Checking your boat’s oil

It’s the same process as checking the oil in your car, but just in case you don’t know, here are the steps to check your boat’s oil:

1. Pull out the dipstick (which usually has a yellow handle at the top), and wipe off the oil with a light colored rag to check its color. If it is dark or has particles such as dirt and sand in it, it needs to be changed. A recommended oil type is Yamalube outboard motor oil. If it’s a caramel color, it is fine.
2. Put the dipstick back in, and pull it out to check the oil level. If the oil only reaches to the “low” line, you need more.
3. Check the engine oil before each outing; this will allow you to detect leaks early on.