Boating | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 34

How to Change Your Outboard Motor Oil and Filter, Part 2

How to Change Your Outboard Motor Oil and Filter, Part 2

The oil filter will need to be changed every time the outboard motor oil is changed. Be sure and place a couple of rags or absorbent pads under the filter cap to collect potential oil or debris. Try to loosen the cap, using the appropriate wrench. You may have to clean the filter cap with an absorbent pad; if this doesn’t work, get a screwdriver and hammer and tap the screwdriver tip down into the cap, rotating the existing oil filter until it loosens enough to be removed.
Before you replace the old oil filter with a new one, dip your finger into the old oil and rub a bead of oil around the edge of the new oil filter’s gasket o-ring, which will ease the future removal of the new filter when it needs to be replaced with the next oil change. If you will be boating in a hot climate that stays above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, use 25W-40 motor oil; in a cooler climate, use a 10W-30. Screw the new oil filter into position. Tighten the new oil filter by hand, ensuring it is snug with an additional ¾ to 1 full turn. Once the oil filter is in place and the drain plug is secured tightly, remove the plug for the fill and add the new oil using a funnel. Check your manufacturer’s manual for specifications regarding the amount of oil to use. Finally, check your dipstick to make sure there is enough oil. For environmental purposes, please dispose of discarded outboard engine oil at an approved hazardous materials collection center. Happy boating!

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Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend!

Enjoy Your Labor Day Weekend!

The Labor Day holiday weekend can be an excellent time to enjoy boating recreation close to home as weather forecasts permit. There are so many festivals and special events going on all over America, but a quick bit of rest and relaxation on the water may appeal to you much more. However, according to AAA spokespeople, projected Labor Day travel is down 1% from last year among Americans. This may be due to the prices of fuel and automobile oil as well as boat motor oil. Impending expenses for school clothing and supplies many families with children must absorb can also be a deciding factor when choosing to stay home for Labor Day Weekend.

If you do choose to participate in recreational boating this Labor Day weekend, please follow basic rules of safety on the waterways. Wear a lifejacket that fits properly, avoid alcohol consumption when on the boat, keep a lookout for people and objects in the water, familiarize yourself with water routes and conditions before you travel, and follow the boating “rules of the road”. Most boating fatalities occur each summer during Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day holidays. Operator inattention has been said to be the leading cause of boating accidents, followed by alcohol-related fatalities. One wise precaution is assignation of a designated driver while boating, but passengers who are intoxicated can also cause safety hazards by falling overboard, swimming too close to boat propellers, and having other mishaps. Not wearing a life jacket is also a common component of fatal boating accidents. The new lightweight, compact fishing vests on the market are much more comfortable than the bulkier, more traditional life vests, having been innovatively designed to serve multiple purposes and are added incentive for anglers to wear them at all times while on the water.

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How to Save Money on Boating

How to Save Money on Boating

 

In these tricky economic times, there are many small ways to cut corners and save a buck or two while still enjoying boating. One is to stagger your boat trip schedule, perhaps alternating weekends rather than going every weekend, trying to go during times when the most family and friends are available to make the most of the experience. Another is to have fellow boaters chip in when buying bulk motor oil, sharing the costs and saving you all money in the long run.

Small things can also make your boat more fuel-efficient. Cleaning the barnacle and plant residue from the bottom of the boat will reduce the friction and allow the boat to move faster without impediments. Remove excess weight from your boat in the form of heavy objects you may not use. Change the oil every 100 operating hours and replace the air filter, which must be clean for the best fuel efficiency. Ease on your acceleration when taking off, which greatly reduces the amount of fuel burned, and idling your engine as little as possible will waste less fuel. Try fuel additives after doing some research. While some fuel additives on the market are not worthwhile, there are a few that are beneficial for your engine’s fuel efficiency. Fuel up in the morning if you can; gas is considered more dense when there is less heat in the air, so in the morning, you can get more fuel for your dollar. And finally, consider investing in a fuel meter or fuel computer if you do not already have one. These devices give you instant feedback on your fuel burning rate, allowing you to make immediate adjustments to improve it if you can.

 

 

 

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A Good Question!

A Good Question!

In the last couple of blogs, we’ve covered some basic fuel and oil questions in regard to boating. One frequently asked question that was not previously addressed was, “I have some outboard motor oil that has been sitting on the shelf for a few years. Is it any good? Can I still use it?”

The answer is: shake it up a bit and it should be fine. It may need to be room temperature to perform at its best, so avoid extreme heat or cold.

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What Is Oxygenated Fuel?

What is Oxygenated Fuel?

What is oxygenated fuel? Oxygenated fuel contains oxygen as part of its chemical makeup. The purpose of fuel oxygenation is often to reduce carbon monoxide levels created while the fuel burns. Usually oxygenates come in the form of gasoline additives, such as alcohol.

Some boaters are concerned with the possibility than an oxygenated fuel can harm their motor and interfere with the performance of their outboard motor oil. Outboard motors can generally tolerate up to 10% alcohol content in fuels, which is the maximum amount allowed by the United States.

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Got Evinrude Oil?

Got Evinrude Oil?

If it is a new motor, and it is attached to a new Evinrude boat (or a new-to-you boat), congratulations! You may have a question or two about the best care and feeding for this fine machine. For instance, if you are dealing with a two-stroke Evinrude motor, you may be wondering what kind of oil to use. Their suggestions are XD30, XD50 and XD100 oil for two-stroke motors that are 1993 and newer. When it comes to the grade of Evinrude outboard oil to use, 87 octane is the current minimum, but 89 octane is actually preferred. Use of higher-octane fuels have not proven to provide any additional benefit, and may actually exacerbate hard starting conditions in hot weather.

If you are wondering about the proper ratio of fuel to oil for optimal performance in your Evinrude motor, a breakdown given on the company website is as follows: 1958 and prior used 20 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1959-1963 used 24 parts fuel to 1 part oil; 1964 and newer use 50 parts fuel to 1 part oil. High performance racing usage requires a ratio of 25 parts fuel to 1 part oil. Finally, when it comes to gearcase oil type and capacity, refer to your owner’s manual for specifications.

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Happy 100th Anniversary, Evinrude!

Happy 100th Anniversary, Evinrude!

Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), the private company that owns the Evinrude brand, kicked off a year-long celebration of Evinrude’s 100th anniversary on February 14, 2008 at the Miami Boat Show. Always on the cutting edge of boating innovation, Evinrude moves into the future with its line of E-Tec outboard motors, the most environmentally friendly outboard motor in the world. Evinrude also has a popular line of boat motor oil.

“By letting people throw away the oars, Evinrude outboard engines have introduced scores of people to the joys of boating and turned these people into lifelong boating enthusiasts,” Roch Lambert, vice president and general manager of the outboard motor division at BRP, said at the time. “Indeed, in its proud history, Evinrude has sold more engines worldwide than any other outboard manufacturer. People know that buying an Evinrude means buying a trusted brand name that delivers everything they want in an outboard engine,” Mr. Lambert continued.

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A Fishing Club Can Save You Money On Oil!

A Fishing Club Can Save You Money On Oil!

One of the possible benefits of joining a fishing club is that members can get together and buy boat motor oil in bulk. Many people join a club initially to try tournament fishing without putting out a lot of money-some clubs even have openings for no-boat fishermen, so you don’t have to get a boat right away.

Different clubs have different formats. Some encourage fishing in teams, while others have individuals fishing alone in tournaments. Many clubs have a theme, such as bass or smallmouth fishing. It is common for fishing clubs to be active in conservation efforts. Some of them promote youth fishing by holding an event for children occasionally. Military bases and colleges often have nearby fishing clubs; there are also women’s fishing clubs, co-ed fishing clubs, and one national association for hearing-impaired bass fishermen with chapters in several states. Many fishing club websites include educational articles and archived newsletters for your information.

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Racing Outboard Motor Oil

Racing Outboard Motor Oil

Two cycle oil for high-performance racing motors needs to contain a heavier synthetic base than most to protect the pistons and bearing that are under more strain from the rigors of racing. High performance two cycle motors can include stock or modified motors, including snowmobiles, personal watercraft, Moto X motorcycles, ATVs, go-carts and certain outboard motors.

Performance motor oils need to reduce friction and burn clean, because high performance two cycle motors run hotter than recreational outboard motors. The properties of appropriate performance motor oil will also provide some protection against wearing of essential engine components.

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Responsible Motorized Boating Tips

Responsible Motorized Boating Tips

The nonprofit organization Tread Lightly! offers guidance for outdoor ethics, encompassing all types of outdoor recreation. It goes without saying that they have some valuable insights about responsible motorized boating. Before beginning your excursion, make certain your trailer is in working order, all signal lights are operable, and that the boat is secure. When trailering your boat, carefully balance the entire load, including the boat itself and any items that may be stowed inside, including outboard motor oil.

Travel and launch your boat only in designated waterways open to your specific type of boat. Carry a Coast-Guard approved life vest for each person on board.
Operate your boat at a safe speed, complying with all signs and barriers, including speed limits, no-wake zones, underwater obstructions, and the like. Never go boating alone if you can avoid it–assign a designated lookout scoping the water for other boaters, objects, and swimmers. Cross any wakes at slow speeds, staying aware of skiers and towables-never jump a wake.

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Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Outboard Motors

Two-Stroke vs. Four-Stroke Outboard Motors

When choosing between a two-stroke or four-stroke outboard motor for your boat, the features of each must be considered. Two-stroke outboard motors are lighter in weight, less expensive, and often faster. They are generally easier to repair and maintain, having a comparatively simple design that has been available for almost 80 years. Two-stroke outboard motors tend to hold their resale value, remaining in high demand in the used market. On the con side, a two-stroke outboard motor produces more pollution, smoke, are non-two cycle oil injection models, have a rougher idle than their four-stroke counterparts, and are sometimes harder to start.

Four-stroke outboard motors are cleaner, quieter, smoother, provide more fuel economy, and are often more reliable. They are preferred by some boaters who run in lakes and rivers because they are generally accepted at any body of water. They do not run on an oil and gas mixture or generate as much pollution. The negatives of four-stroke outboard motors include their high expense for purchase and repair and heavy bulk, which makes it complicated to transport or position in storage without the help of a stand. Because the design for a four-stroke outboard motor is more complicated than its two-stroke counterpart, there are more parts to malfunction. However, outboard motor production will be either four-stroke or very similar. The technology for the four-stroke outboard motor is always improving, and as time goes on, there is a higher percentage of qualified mechanics to perform any necessary repairs. The current used market is very limited for the four-stroke outboard motor, though this is also growing as technology and training improves.

*Note: this comparison does not include direct fuel-injected two-stroke models.

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Family Boating Becomes More Popular

Family Boating Becomes More PopularWith the high prices of gas and boat motor oil, more and more people are staying relatively close to home to use their boats, even in areas with no apparent recreational boating water near them. New boats retail from $15,000 to $50,000, which is comparable to other similar leisure pursuits. Boating enthusiasts are willing to drive a couple of hours to get to the destination, where they can fish, waterski, wakeboard, inner tube, or just work on a tan.
A family boating trip allows for more togetherness than the average vacation, where all family members might split up to pursue their own activities, such as golf, shop, or go to a movie. Some family boating trips can coincide with a trip to see other family members, or incorporate camping into the trip for a new twist.

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