Noise Problem

What should you do about excessive noise, my friend James asked me. This is a problem I’m particularly sensitive too as loud noises in any situation – out on the water or sitting at home – is my biggest pet peeve. When it comes to boats, excessive noise is usually caused by loose components or a faulty exhaust system.

Rattling noises almost always means that there are loose screws and bolts. Take a wrench and get to work tightening up loose connections. Look over the exhaust system and do some cleaning if necessary. Don’t forget to change out the Evinrude oil every so often to keep things clean and well lubricated.

Did you like this? Share it:

Interpreting Evinrude Outboard Serial Numbers

Have you ever wondered what the serial numbers on your outboard engine represent? Let’s start with the first digit. Most likely you see an E or a J. These stand for Evinrude and Johnson, respectively. If you see a different letter, it may mean that your engine was not built for the American market.

The next group of digits will be a series of two or three numbers; these indicate horsepower. Two or three letters will come next and identify the motor’s trim. Next comes a single letter either L, Y, X or Z, each of which corresponds to a driveshaft length. Finally you’ll see two letters indicating the year a model was built. There may be one more letter, but this only has significance to the manufacturer and not the consumer. Pair this with the knowledge you learned yesterday about Evinrude XD50 oil and you’ll know far more than a lot of recreational boaters.

Did you like this? Share it:

Kneeboarding

I’ve gotten a few questions from people about kneeboarding, which I mentioned in yesterday’s post. The most frequently asked question is: “What the heck is kneeboarding?” Simply put, kneeboarding is an aquatic sport where the rider is towed along behind a boat, much like in wakeboarding and water skiing.

The board is shaped similarly to an oversized kickboard with Velcro straps. You start lying down on your stomach on the board with your hands holding onto the handle of the tow rope. As the boat picks up speed you hoist yourself onto your knees and pull the Velcro straps over your thighs. This keeps the board attached to you as you attempt to catch air. I remember it being a ton of fun as a little kid. You should definitely check out some kneeboards next time you pick up Evinrude outboard oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Entrepreneurial Teenagers

Who said all teenagers are lazy? Down at the marina this summer two young men from the area ran their own boat maintenance business. They did everything from cleaning to painting to minor engine work.

Though I prefer to maintain my own boat, I did give them a chance to earn some cash by changing by outboard motor oil. It turns out that they bought bulk outboard motor oil during the winter to help offset their costs during the summer months. By the time the summer was over the two young men had made a tidy profit.

Did you like this? Share it:

Troubleshooting a Two-Stroke Outboard Engine, Part 1

In order to trouble-shoot your outboard engine, you need to have a good understanding of how it works. Typically fuel and air mixture cause problems, as does electrical issues. Here are some tips for trouble-shooting a two-stroke outboard motor:

First, check that the boat battery is connected. To confirm, turn the ignition key to “on” before revving the engine and see that the electrical system is online. Put the boat in neutral and then shift to a different gear position. Shift back to neutral to make sure the engine is fully engaged. Next, open the ignition switch and check the status of the wiring; none should be loose. If there are loose wires, strip them, add a new connector, and reconnect the wiring to the switch. Come back tomorrow, with some Evinrude Johnson 2 stroke outboard oil in hand, as we continue detailing how to troubleshoot your outboard motor.

Did you like this? Share it:

Top 10 Ferry Boat Rides Worldwide ~ San Francisco

Crossing the San Francisco Bay by ferry is a timeless tradition that dates back to 1850 when the ferryboats ran between San Francisco and Oakland. Since then countless ferry routes have emerged across the San Francisco Bay area. One of the most popular routes is one that parallels the Golden Gate Bridge. In fact, before this mighty bridge made its debut in 1937, ferry routes flourished around this waterway.

However, the need for ferries encountered a great demise once the Golden Gate Bridge gave way to automobile travelers. It wasn’t until about 29 years later that the need for ferries returned. In its first year, just over 3.3 million vehicles crossed the Golden Gate Bridge and by 1967, the traffic had grown over 750 percent to a staggering 28.3 million. With such high numbers the bridge was reaching its saturation point and the need for ferryboats appeared once again.

The fleet of Golden Gate Ferries certainly uses powerful motor oil such as Evinrude XD 50 oil!

Did you like this? Share it:

Great Gifts for Boaters This Holiday Season: Part 2

If you’re shopping for an avid boater and you’re not familiar with the requirements of being on the water then gift giving can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be. For any on-the-water enthusiast a versatile, top-quality captain’s bag can make a huge difference. Whether it’s for keeping food or other essentials, a captain’s bag is a versatile addition to any boater’s repertoire. And the best part is, they’re affordable.

You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to make this year’s boating better than the last. With the multitude of pockets most captain’s bags provide there’s always room for just one more thing. From first aid kits to an electronic fish finder or your GPS, there’s enough room for everything you’ll need on the water. Keep your cell phone, keys and wallets safe and dry, or tote your lures and fishing gear in style.

Don’t forget a complete supply of Evinrude XD50 oil for the gift a healthier engine.

Did you like this? Share it:

Spring Checklist Item 4

Our last tip of the week is a doozy, and something no one should ever forget to do whenever heading out on the water. Safety is of primary importance, both for you and your friends and loved ones but also for other boaters. It goes without saying that you should be sure to have functional life jackets for all potential passengers. Make sure they’re in good condition and functioning properly.

You also need to make sure everyone has the correct size, as this can be critical to the proper functioning of a life jacket. And don’t forget to make sure all onboard fire extinguishers have been properly checked and serviced and stored in the proper places. You can also take advantage of free safety inspections offered by the US Coast Guard.

And don’t forget to try Evinrude XD100 oil for your 2-cycle engine.

Did you like this? Share it:

What Does Motor Oil Do? Part One

Premium oils available today, such as Evinrude XD50 oil, do much more than simply lubricate your engine. It may not seem worth it to spend a few extra bucks to upgrade to high-grade oil, but your investment will pay huge dividends. First, quality oil facilitates easy starting for your vehicle. But in order for an oil to permit easy starting, you need to be sure that the viscosity is appropriate for the given weather conditions.

The chief purpose of oil—as we all know—is to lubricate the various components of the engine and prevent wear and corrosion. Traditionally, it’s been a challenge to develop oils that can perform in a range of climates and conditions. But thanks to the innovation of synthetics and additives, top oils are now graded for a spectrum of temperatures.

Did you like this? Share it:

How to Operate a Boat: Starting the Motor

The first thing you’ll need to know when operating a boat is how to get the machine started. Begin by making sure that the shift lever is in neutral, which will be straight up on most models. Pull the choke if the engine is cold; if the engine is warm, only use the choke if it doesn’t start up after a couple of tires. Turn the throttle until it’s in the “start” position.

The engine will have a pulley like a lawnmower; pull this rope gently until there is resistance, then pull quickly. This process often will need to be repeated numerous times. After the engine starts, push the choke in slowly if necessary. Turn the throttle back to the “run” position. If the engine doesn’t start up after a few tries, check to see if there is enough gas and Evinrude XD100 oil in the tank.

Did you like this? Share it:

Winterizing Your ATV: Part Two

If you took the time to change your Evinrude XD 100 and perform other basic maintenance before putting your ATV in storage, getting your vehicle operational once again should be a cinch. All of the fuel should have been burned out of the engine, so the first line of business is to fill up the tank again and be sure that the oil levels are adequate. Reconnect the battery and ensure that any coverings on the muffler or other openings have been removed.

Even though you probably checked all of the fittings and hardware prior to storage, you can never be too careful. Give the ATV a quick inspection and ensure that all of the moving parts are well lubricated. This is also a good time to examine the fuel line, wheels, steering system and the suspension.

Did you like this? Share it:

Winterizing Your Boat: Part Two

The first step when preparing your boat for the frigid winter months is to find a suitable storage area. While leaving your boat in the water is an option, it isn’t advisable; the water will cause unnecessary wear and corrosion to the prop and the hull. The ideal location is in a covered, climate-controlled area. If you have extra space in your garage, you’re in luck; otherwise, you’ll want to invest in a storage space.

As with all maintenance, each manufacturer has their own specifications, so you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual to make sure you abide by their guidelines. For outboard engine owners, you’ll want to run the engine to warm it up and then change the Evinrude XD100 oil prior to putting the vessel in storage. This is also a good time to change the oil filters and flush the system with water. Whether you have a two- or a four-stroke, you’ll want to get rid of all of the excess fuel prior to storage, as it will go bad if it just sits in the tank for months.

Did you like this? Share it: