Yamalube | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 23

Castaic Lake

Is there anything tastier than a fried up recently caught largemouth bass? Fortunately for me, I live just a few hours drive from Castaic Lake, California. The pristine lake is known for its excellent largemouth bass population.

I’m sure that all you readers are thinking ‘I know a much better lake for largemouth bass,’ but since it’s my blog, I’m going with Castaic Lake. Plus, I chose Castaic Lake based on the fact that no other lake in the country has boasted as many 20-plus pounders caught. I plan on taking my family down to the lake this spring; they can go swimming while I take the boat out, properly outfitted with Yamalube 2M oil, and try to catch a beauty.

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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: San Diego


Despite having traveled to California many times in my life, I have never gone fishing in San Diego. To be honest, when I think about San Diego, I instantly think of the zoo rather than ‘I’d better bring my fishing reel.’ That being said, Field & Stream made some interesting points.

San Diego Bay has a sustainable population of small bonefish, as well as barracudas. Offshore, massive yellow fin tuna, marlin and swordfish have been reeled onto boats (maintained with yamalube oil, I’m sure). Inland, San Diego has plenty of reservoirs where catfish, panfish, and crappies flourish. Day trips to Mexican waters from San Diego are also quite popular.

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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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Essential Yamaha Outboard Tools

To keep your Yamaha outboard running smoothly, there are several essential tools you should have in your shed. Take, for instance, a multimeter. The small, handheld tool is used to check electrical connections. It will help identify where problems stem from.

Stabilizer, conditioner, and battery protector are also important items to have in your possession, particularly if you use your outboard in extreme climates. Stabilizer and conditioner protect against ethanol damage, as well as fuel degradation. The battery protector does exactly what its name implies. Though not strictly a tool, responsible boat owners should always have extra lubricant, like Yamalube 2M oil, on their shelves.

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Installing a Water Pump, Part II

Once you’ve drained any remaining water from the hoses, you will want to remove all the bolts that hold the water pump to the block, and then carefully remove the pump. Scrape the old gasket off the engine block.

Find your new gasket and gasket sealer. Apply the gasket sealer to one side of the new gasket, then align the holes of the gasket with the water pump, and finally press the new gasket against the pump. Seal the exposed side with more gasket sealer. Put the new water pump into place, replace and hand-tighten the bolts. You can re-use and re-install the old drive belt pulleys and old hoses on the new water pump (provided neither is damaged). Don’t forget to check to see if the Yamalube 2M needs topping off!

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Installing a Water Pump, Part I

For the most part, a water pump will last the lifetime of the motor itself; however, if you do hear whirring or grinding noises, it may be time to replace the water pump. Replacing a busted water pump is not too difficult for the average handy-man or woman. You will need a set of wrenches, a socket wrench set, new water pump, a water pump gasket, gasket sealer, and possibly new hose clamps. While you’re gathering supplies, you may also want to pick up some Yamalube 2-M oil.

Begin by locating the petcock valves on either side of the engine block. Open up a valve or two to drain out the water. Locate and loosen the bolts on the belt pulleys and then remove the belt. The hose clamps should also be visible; remove any water that may still be lingering in the hose connecting to the damaged water pump.

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The River of No Return

“River of No Return” – has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? In truth, the river is formally known as the Salmon River and it is located in Idaho. It got its ominous sounding nickname because the river’s current was so strong that boats could travel down river, but not back up.

The River of No Return also happens to be one of the best places for salmon fishing in the northwestern United States. Historically, 45 percent of steelhead, spring and summer Chinook salmon found in the originate in the Salmon River. I’ve fished there a few times myself with great success. While ordering your Yamalube 2 cycle oil online, you may also want to browse for information on fishing the River of No Return.

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Winterizing Yamaha Jet Boat, Part II

Picking up where we left off yesterday… attach the flush hose to the antifreeze container and flush the engine using the same techniques used with the water hose. Once that’s completed, spray fogging oil into the engine carburetor while the engine is running. After a little while, spray enough so the engine stops running. Repeat the cycle with the other engine.

Allow the engines to cool down and then remove the spark plugs. Spray fogging oil into the plugs, and then insert the desiccant plugs. Drain out any remaining water and pump antifreeze throughout via the bilge pump. Use ArmorAll or another cleaner to wipe down cushions and other surfaces, and then cover the boat with a breathable yet weather-resistant tarp. Over the winter you can place an order for Yamalube so you’ll be ready to go once warm weather rolls around.

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