair and heavy bulk, which makes it complicated to transport or position in storage without the help of a stand.  Because the design for a four-stroke outboard motor is more complicated than its two-stroke counterpart, there are more parts to malfunction.   However, outboard motor production will be either four-stroke or very similar. The technology for the four-stroke outboard motor is always improving, and as time goes on, there is a higher percentage of qualified mechanics to perform any necessary repairs.  The current used market is very limited for the four-stroke outboard motor, though this is also growing as technology and training improves. 

*Note:  this comparison does not include direct fuel-injected two-stroke models.

With the high prices of gas and boat motor oil, more and more people are staying relatively close to home to use their boats, even in areas with no apparent recreational  boating water near them.   New boats retail from $15,000 to $50,000, which is comparable to other similar leisure pursuits.  Boating enthusiasts are willing to drive a couple of hours to get to the destination, where they can fish, waterski, wakeboard, inner tube, or just work on a tan. 
 A family boating trip allows for more togetherness than the average vacation, where all family members might split up to pursue their own activities, such as golf, shop, or go to a movie.  Some family boating trips can coincide with a trip to see other family members, or incorporate camping into the trip for a new twist.

Just as it is important to maintain your car’s engine for optimum performance, your boat requires a certain amount of care for consistent and smooth operation. Since an outboard motor hangs outside the hull of a boat, it requires special attention to prolong its life.  Caution when transporting your boat to the destination of your planned outing is extremely important.  The motor and boat trailer should be braced securely so that the motion of land travel does not cause permanent damage. 

Each time a boat is returned from a salt water excursion, the outboard motor should be flushed out with fresh water to prevent the pump and lines from corrosion.  Outboard motor oil and gas lines should be drained and disconnected before storing your boat for an extended period of time to keep the carburetor clean.  The area around the propeller and gears of the motor should be checked for cleanliness and excess water accumulation.  The pump inside the motor should also be checked to ensure the impellers do not look worn.  If all of these steps are taken regularly, your outboard motor should provide its best possible performance.

The viscosity of boat motor oil is one of its most important properties, as it measures how any given oil will flow.  Thicker oils will generally have a higher viscosity than thinner oils.  The viscosity of boat motor oil is essential for productive engine operation.

The numbers and letters on boat motor oil packaging refer to measurements that have been taken at specific temperatures.  A “W” means the oil meets viscosity specifications for winter use.  Multi-viscosity boat motor oils prevent the oil from thinning as it warms up because polymers have been added to prevent the oil from thinning.  It is wise to use multi-viscosity boat motor oil with the narrowest span of viscosity for the temperatures you will encounter—in the winter, for the lowest expected temperature, and for the summer, for the highest temperature anticipated. 

Not unlike the growing popularity of hybrid cars, increasing gas prices are causing boating enthusiasts to think smart.

This year, as boat sales in general seems to have slowed, there has been a 50% growth in electric boat sales.  The boats still utilize outboard motor oil, yet they provide relief at waterside gas stations, which generally charge more for gas than roadside gas stations, as there is little in the way of competition.

In addition to a good upkeep on your engine (such as regularly changing your marine engine oil), you also need to make sure your boat itself is clean.  It may seem like a superficial process, but if you take care of your boat, it will take care of you.

Some cleaners on the market can actually damage the sealant on your boat. The phosphorous contained in many cleaning products is difficult to rinse from a surface. That residue builds up eventually causing the sealant to soften, which then results in oxidation. Strong cleaners can do the same thing. Use these products to clean your motors or when removing oil or heavy residue. Go sparingly then rinse immediately.

Two cycle oil isn’t always just relegated to being used for boats.  Some brands of 2 cycle oil that are marked as “multi-use” can be used for some types of motorbikes.  If you are a person with several different vehicles – or, for this example, a boat and a smaller pocket bike – you can purchase some outboard motor oil and use it for something else other than a boat. 

Before you do this, you’ll want to make sure that the oil is usable for your other vehicle.  You can find this out by asking other motorbike enthusiasts, or reading the label.

Your boat propeller works by changing the engine’s power into a thrusting that moves your boat forward. Knowing how to do basic propeller repair and maintenance tasks can go a long way in helping you take proper care of your boat without spending excessive repair technicians’ costs. Ignoring the problem will cause more problems, not unlike not regularly changing your outboard motor oil. Here are some quick tips to maintain your propeller:

• Check the blades on your propeller for nicks or bent parts. These are all signs of propeller wear that typically signal time for a propeller replacement. Any problems with your propeller blades can hinder the job they do for you and can hurt the engine. If your propeller has worn blades, your engine can be damaged further by improper acceleration.
• Mold any dings out of your propeller. If your prop is just a bit dinged up after a tough sail or impact with an underwater obstruction, it is possible to simply reshape it a bit. It is best to make a mold of the original prop in new condition where the blades are still at their original angle, and then use this mold as a guide when reshaping your prop after impact.
• Make sure your hub is not slipping. If the propeller hub is the problem, your boat won’t move at all even when you hit the gas. To fix this problem, remove the propeller, and mark the end of the propeller housing and the hub and keep the marks in line with one another. Install a new propeller to see if that fixes the problem. If the marks are out of line, your hub is slipping.
• Balance your propeller. This can usually only be done by a certified technician, but making sure your propeller is properly balanced ensures that it runs free of any troublesome or even dangerous vibrations.