Seeking Thrills and Making Plans

waverunner

Earlier this summer, my family bought some beachfront property on the western shore of Lake Huron. I took my wife for a number of sailing excursions on our catamaran, and sometimes we’d even strap a life jacket onto the dog and let him join in the fun. But now that fall is here, I’m beginning to think about buying a new toy for next year. The sailboat provides a relaxing experience, but I’m looking for some adventure.

One of my friends recommended that I look into the personal water craft market. I’ve ridden waverunners in the past, but only at parties. Come to think of it, I’ve never really had a bad time zipping through the surf on a personal water craft. I’m going to wait until spring to make the purchase – that way I can save on storage costs – but in the meantime I’ve already started preparing myself mentally.

For instance, I found some information online about proper safety procedures onboard a waverunner in addition to some maintenance tips. It seems that keeping the craft well lubricated with Yamaha 2w oil is among the top priorities. Beyond that, I’ve also let the kids know that they’re in for a real surprise when spring comes. I can’t wait to see their faces when I suddenly appear, bursting through the waves on a personal water craft.

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Exploring the Used Outboard Market

used-outboard-market

While some boat owners are beginning to think about winterizing their crafts, others are plotting well ahead for next spring. If your outboard engine has recently gone kaput, you might be tempted to look for a brand new motor. In fact, it may be a better plan to scan the market for used engines from such quality names as Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury. These motors have proven dependable over the years, but of course they should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Magazines like Consumer Reports are especially helpful guides to evaluating an engine’s dependability, and you might also get some insight from online product reviews. Age and use are perhaps the two most important factors to consider, but they should not be confused. The age of the engine is only relevant insofar as you’ll need to know the proper formulation of oil to use. Most quality motors manufactured in the 1990s or later will use a TC-W3 formulation of two cycle outboard oil.

For obvious reasons, an engine will decrease in value as its use increases. Pay special attention to the number of hours run rather than miles. Although a well-worn motor might work out fine for a while, it will no doubt require frequent maintenance and there’s little guarantee it will run without incident.

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TC-W3: Setting the Standard

Yamalube oil If you’ve been shopping around for outboard oil lately, you’ve probably noticed a small indicator on the label, proclaiming that the oil meets “TC-W3” standards. But what does this designation really mean? As one might expect, TC stands for two-cycle. The W is merely standing in for water-cooled. And the 3 simply means that it’s the third formulation of oil for two-cycle, water-cooled engines.

Now that you’ve learned to crack this cryptic motor oil code, it’s time to look in depth at how the TC-W3 standard is determined and which outboard oils make the grade. Two-stroke marine engines are characterized by the way they blend oil and fuel, thus providing lubrication for the engine even as it’s functioning. For many years, people mistakenly believed that this oil-fuel mixture would become archaic due to its environmental impact.

Luckily, the big-time competitors in the two-cycle market – Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury – took the issue to heart and worked to create an oil formulation that would reduce mixture ratio to fuel and keep an engine running strong. That new formulation is known as TC-W3, and today’s Yamaha oil easily makes the grade. Bear in mind that the old motor oil lying around in your garage or shed might not be appropriate for outboards made after 1992. Consult the outboard manual for more information on the topic of oil compatibility.

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Horsepower: Don’t Overdo It

Horsepower: Don't Overdo It The lower-horsepower outboards highlighted yesterday are perfectly suitable for inflatables, canoes and other small craft, but what about those who want to step up their performance? Mid-range engines are tailor-made for fishermen and other boaters who appreciate the capability of traveling several miles at a time. Outboard motors in the 20 to 35 hp range fit the bill, providing crucial mobility for light fiberglass vessels and sailboats.

In general, you should select your ideal horsepower based on a boat’s weight and a boat owner’s desired level of mobility. It might take a 90 hp engine just to get a large pontoon or deck boat to plane. A sailboat won’t require a motor this large, however. Larger engines that generate excess horsepower can actually weigh down and impede the progress of a small boat.

Once you’ve selected an outboard motor with the proper size and power, it’s important to keep the engine well-tuned. By purchasing bulk motor oil, you can ensure that you’ll always have easy access to lubricant when it’s time to perform engine maintenance. This in turn will extend the life of your motor and allow you to enjoy many more summers out on the lake.

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Electric Outboards: Are They Worth the Hype?

Electric Outboards: Are They Worth the Hype? For several years now, many small boat owners have been hearing whispers about electric outboards. These engines are supposed to be the wave of the future, but do their benefits truly outweigh their detriments? When you hear someone trumpeting the use of an electric outboard, they tend to bring up environmental impact first. Let’s explore these and other issues by comparing electric motors to traditional petroleum-fueled outboards.

Bear in mind that there are always going to be tradeoffs associated with electric engines. They might be compact, but they require a heavy battery that can weigh your craft down significantly. On the face of it, electric motors might appear to be more eco-friendly than an engine that requires two cycle oil. This is not actually the case, however. When it comes time to charge the battery, how long will you need to run the engine? Any environmental benefits are therefore negligible, at least for now.

Electric engines also limit the speed and mobility of a small vessel. If you’re accustomed to motoring around a lake with quickness and efficiency, electric is probably not the way to go. Returning to the question of environmental friendliness, don’t forget that 2-cycle engines have improved by leaps and bounds in that department within the last few years. Most major outboard brands meet and exceed efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Mercury Marine Motors: Then and Now

It should come as no surprise to outboard engine owners that Mercury Marine grew out of the seeds of hard work and innovation. After all, the company continues to display those traits to this day. It all started in the late 1930s, in a sleepy Wisconsin burg. Company founder Carl Kiekhaefer saw potential in a failing outboard motor manufacturer and rescued its supply of originally “rejected” motors.

In those days, Kiekhaefer still had modest dreams: naming the company after himself, he hired a small crew of workers to repair the 300 or so motors and sell them to the original buyer. This retailer was so pleased with the crew’s work that they turned around and ordered another batch. Around this time, Kiekhaefer began to envision designs for a refurbished outboard engine that would put power and reliability before all other considerations.

By 1940, the company had been renamed Mercury and was creating a whole new line of engines featuring an innovative fuel system and a housing to protect the drive shaft and exhaust from water damage. As America entered World War II, public attention turned away from the outboard industry. Mercury sought and won a government contract to make 2-stroke chainsaw motors.

In the post-war years, the recreation industry boomed and people returned to lakes and rivers with one thing on their mind: relaxation. Mercury resumed outboard production and would later introduce its own line of 2 cycle oil. Today the company has expanded to put its stamp on a wide variety of products for boat enthusiasts, including propellers, electric controls and inboard engines.

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Time to Inspect for Oil Leaks?

Most outboard motor manufacturers recommend that boat owners inspect their engines once a year – if not more often – and perform some routine maintenance as needed. If your outboard has seen a lot of action this summer, take some time to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly. To begin this process, grab a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, an industrial container, pliers, a hammer, some two cycle outboard oil and your owner’s manual.

The first step is to make sure you don’t void your warranty by mistake. Scour the manual for tips on which lubricants and replacement parts to use. Next, study the motor for signs of lubricant leaks. Don’t be alarmed if you spot a bit of oil below the fill screws, but a large running stain is cause for concern. In the case of excess oil leakage, set up an appointment with an outboard mechanic. At least you caught the problem early instead of finding out about it when your engine shuts down in the middle of the lake.

Consult your manual again to see if lubricant changes are recommended for the engine’s lower unit. If so, drain the old lubricant into the industrial container and replace it with a recommended brand. Squirt some lubricant into the gear case with the applicator until the oil starts to come out of the top fill hole. Put the top plug back on and wipe away leftover lubricant with a cloth.

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Different Engines Suit Different Purposes

2 cycle engine Contrary to popular belief, not all 2-cycle engines are suited for the same purposes. For the most part, 2-cycles can be separated into two distinct groups: water-cooled engines and air-cooled engines. Outboard motors are typically run at high speeds for long durations and then throttled down once a boater reaches his or her destination. Recirculated water keeps these engines cool. On the other hand, most chainsaws are stopped and started frequently, and their engines are air-cooled.

In automotive terms, the outboard motor can be likened to a country car engine – speeding along with minimal interference. The chainsaw motor is more akin to a city car that makes multiple pits tops. Not surprisingly, these very different beasts require different oil formulations. Outboard motors operate best when treated with heavy base oils that don’t evaporate quickly. Evinrude XD50 oil, for example, is specially designed for use in watercraft. Chainsaw motors require lighter base oil with detergent additives. In an outboard engine, these additives would leave destructive ash deposits. However, the chainsaw’s vibrations serve to knock these deposits out of an air-cooled engine.

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Personal Watercraft Safety

WaveRunners and other personal water craft promise hours of enjoyment on the open water – whether you’re taking a weekend trip to the lake or visiting friends at their seaside getaway. Just like all waterborne vessels, WaveRunners should be operated in a safe, responsible manner. As long as you keep a few basic safety tips in mind, you’re virtually guaranteed a carefree marine experience.

First and foremost, wear a life preserver. People who forgo life jackets out of pride are only doing themselves a disservice. Most states mandate life preservers, and the choice is a no-brainer anyway. Keep your vision from becoming obscured by donning a pair of goggles. You may also prefer to wear gloves, thereby ensuring a solid grip on your craft’s movements.

When other watercraft or swimmers are nearby, you should maintain at least 100 feet of distance. The worst WaveRunner accidents are undoubtedly head-on collisions.
Be sure to keep your personal water craft topped off with oil – that way the engine won’t overheat while you’re out tearing up the waves. High-quality 2-cycle bulk oil can keep your engine running smoothly all summer long.

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Don’t Overlook the Water Pump

Don't Overlook the Water Pump As is the case with any machinery, outboard motors require occasional basic maintenance to run properly. Rather than waiting for something to go irreparably wrong, take a proactive approach to motor maintenance by making simple engine observations. Get to know the sound of your well-oiled outboard motor, and learn to recognize any deviations from that norm.

A functioning water pump is particularly important, as it draws water out of the engine and acts as a cooling agent. Without a water pump most 2-cycle engines would overheat in no time. To replace an ailing water pump, begin by removing the bolts from the bottom portion of the motor. Use an engine vice to securely mount the lower engine housing, making sure that any electrical wiring between the housings is disconnected.

Remove the water pump housing, and then replace the impeller. Beneath the impeller you’ll find three gasket seals; remove them. Use some of your supply of bulk outboard motor oil to lube the gaskets before slipping them back into place. Put the housing back into place, and then reconnect the wiring. You’ve just increased the lifespan of your outboard motor.

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Installing an Outboard Motor

Yesterday, we took a look at a wide range of outboard motors and provided tips on how to select the proper amount of horsepower for your boat. Once this process is complete, many DIY-type boat owners will want to perform the installation. Before installing the motor and leaving for your first test run, make sure you’re stocked up on bulk motor oil.

Double-check with your boat manufacturer to be sure that you have the right size of outboard motor. Don’t forget to factor in your towing needs: Will you be tubing or water skiing anytime soon? If so, you’ll require some extra horsepower.

Next, choose motor accessories to match the specifications of your boat. If you have cable steering or hydraulic lift, the burden of motor installation is much lighter to bear. Begin the physical part of the installation by measuring your craft’s transom (basically the height of the stern). Fit the motor so that the propeller reaches below the water line, but not low enough to cause drag.

Once the motor is positioned correctly, affix it to the top of the transom by tightening the clamps. Finally, attach a safety cable to the motor. This will keep your motor from sinking if it’s detached by a submerged rock or other debris. Now you’re ready to take your boat out on the open water and enjoy the warm summer breeze.

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Know Your Oil Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of friction. Specifically, the term refers to a fluid’s resistance to flow when subjected to external pressures. You can also think of viscosity in reference to a liquid’s thickness at a specified temperature. Molasses is a famously viscous liquid; just try to coax a dollop or two out of the bottle for proof. Pure water sits at the other end of the viscosity spectrum, flowing freely at room temperature.

Viscosity is a particularly important measurement in motor oil. As oil heats up, it thins out; likewise, oil thickens in cold temperatures. Boat owners with outboard motors will want to choose an oil with enough viscosity to lubricate a hot engine, but if the oil is too viscous it won’t be thin enough for cold starts.

To test a fluid’s viscosity in a rather rudimentary way, try stirring it with a spoon. The molecules in viscous liquid are bunched tightly together, so they provide more resistance to stirring. This concept can be carried over to 2 cycle oil in outboard motors. High-viscosity oils prevent metal-on-metal contact inside an engine by providing adequate lubrication. However, too much viscosity can gum up the works, decreasing energy efficiency and making your boat slow as molasses.

By selecting oil with the proper amount of viscosity, you can prolong the life of your outboard motor.

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2 Cycle Oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 19