I have owned several outboard motor boats over the years. Some years I’ve had overlaps where I suddenly had three boats instead of the usual two on my property. To keep all of them in tip top shape I use Yamalube 2M oil.
After a couple years of buying Yamalube individually, I finally sat down and crunched some numbers. It worked out that buying Yamalube oil in bulk was the better way to go. I saved money and time, plus I rarely have to worry about running out of oil.
Owning a boat can be quite costly. Maintenance supplies and licenses can be a bit much for someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time on the water. If, on the other hand, you’re essentially a fish without gills, then you should invest in the best boat maintenance supplies available.
Best is not automatically synonymous with most expensive. For example, I keep my Yamaha outboard motor well lubricated with Yamalube 2-M oil. It’s not the most expensive stuff on the market, but it is the most effective. Trust me; I’ve tried all the oil brands and I only trust Yamalube to keep my outboard humming along.
The Yamaha Motor Corp. produces a line of regular and synthetic oils under the Yamalube label. In recent years, the Yamalube 2 cycle oil types available include 2R, 2W, 2S and 2M. The Yamalube 2R oil is intended for use with motocross engines, while the 2W is intended for WaveRunners and other sporting boats.
ATVs, golf carts, snowmobiles, and motorcycles can all benefit from the use of Yamalube 2S oil. Yamalube 2M is particularly useful for two-stroke outboard boat motors. If you do not have a two-stroke engine, then I would still advise looking into other Yamaha engine oil for your needs as the brand is incredibly trustworthy.
My father’s first cousin has lived most of his adult life in Alaska. Given that most of our family lives on the east coast, I was curious as to how this cousin wound up so far north. Apparently, he’d always been a bit of an adventurer and after visiting the frozen north decided that it would be an ideal place to live.
Since relocating to the Pacific Northwest, I’ve been meaning to pay this relative a visit. It’s not exactly a short trip, but it’s certainly less daunting than flying out from the east coast. I’ve spoken with my cousin a few times and we’ve worked out a few dates I can go visit him. He’s convinced me that there is plenty of good fishing to be done, so you know I’m hooked. Maybe I’ll bring along a case of Yamaha oil as a goodwill gesture.
If you’re already familiar with the particular function of Yamaha 2W oil then feel free to skip this post. For those of you who would like a refresher course; read on! In a nutshell, Yamaha 2W oil reduces the deterioration of two-stroke engine parts. It does so by lubricating the moving components to keep the motor clean and cool.
Yamaha specifically designed Yamaha 2W oil for personal watercraft engines. Personal watercrafts tend to be used at higher speeds, thus putting more strain on an engine, then, say, a fishing boat’s engine. Due to the unique composition of Yamaha 2W oil, it is not recommended for land vehicles, like motorcycles and ATVs.
Every 100 hours of use, I change out the filter and oil on my WaveRunner VX 1100. The sporty Yamaha WaveRunner has held up very well over the years, due in no small part to my meticulous maintenance. It’s all part of my philosophy of pride in ownership that was instilled in me by my father.
I’m trying to instill the same values in my kids. The next 100 hours will probably be reached this weekend. At that time I’ll insist that my two teenage children assist me with replacing the WaveRunner oil and filter.
In addition to my weed whacking and edging duties, I’m also responsible for trimming back trees. Dead tree limbs that could crash onto the roof are the first to be taken apart with a chainsaw. Branches that cross property lines are the next to go. Finally, I do some general trimming for aesthetics.
I used to buy the two cycle oil needed for the chainsaw down at the hardware store. Then, I discovered that the two cycle outboard oil brand I use for my boat also carries a line of general two stroke oil. The shop where I purchase my boat oil is now my destination for my chainsaw and weed whacker oil, too. I’d rather they have my money than a big box chain store.
Spring has sprung which means a lot more yard work for me. Even though my wife is the one who plants all the flower beds, I somehow wind up responsible for their upkeep. Part of that upkeep involves weed whacking and edging.
To make the work a bit easier, I use a two stroke weed whacker. It’s pretty state of the art in that I can get up really close to the edges of the flower beds without risking chopping off the heads of the flowers. Plus, it doesn’t cost too much to maintain the weed whacker; all I really spend money on is some two cycle oil at the beginning of the season and some fuel when it’s needed.
Chainsaws, trimmers, and outboard motors are likely equipped with 2 stroke engines. Unlike their 4 four stroke counter parts, 2 stroke engines do not have a crankcase. To provide proper engine lubrication, 2 stroke engines require a mix of specially formulated synthetic 2 stroke outboard oil.
Equipment manufacturers typically work with the oil industry to develop these specialty 2 stroke oils. To find out which 2 stroke oil is recommended for your motor, take a look at your owner’s manual. If you can’t find your manual, then check out the manufacturer’s website.
When it comes to maintaining my two-stroke outboard motor, I swear by oil TCW-3 Amalie. For a while I was attached to the Chevron brand. When I could no longer buy Chevron TCW-3 I tried out some other brands.
What I found out is that TCW-3 Amalie oil is pretty consistent across brands. Though I have some brands I favor more than others, all that I have tried have performed well. If you’re looking to try out new two-stroke oil, then I would recommend a TCW-3 Amalie because regardless of brand and price, it will get the job done.
Every now and then I like to browse boat forums to see what people are talking about outside of the marina. One question that comes up frequently is how long does bulk oil last? One poster stated that he had recently bought a Mercury oil 55 gallon drum and was now worried that he might lose money on the transaction.
One person replied that oil only has a shelf life of four years. The overwhelming majority, however, replied that that was nonsense; motor boat oil does not have an expiration date. From my experience, bulk oil can last years and years, but you may have to mix it every so often to keep it from jelling.
The reason I’ve been so anxious to stock up on Mercury oil is I don’t know how much longer we’ll get to enjoy good weather. I suppose I should start by explaining that it has been exceptionally rainy. We’ve finally gotten a small reprieve, so I’m determined to take advantage of the good weather, which may not return again until late June.
This weekend I’m hoping to take a few guests out on my boat. It’s a little cold for water sports, but taking a cruise around the lake will be a pleasant break from the norm. I’ve got my fingers crossed that Mother Nature will cooperate!