Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 37

Boat Safety Tips

Boat Safety TipsAs mentioned in an earlier post, the summer boating season is ready to start and you’ll no doubt have filled your boat with marine engine oil and anticipation to hit the waters. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind before you take her out on the water:

• Be weather wise. Sudden wind shifts, lightning flashes and choppy water all can mean a storm is brewing. Bring a portable radio to check weather reports.

• Bring extra gear you may need; a flashlight, extra batteries, matches, a map of where you are, flares, sun tan lotion, first aid kit, and extra sunglasses. Put those that need to be protected in a watertight pouch or a container that floats.

• Tell someone where you’re going, who is with you, and how long you’ll be away. Then check your boat, equipment, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. This includes anyone participating in any boating activity.

• Alcohol and boating don’t mix. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination — over 50 percent of drownings result from boating incidents involving alcohol. For the same reasons it is dangerous to operate an automobile while under the influence of alcohol, people should not operate a boat while drinking alcohol.

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Yamalube Gets Coup within its own Corporation

YamalubeYamaha Marine Group announced earlier this month that it has put its marine care products under the trusted Yamalube brand.

Products affected include fuel additives, adhesives and lubricants, which will now bear the name Yamalube. With the change comes color-coded packaging designed to improve the customer’s ability to choose the correct product for the job at hand.

Yamaha is creating and launching an extensive campaign for dealers and customers as part of the rollout.

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Making Lemonade Out of Life’s Lemons

Making Lemonade Out of Life's LemonsLast year, Boating Industry reported that 2007 was the worst year for boat sales, with 2008 projected to decline further. While this report may seem a bit on the grim side, it may also be a good time to take advantage and buy a new boat or replace that engine and give your boat some new parts.

While some may consider this kicking the small business owner while they’re down, a surge in these kinds of purchases could very well help in reviving sagging boat sales. Whether you buy a boat, replace a steering wheel or buy large amounts of marine engine oil, every contribution will help and ensure that there is a viable boating community out there.

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Record High for Oil (Again)

Record High for Oil (Again)Today oil prices surged, yet again, to $127 a barrel. On the heels of this news are the concerns that oil prices will not go down as Memorial Day weekend (the unofficial first day of summer travel) looms closely. That said, outboard motor oil prices are also scheduled for a slight price increase. Do yourself a favor and start buying oil for the summer now. Don’t wait around or you’ll be apt to spend your summer on land.

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Buy Now and Save for the Summer

Buy Now and Save for the SummerOil prices continue to climb and even though we’re still in the last few weeks of the Spring season, you may want to consider buying your outboard motor oil now. As it stands, many retailers – especially online – are still able to carry top notch brands such as Yamalube and Evinrude and discounted prices. Don’t dawdle and get your oil before the Summer starts.

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Not All Mercury Causes Poisoning

Mercury engine oil.When you’re prepping your boat over the coming weeks for the summer boating season, don’t forget to use some Mercury engine oil. As a synthetic blend, Mercury will provide the maximum amount of power to your engine, without all the corrosion that typically comes around. Get a bottle soon and have a whole summer for smoothly riding the waves.

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Invest in a Life-Jacket

Invest in a Life-JacketSunshine and leisure is right around the corner and as folks are polishing their boats and changing their outboard motor oil, I can’t stress the importance of wearing a life-jacket when you take to the water.

Eighty percent of drowning victims are reported as not wearing life-jackets at the time of their drowning. Do yourself and your family a favor and don a life-jacket when you hit the water. It could make all the difference.

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Things to Think About When Getting a Boat

Things to Think About When Getting a BoatBuying a boat is a large purchase and you would treat it with the same seriousness as you would with a house or car. Here are some things to keep in the back of your mind as you get ready for boat season:

The type of boat you’re purchasing is based on what you intend to use it for. Using a boat primarily for fishing and primarily for jet skiing are obviously two different things.

Check the engine to see what would be the best outboard motor oil for it.

Look at the boat thoroughly to make sure that there is no serious damage or to keep track of possible repairs.

Keep a watchful eye on the radio, though it may be a good idea to just replace the whole thing altogether.

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Oil Prices Slide as Summer Looms Closer

Oil Prices Slide as Summer Looms CloserAs the Associated Press is reporting, bulk oil prices have slid today to $116 a barrel. The news comes as the spring season enters the home stretch and Americans prepare for the summer – a season that is most popular for vacationing and leisure activities such as fishing and boating.

The decrease in oil prices was due to the end of a refinery strike in Scotland, which adds to the falling demand of oil, though gas prices are still averaging at $3.67 throughout the U.S.

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Take Our Boats Now

Take Our Boats NowTaking a cue from the shaky housing market, now might be a good time to purchase a boat.

With bulk oil prices fluctuating on an hourly basis, you can find people selling their boats on sites like Craigslist and local periodicals for value prices. While a recession collectively looms in the minds of Americans, it may be a good time to invest in your sea legs. Economic stimulus checks are in the mail and if you find yourself a bit more comfortable than most, it might not be such a bad idea to spoil yourself and get something nice to take your family out on.

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Post-Trip Maintenance

Post-Trip MaintenancePurchasing premium boat motor oil isn’t the only important step to having a well running vessel. There are a few things that you can do after a trip that will help your engine running smoothly:

• After every trip, flush out the engine.

• While you’re flushing the motor, check the water pump to make sure it has good water flow. Put your finger through the stream of water; it could be warm, but not hot. If the output isn’t strong, there may be debris stuck in the outflow tube. Shut the engine down to prevent damage.

• Insert a small piece of wire into the flow tube and work it back and forth. Start the engine again and check the output. If that doesn’t help, you may need a new water pump.

• After flushing the engine, disconnect the fuel line and have the engine to burn the fuel in the carburetor.

• Take the engine cowling off and check for fuel or water leaks. If you find leaks talk to a mechanic.

• Wipe everything down and spray with an anti-corrosive like WD-40. Be sure to lubricate all the moving parts such.

• Replace the cowling and wipe it down. Cover the engine between trips.

• Always use fresh fuel.

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The Simple Addition that Keeps Your Engine Running Well

outboard motor oil

A key element to a smooth running boat is to purchase outboard motor oil that has additives in that will keep your engine clean and prevents wear and corrosion. Additives will also enhance the lubrication of the motor. Several brands such as Evinrude and Mercury sell oil that has said additives in them so as to make your boating experience one with a minimal amount of problems.

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