June, 2010 | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 2

Boat Trailers and Launching: Part One

Seasoned boaters will undoubtedly put a considerable amount of time and effort into the upkeep of their craft. From changing the outboard motor oil to flushing the engine and cleaning the hull, most of the maintenance is centered on maximizing performance on the water. Many boat owners, however, store their boat in their driveway or a storage unit, meaning they have to launch the watercraft every time they want to use it. And while this is surely an inconvenience and many people neglect to learn the proper procedures, keeping your boat out of the water does have its advantages.

First, your boat will stay in better condition—especially if you clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. You also don’t have to worry about the myriad threats to your craft, including adverse weather conditions and careless boaters. Of course, constantly transporting your boat can be a headache, particularly if you don’t have the proper trailer or know how to launch the boat properly. Over the next few days, we will be covering some of the basics for purchasing and hauling a trailer and launching your boat.

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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 Four

Once you have thoroughly inspected everything—from the outboard motor oil to the hull—it is time to determine a fair price. The BUC and NADA books are reliable resources for pricing information but it is still a good idea to consult some local marine experts for a second or third opinion. Now that you’ve picked out the boat you want to purchase and have determined a target price, it’s up to you to close the deal.

Before we conclude our series on purchasing a watercraft, I want to emphasize the necessity of looking long and hard before you leap. Unlike a car, there are few practical reasons why the average consumer needs a boat—it is simply a source of entertainment. And between finance payments, insurance, registration, repairs, etc, the monthly costs are going to be considerable.

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Buying a Boat: Part Three

Yesterday we examined the merits of both new and used boats. Since there is much more to take into consideration when purchasing a used watercraft, today we’ll take some time to go over some of the essentials to inspect before purchasing a used vessel. In addition to your personal examination, you will want to have a qualified marine surveyor do the same.

Begin by examining for signs of exterior damage; mismatched paint is often an indication of significant bodywork in the past. Check the upholstery, seals around windows and the entire hull thoroughly. Although you may not have an acute knowledge of marine engines, there are a few quick tricks that will give you an indication of how well the previous owner maintained the craft. Examine the oil and transmission fluid, testing for grit content, color and smell—if these fluids are in bad condition, chances are the boat wasn’t well-maintained. Also ensure the previous owner used premium products, such as Yamalube 2M oil.

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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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Buying a Boat: Part One

Before you take the plunge and shell out thousands of dollars on a new seafaring vessel, it is important to do your due diligence to determine what type of boat you want, how much you can afford, and if purchasing a boat is really a step you want to take. If you will only be able to use the boat on the occasional weekend during the summer, the money and time needed may not be warranted.

Just like an automobile, the initial investment you put into a boat is just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to your boat payments, you also have to worry about insurance, registration, a trailer, outboard motor oil and a litany of other peripheral expenses. Of course, a boat is an investment, and if you use your boat regularly, these expenditures will indubitably be put to good use. For those who are steadfast in their conviction to purchase a boat, we will be highlighting some of the factors to consider throughout the week.

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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 Three

Now that the engine has been flushed, you can turn off the engine and turn your attention to the fuel aspect of engine maintenance. Never use fuel that is over two months old, which means you must refrain from using the same fuel from last season. Start by inspecting the fuel lines and primer bulb for cracks and other signs of wear. Ensure all of the fuel line fittings are secure and there is no rust on the fuel tanks or the clamps.

Open the engine cover and check to see if there is any leakage. Lubricate all of the moving parts in the engine, including the shift and carb valves. And if your have a four-stroke engine, don’t forget to change your Yamalube 2S oil.

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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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Outboard Motor Maintenance: Part One

Changing your outboard motor oil and coolant is crucial to ensuring the longevity of your motor, but it isn’t enough. Without routine maintenance, your outboard motor will begin to corrode. While taking the cover off the motor may be intimidating, basic maintenance of an outboard motor is simple for virtually anyone with a set of tools. However, if you aren’t a mechanic, it is wise to bring the boat in periodically to have the compression, pressure, water pump and other esoteric systems tested.

Once you have taken the boat in for inspection, most of the maintenance will only take a few minutes. First, flush the engine after every outing, especially if you are in salt water. You only need to flush the engine for 10-15 minutes, but this will successfully rid the system of any sand, dirt or debris that may have been sucked up.

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