Evinrude XD100 | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 13

Environmentally Safe Boating: Part Two

The BP oil spill has rekindled public awareness of the detrimental effects humans can have on water and ecosystems. And while the oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico is extremely hazardous, materials from your boat can be just as dangerous. Petroleum alone is perilous for wildlife, but gasoline also contains benzene and other carcinogens. As we have seen in recent weeks, cleaning water is an infinitely difficult proposition, so the best M.O. is to prevent a spill in the first place.

Outboard motor oils, such as Evinrude XD100, contain a litany of potentially dangerous elements as well, including zinc, sulfur and phosphorus. Some people assume that a relatively small amount of gasoline or oil spilling into the water isn’t a big deal, using the BP logic that the body of water is immense, so my little quantity of oil is just a drop in the bucket. In fact, just one pint of oil has the capability of covering once acre of surface area on the water.

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Boat Trailers and Launching: Part Two

Unless your boat is in the water 24/7, it will likely spend the vast majority of its time on the trailer. With this in mind, it is important to take the time to properly research the various trailer options before making a purchase. Putting in new Evinrude XD100 and flushing the engine are essential for maintaining the internal components, and a properly sized trailer is just as important for the exterior.

When considering the capacity of the trailer, be sure to include all of the gear and supplies that you plan to keep onboard. Many boat owners switch to a smaller tire on their trailer to make launching easier. If you choose to do this, be sure that the tires also have the ability to support the weight of the watercraft and supplies; the tire’s load rating will be located on the sidewall.

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Proper Gas to Outboard Motor Oil Ratio

While most vehicles now utilize four-stroke engines, the two-stroke model does have its advantages. Two-stroke engines complete the thermodynamic cycle in two movements, creating greater high specific power and making them much more efficient than their counterparts. Unlike four-stroke engines that house the gasoline and Evinrude XD 100 oil separately, two-stroke motors have traditionally required a mixture of the two.

This has been one of the main drawbacks of the motor, as it results in total-loss system where all of the oil is burned. Typically, engines use a ratio of 50 parts gasoline to one part oil, but new technology has allowed for two-stroke engines that don’t require a mixture. Although these models still result in a tot-al loss of oil, they are more ecologically friendly than their predecessors.

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Buying a Boat: Part Two

If you are purchasing your first boat, it is essential to learn some of the boating lingo and engine basics—you probably shouldn’t be purchasing a boat if you don’t even know where to pour in the Evinrude XD100. Also consult friends and acquaintances who are boat owners in order to glean some information on common problems with boats; and, of course, you can always conduct side-by-side comparisons online. One of the biggest decisions to make when investing in a new boat is whether to buy new or used.

For anyone who has ever purchased a car, the pros and cons are comparable. With a new boat, you will have a warranty, payment options and the assurance that the craft is in top condition. But you also have to swallow that huge price tag. Used boats are obviously the more economical option, but if you decide to go this route, you will want to have the craft thoroughly inspected by an expert—just as you would have a mechanic examine a used car.

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History of the Outboard Motor

In the boating community, outboard motors and the Evinrude name go hand in hand. Many probably attribute this to the fact that Evinrude is a leading manufacturer of outboard motors, and that is certainly one reason. However, few people realize that Ole Evinrude, the company’s founder, was actually the inventor of the outboard motor.

In the early 1900s, Ole began conceptualizing and building a detachable engine to affix to a watercraft. The first successful outboard motor was constructed in 1907, the year of the company’s founding. Although it has been over a century since that first motor, many of those same components—vertical crankshaft, horizontal flywheels and bevel gears—are still used in modern engines. Today, Evinrude continues to be a trailblazer in the outboard motor industry, offering a range of premium engines and products like Evinrude XD 100.

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Outboard Motor Maintenance: Part Two

Yesterday we touched on the importance of flushing your outboard motor after each outing, and today we will overview the process. Begin by placing your “rabbit ears”—two rubber seals with a metal clamp—on the lower unit and attaching a standard garden hose. Turn on the engine and allow the water to pump through the system for 10-15 minutes. While the engine is being flushed, we can take care of some other maintenance.

Check the water pump to ensure an adequate flow of water; the water coming out of the system should be warm, not hot. If the flow is weak, insert a wire into the flow tube to loosen any debris. Once the engine is flushed, disconnect the fuel line to burn all of the excess gasoline and Evinrude XD100 in the carburetor. Tomorrow we continue discussing outboard motor fuel maintenance procedures.

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Basic Boating Manners

While there is a well-laid set of rules and regulations dictating the proper procedures on the road at all times, much of the marine code of conduct is simply understood. Most of your time on the water will be spent away from other boats, but it is crucial to know the appropriate course of action when encountering fellow seafarers. When passing another boat, be sure to give ample room so your wake doesn’t disrupt them too much; if you are the one being overtaken, slowdown to allow other boater to pass.

Especially if you are boating on a large body of water, it can be several miles to the next refilling station. To that end, I keep extra fuel and Evinrude XD 100 onboard in case of an emergency—either my own or a fellow boater’s. When docking your boat, there is often a lengthy line at the launch. As such, it is important to load your boat on the trailer in a timely fashion and clear the dock for other boaters. Since people can’t take numbers, it is on a first come first serve basis. It may seem tempting to cut in on an open dock, but before you do, make sure you aren’t impeding on someone else.

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Marine Spring Cleaning: Part Two

Yesterday we covered the exterior inspection, and now it is time to move on to the more complex aspects of boat maintenance: the engine and electrical systems. Hopefully you charged the battery before you put your boat away in storage, otherwise you may have some trouble getting your watercraft started. Check the water level of the battery and ensure that it will hold a charge. Next, perform a thorough inspection of the gauges and lighting fixtures, as well as verifying that all of the various wires are intact.

Now is also a good time to make sure that you have the proper emergency equipment and extra supplies onboard. Fire extinguishers and first aid kits are a must, as are distress signals and a bailer. Also be sure to keep an extra stock of gasoline and Evinrude XD100 oil at hand for emergencies and incase you come across a stranded boater. We’ll conclude our series tomorrow with a review of both inboard and outboard engines.

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Boating Safety: Part Five

If you have never owned a boat before, enrolling in a boat safety course before hitting the water is advisable—and many states now require you to complete one anyhow. States have varying names for their certifications, but they all indicate the completion of a boating course. These courses can typically be completed online and will cover a wide spectrum of safety information, incldungin transporting, launching and driving your boat. However, you’ll want to spend some time to learn basic maintenance procedures—such as refilling the Evinrude XD100—on your own.

Once obtained, most boating certificates and licenses are good for life. And even if your state doesn’t require it, taking a qualified safety course is never a bad idea.

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Boating Safety: Part Two

Although a body of water won’t have designated lanes like a highway, there are still laws in place that dictate the proper flow of traffic for boaters. Just as when driving an automobile— in the United States at least— boaters should stay to the right and, generally, work in a counterclockwise motion around a lake or large body of water. This one rule will greatly reduce your risk on the water, but be alert, as other boaters may not be aware of this requirement.

When pulling a skier, wakeboarder or even an innertuber, it is crucial to stay attentive and constantly survey your surroundings. Always have an extra person on board to keep an eye on the person being pulled in case they go down. Keep a safety flag stowed away with your reserve fuel, Evinrude XD 100 oil and other gear; this is used to alert other boaters when there is a person in the water.

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Boat Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Part Five

Neglecting to change your Evinrude XD100 will cause your motor oil to become acidic. When this happens, the acid in the oil can create corrosive damage throughout the engine. Acidic oil will be thick and black in appearance, so if this is the case, it is an obvious indication that you should be changing your oil more frequently. While oil must be changed at least every 100 hours, it is also advisable to put in new oil prior to storage.

Once the oil has been changed, check the oil filters as well. Since these are one of the main ways that contaminants are removed from your oil and the engine, opt for the pricier models. This is also a good time to check the oil hoses and inspect the rest of the engine for rust and damage. A small amount of rust is normal, but if you find a surfeit, there is probably something wrong. If this is the case, seek out a professional mechanic to diagnose the problem.

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Boat Engine Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Part Two

Regardless of the size of your boat, developing a checklist for your routine maintenance procedures is essential. A checklist will ensure that no simple tasks such as changing your Evinrude XD 100 aren’t overlooked, and as you get to know your boat better, you will certainly want to add and expand this list. It is also helpful to keep a log of all the maintenance you do so that you can monitor when various components and fluids were replaced.

When developing your checklist, it is important to prioritize and recognize what should be left to qualified professionals. Some tasks may be above your head, while with others, the money that you spend on a mechanic will be worth the time and effort that you save. Procrastination is one of the main causes of boat trouble—the sooner you detect a problem, the cheaper and easier it will be to remedy.

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