Outboard Motor Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 7

Checklist for Trip

Before I leave for any trip, I always make an extensive packing list. My standard packing list covers clothing, toiletries, and accessories for an extended weekend trip. Then, I have my packing list for outdoor trips, specifically fishing trips.

The detailed list includes: tackle box, tackle, lures, rods, reels, and fishing line, among other items. Then I have another list to cover items I need for my boat. Number one on that list is Mercury outboard oil. Yes, I’m sure I can get engine oil at a tackle shop, but I really don’t want to risk them not carrying my brand. I’m particular in that way.

Did you like this? Share it:

Oil and Gas Mixture for Small Engines

In small engines, such as those found on a weed whacker, gasoline is mixed with two cycle oil at a particular ratio. Typically the ratio is 40 parts gasoline to one part oil or 50 parts gasoline to one part oil. The ratio depends on the thickness of the fuel.

Inside the engine, the two-cycle oil lubricates the engine while fuel pumps through. Two cycle engines are ideal in weed whackers and other small appliances because they do not require very many chambers. The concept is similar on a larger outboard motor that requires two cycle outboard oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Fishing in Florida

I cannot wait for next weekend to roll around. I’m packing up the car and heading to Florida with the family for a July 4th vacation. While my wife and daughter enjoy lounging on the beach, my son and I plan to hit up as many fishing holes as possible.

In preparing for the trip, I have looked at all sorts of top ten lists to find the best fishing holes in Florida. Yellowtail, mutton snapper, grouper, and king mackerel – the list of fish just waiting to be caught is quite tantalizing. Now all I need to do is make sure I have plenty of Mercury engine oil!

Did you like this? Share it:

Suzuki DT115S

Like the Evinrude E115, the Suzuki DT115S is light, compact and efficient. The 1.77-liter two-stroke engine has a digital multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection system and a six quart oil tank hidden under the engine cowling. (That means that when you add in your Evinrude XD50 oil you don’t have to worry about a messy separate oil tank).

Unfortunately, the Suzuki gets a thumb down for fuel consumption. It burns twice as much fuel as the Evinrude at a 3500-rpm cruise. Price-wise, the Suzuki is still a good bargain.

Did you like this? Share it:

Mercury 115

Have you ever gotten your hands on a Mercury Optimax 135 or 150? If you have then you already have a good idea as to how the Mercury 115 handles, since it is virtually the same two-stroke engine as the aforementioned models. It is a big motor that weighs in at 442 lbs.

That weight translates into power and speed. The Mercury 115 beats all other 115 models in every speed test; although, it consumes far more fuel and is a heck of a lot noisier. For some recreational boaters, speed is the name of the gain, so make sure you’re maximizing the engine by using the Evinrude XD 50 oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Honda BF115

In order to stay compliant with EPA emissions guidelines, the top outboard motor manufacturers had to refine their two-stroke and four-stroke engines. The Honda BF115 is an example of a job well done. The four-stroke outboard was adapted from the 2.3-liter four-cylinder Accord sedan motor.

The BF115 runs quietly and is highly economical when it comes to fuel consumption, which can be attributed to its long-stroke design. A fat midrange torque curve makes towing water skis or inflatable tubes easy. The only drawback is that the motor weighs in at 496 lbs. which can be problematic for lighter crafts. It still gets a stamp of approval from me, provided you use the correct lubricant, Evinrude outboard oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Touring Petaluma

Once we’d put in the obligatory family face time, my wife and I did a lot of exploring in the area surrounding Petaluma. We spent one day boating on a peaceful lake. I rented a two stroke motorboat from a local shop. The owner was so grateful for my business that he offered to make me a deal on Evinrude Johnson 2 stroke outboard oil and have it shipped to the marina for me.

Our next day of exploring we spent the morning admiring the redwood trees at the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve. We saw one tree that was 1400 years old! That kind of history really makes you stop and think. We rounded out our day by taking a drive along the coast. Unfortunately, we didn’t spot any whales, but we did see a number of sea lions making themselves comfortable in the sand.

Did you like this? Share it:

Ferry To Petaluma

I’m not an avid baseball fan, but I do like to take in a few baseball games over the summer. My wife’s cousin scored some great tickets to the San Francisco vs. Oakland A’s game while we were in town. We were in row seven along the first baseline. The Giants lost the game, but it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had at a major league stadium.

After the game we took the ferry north toward Petaluma where some additional family and friends reside. The ride takes about 45 minutes and is quite pleasant. While my wife chatted with her cousin, I once again found myself chatting with other boaters, in this case, some off-duty crew members. They recommended a few places to check out in Petaluma as well as a hole-in-the-wall shop that has great deals on ringfree plus.

Did you like this? Share it:

Evinrude E-TEC Specs

I’m concluding Refresher Week by explaining the phenomenon that is the Evinrude E-TEC outboard boat motor. Simply put, the E-TEC is Evinrude’s answer to traditional four stroke motors. Four-stroke motors are touted for their easy start, minimum noise, and superior fuel economy in comparison to two-stroke engines.

The E-TEC rights all those wrongs by being a smooth-operating, quiet, gas conserving two-stroke motor. It’s so fuel efficient that it won the 2004 Clean Air Excellence Award from the EPA. I can personally vouch for the effectiveness of these engines and I recommend that you give one a try.

Did you like this? Share it:

Adjusting the Choke on a MerCruiser

To increase the gas entering your MerCruiser cylinders, you’ll need to adjust the engine’s choke. The choke enriches the air and gas mixture that enters the cylinders, thus making starting a MerCruiser engine an easier task. Of course, before you begin, you should check to make sure that your boat has plenty of gas and Evinrude 2 cycle oil XD100.

First, tilt the motor so the drive system is submerged and then open the tank vent. Shift into neutral and set the choke lever between full and half full. Place the throttle in the start position and rip the manual cord (or press the start button on an electric starter). Adjust the choke back into the off position as the engine warms.

Did you like this? Share it:

Roche Harbor

For those of you who love boating and history, you’ll want to check out Roche Harbor. The highlight of the unincorporated community is the Hotel de Haro. The wrap around porches and meticulous gardens invite you to really soak in the impressive views.

Another unique detail of Roche Harbor is the sunset ritual of playing the U.S. and Canadian anthems. Though the island is part of the United States, it sits right on the border and has a history that is linked with the formerly British Canada. Personally, I think it’s an interesting salute to the island’s history. It’s one of the spectacles I look forward to when I break out my boat motor oil for a day at the harbor.

Did you like this? Share it:

Deer Harbor

Another region of the San Juan Islands I love to explore by boat is Deer Harbor. The harbor is part of an unincorporated community on Orcas Island. Like the other San Juan Island communities I’ve described, the area is a hotbed for kayaking, whale watching, and fishing. The area is also known for its plentiful Dungeness crab, rock crab, and shrimp.

My wife and I particularly like boating in Moran State Park. The views of Mount Constitution are just tremendous. I would highly recommend breaking out your best outboard motor oil and heading over to Deer Harbor for a weekend of waterfront fun.

Did you like this? Share it: