Channel Bass

Channel bass, also known as red drum, is a delectable fish that can weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. There have even been channel bass caught that have weighed in at over 80 pounds. Reeling one in is quite a feat, especially when you factor in how much of a fight they put up.

When I was living on the east coast, I got to experience red drum fishing firsthand in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina. Nowadays, red drum fishing is primarily catch-and-release due to coastal restrictions along the North Carolina coast. Still, I would rate taking my outboard motor boat with Yamalube 2W oil and catching a red drum as one of my proudest fishing moments.

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Tarpon of the North

Yesterday I wrote about tarpon fishing in Florida. Today I want to tell you about the tarpon of the North, also known as sheefish. Sheefish is a freshwater whitefish that as an adult can weigh as much as 55 pounds. It lives off of plankton and smaller fish.

The prime location to catch sheefish is Selawik Valley, Alaska. Like many places in the Alaskan wild, you will absolutely need a guide through the wilderness. Sheefish can be caught year round, although summer is the best season while the sheefish go through their feeding. I haven’t been that far up north myself, but I hope to someday take my Yamalube 2M taking outboard motor boat up there for a few days of fishing.

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Tarpon Fishing in Boca Grande, FL

Tarpons are among the most desirable saltwater game fish. They can grow quite large and they put up a huge fight when hooked. If you’ve ever seen a leaping tarpon then you know exactly what I’m talking about.

One of the best destinations in the U.S. to bag a tarpon is in Boca Grande, Florida. The town boasts plenty of guides, charters, and rental equipment for out of town guests looking for a piece of the tarpon action. I hope one day to take my own boat down there, lubed up with Yamalube 2-M, and give tarpon fishing a go.

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Unmistakably Yamaha

The 212SS is all new for 2012. The 21-footer can fit a number of passengers, yet maintains a sporty look. My favorite features of the boat are the twin engines. The high output 1.8 liter engines go from zero to 30 mph in exactly four seconds. When pushed, the engine can reach 55 mph.

I also love the helm and steering of the 212SS. The engineers were clearly inspired by sports cars and featured the gauges and controls accordingly. Next time I pick up some yamalube 2 cycle oil I’ll be sure to chat up my mechanic as to what he thinks of the new 212SS.

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Yamaha SX190

I thought the Yamaha AR190 was top of the line until I took a look at the SX190. Although it is a 19-footer like the AR190, the SX190 is even more spacious in its lay-out. The bow has plenty of seating, cup holders, speakers, and an anchor storage locker. Additional storage can be found in the wet storage compartment on the swim platform.

Even more storage can be found in the oversized in-floor locker. The in-floor locker is ideal for storing towables and water sport gear. In my case, I’d probably use it to store fishing gear. I assume since it’s manufactured by Yamaha, I could use my supply of yamalube to keep the engine running properly.

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Top Five Fishing Cities: Miami

As an avid outdoorsman, it should come as a surprise to no one that I read Field & Stream – “The world’s leading outdoor website.” A few years back they ranked America’s top five best fishing cities. I’ve fished in a quite a few of the areas they recommend; here’s my take on their top five list.

Coming in at number five was Miami. I’ve fished their several times when visiting my brother and sister-in-law. You can easily catch snapper, mackerel, seatrout, and drum off the piers. Biscayne Bay offers plenty of tarpon while Tamianmi canal offers peacock bass. In Miami you can take your motorboat, topped off with Yamalube 2W oil, out for a relaxing day of fishing or simply cast a line from shore. In my opinion, the only drawback is the heat!

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Top 10 Ferry Boat Rides Worldwide ~ Norway

Founded in 1982, Fjord Tours offer various packages of ultra-exclusive tours throughout Norway on both the Norwegian and international market. The Norway in a nutshell tour puts an emphasis on the natural beauty of the surrounding area – the beautiful Fjord scenery. When exploring this area by ferry, you have the option of participating in a wonderful variety of excursions and activities.

Maybe it’s a kayaking trip in Flam or a close-range safari full of culture and history you crave. With dozens of extras to choose from, adventure and enjoyment are guaranteed with purchase when you call upon the Fjord Tours as your guide. You’re invited to explore exotic destinations like Alesund, Stavanger and Oslo – the capital of Norway – in a number of ways.

With dedication to the satisfaction of their passengers, I bet the Fjord Tours company relies on the premium power of Yamalube 2Woil!

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Top 10 Ferry Boat Rides Worldwide ~ Alaska

The Alaska Marine Highway System debuted in 1963 with regularly scheduled service for passengers and vehicles that catered to 31 nearby communities in Alaska as well as Bellingham, Washington and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Currently, the marine fleet consists of 11 vessels, although, the AMHS plans to introduce additional ferries in the future.

On average, the Alaska Marine Highway System transports 400,000 passengers and 100,000 vehicles each year. The company’s mission is as follows: “To provide safe, reliable and efficient transportation of people, goods and vehicles among Alaska communities, Canada and the Lower 48.” For an area with habitually frosty weather to witness such success with their ferry system is quite an accomplishment.

Mighty oats calls for Yamalube 2M oil to ensure safety and satisfaction at sea!

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Top 10 Ferry Boat Rides Worldwide ~ Washington State

The Washington State Ferries of Puget Sound are proud to have earned the title of the nation’s largest ferry system. Making its debut in June 1951, the waterway transport system is also the third largest ferry system in the world and transports nearly 23 million passengers annually. The fleet consists of 20 auto-passenger ferries and two passenger-only ferries to accommodate the locals and the tourists.

With a busy-bee presence on the water, the Washington State Ferries make 450 trips per day, operates through 20 terminals and sets course on nine different routes. The busiest route runs from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, which cranks out about 6 million rides per year, and the largest ferry of the fleet is the Jumbo Mark II. This vessel is able to hold 2,500 passengers and 202 vehicles.

As the largest system of its kind, Washington State must surely power their vessels with Yamalube 2W oil!

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The Two-Stroke Engine Cycle: Part Three

After reading the two previous blog posts, you’ve probably realized that the piston is the star of the show in the two-stroke engine. It serves three main purposes during the engine cycle. First, it acts as the combustion chamber, pressurizing the mixture of air, gas and Yamaha oil and capturing the power created by the subsequent ignition of that fuel. In addition, the piston also serves as the crankcase when it facilitates the flow of air and fuel into the system via the reed valve.

While all of this is occurring, the piston is also taking the place of the valves as it covers the intake and exhaust ports in the cylinder walls. The multifaceted nature of the piston is what allows for the two-stroke engine’s lightweight and powerful construction. Remember that the piston is under constant tension and doesn’t have a direct source of lubrication, so be sure to be diligent when you’re mixing your gas and oil.

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Pre-Season Snow Mobile Maintenance: Part Three

Now that we have the hood open, remove, clean and inspect your spark plugs. Personally, I change my spark plugs at the beginning of each year, as they tend to die out quickly. Nothing is worse than trying to start up your snowmobile miles from civilization only to find that one of your spark plugs is dead. You can find specifications for which plugs to use in your owner’s manual.

The starter rope also requires attention, as it has a tendency to fray and wear. Even if the rope looks like it’s in good condition, it’s still a smart idea to bring an extra one along with you on your rides. Replace the battery if you removed it for storage and clean the terminals before making the connection. Tomorrow we’ll go over carburetor maintenance and the proper procedure for mixing your Yamaha 2W oil with gasoline.

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Pre-Season Snow Mobile Maintenance: Part One

With a particularly cold winter forecasted here in the Pacific Northwest, it’s time to start thinking about pulling the snowmobile out of storage. Although there may not be any powder on the ground yet, now is the time to go through your preseason maintenance. Hopefully you took the time to clean and tune the vehicle before putting it in storage, as his will make your job infinitely easier.

Start by gathering all of the necessary tools and supplies, including socket wrenches, spark plugs and Yamalube 2M oil. Move the snowmobile to a clear, open space so you have ample room to work. The first step is simply to clean the outside of the vehicle, removing any dirt, grime or debris that may have accumulated while it was idle for a few months. This is also a good time to do a careful visual inspection of the exterior.

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