Yamalube | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 29

Dealing with Rising Fuel Costs

Gas prices are expected to peak at over $4 a gallon in 2011. As many American families are feeling the pinch of the recession higher fuel costs are negatively impacting travel. In the past you may have trailered your boat to the back of your SUV or pick-up and traveled 60-80 miles for a boating trip. Now, that same one or two day fishing trip can cost as much as $120 in gas.

High fuel costs don’t mean you have to give up fishing trips until the economy turns around. Try local fishing and boating stops, or shorten the length of time you spend on each outing. Also make sure your engine is running properly with Yamalube 2w oil. An efficient engine equals higher fuel efficiency, which means less money coming out of your pocket to pay for fuel.

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Warm-water Fishing in January?

In a previous post I had mentioned that January is the off-season for boat buying. This remains true, but there are places you can go warm-water fishing in January. The San Marcos Daily Record reports that power plant lakes are perfect for warm-water fishing during the winter. Hot water discharge canals generate a good current flow and warm water pulls in shad and bass in areas of Texas.

A Daily Record columnist reported successfully trolling for bass while testing out his new outboard engine. If there is a power plant near you, check out whether you can boat in or near the hot water canals. It may still be a bit nippy on the surface for you, so bundle up while you’re enjoying a rare January fishing trip. Remember to properly outfit your engine with Yamalube 2m oil.

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Fishing Licenses

The silver carp mentioned in previous posts only “fly” in the Illinois River. The reason they leap out of the water only in Illinois has to do with the contouring of the river banks. To partake in the annual Redneck Fishing Tournament using a dip stick net, you must have an Illinois fishing license. Licenses are fairly easy to acquire and won’t run you up a huge bill.

Non-residents can get a fishing license for $31.50, which should be good for the season. If you’ll only be in town for a little while, you may want to go for the $20 ten day licenses. The town of Bath, which hosts the fish contest, has only a little over 300 permanent residents, but thousands come out each year for the event. Everyone seems to get the proper licenses just fine. When you head out to Bath with your outboard motor boat, make sure you’ve got your licenses and yamalube 2w oil on hand.

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Redneck Fishing Tournament

Picturing a redneck on a fishing boat isn’t that far a stretch of the imagination. What about a redneck fishing tournament in which rods and reels aren’t allowed? In Bath, Illinois the natives host an annual Redneck Fishing Tournament in which all contestants must use nets to catch the invasive silver carp also known as flying carp. The fish are nicknamed flying carp because they leap high out of the water and are known to smack people in the face.

During the annual redneck hunt, contestants catch the flying fish with nets, or sometimes the fish just leap straight into the boats. There are prizes given for the most fish caught. Because they are a non-native, invasive species which devastate local ecosystems, there is no limit on the number that can be caught. The caught fish are not great for eating, so they are ground into fish meal and used as fertilizer. Silver carp are actually attracted to the noise generated by 2 stroke cycle outboard motors and become frenzied as the boats draw nearer. To participate in this endeavor, load up your outboard motorboat (filled with yamalube 2m oil, of course), and head on down to Bath, Illinois!

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Guide to Smooth Anchoring Part 3

The line or chain that holds your anchor is called the anchor rode. Determining how much rode to put out is an important part of effective anchoring, but it does require a little math. The first measurement you’ll want to take is the vertical distance from the surface of the water to the point on your bow where the anchor rode attaches. Once you’ve determined that measurement you want to add it to the depth of the water. Let’s say it’s 2 feet from the point on your bow where the anchor is attached and the water you’re in is 23 feet deep. You’ll use the number 25 as the total distance between bow and bottom.

The length of rode being used is also called the scope.  Recreational boaters always want to have a minimum scope equal to five times the distance between bow and bottom out at all times. In overnight conditions you need to have out six to eight times that distance. This would put you at a scope of 125 feet during the day and a scope of 150-200 feet of rode out at night. The amount you’ll need will depend on current conditions but the above is an excellent general purpose approach to anchoring wherever your adventures take you.

And don’t forget one of the most important parts of boating: engine maintenance. Take the proper care of your Yamaha 2-cycle engine with Yamalube 2M oil.

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Guide to Smooth Anchoring Part 2

Choosing an anchor is the first step in getting the most out of your boating experience. There are three main types of anchors to choose from; the plow, the danforth or fluke and the mushroom anchor. Mushroom anchors simply don’t have the staying power of the other two and are recommended for small craft in light conditions. Trying to figure out which one best suits you, however, will begin with analyzing your boating habits. You have to ask the important question “How will I use this anchor,” in order to make the right decision.

Some people claim otherwise but there is no single anchor that is best in all conditions. The size of one’s boat is not the only thing that matters when considering anchoring. Differing marine conditions also have a tremendous effect on your vessel. Even a small boat can require a larger anchor if the conditions are severe enough to warrant it. A good place to start would be a local marine supply store where they’d be well-equipped to understand the particular conditions in your area. But when it comes time to buy some oil you can save a bundle when you buy Yamalube 2W oil in bulk.

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Beginners Guide to Outboard Motors Part 3

One question that probably isn’t asked enough is how does an outboard motor work? They are complex systems created by brilliant engineers to accomplish a herculean task with little to no effort. As the primary propulsion system for most boats, outboard motors are often taken for granted by boaters and water-going enthusiasts of all kinds. That is until it breaks down. You can help yourself avoid this pitfall by learning how your motor works.

Not only will you learn how it functions you’ll also learn how to better care for it. Regular maintenance will become more intuitive and good habits for regular use will develop. Outboard motors are small, self-contained engines with propellers and other systems designed to make the motor work efficiently. Most work in a way similar to internal combustion engines and therefore require similar care and attention. Take the time to learn as much about an outboard motor before you buy one and you’ll be better qualified to make a good decision that you won’t end up regretting.

If you choose a Yamaha you can maximize its performance with a good supply of Yamalube 2W oil.

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Beginners Guide to Outboard Motors Part 2

One oft-forgotten topic in many people’s minds is where to get a good motor. Luckily there are several options available, and they can fit almost any budget. You don’t have to head down to the shop and buy a shiny, brand-spanking-new motor to enjoy boating. In fact, some of the best deals you’ll find aren’t going to be in retail outlets or from dealers of any kind. Used outboard motors offer tremendous value by giving you premium quality at a fraction of the price.

But where do you find used motors? That’s easy, you can check online or in your local newspaper classified to see who’s selling a great motor on the heap. Craigslist is another great resource for finding, selling or buying just about anything you can think of. You can also ask around, or even check with some mechanics or dealers who may know where you can save a bundle on a good motor. Visiting a local swap meet may also be a helpful way to get the deal of a lifetime on your outboard motor. Granted, this won’t be as quick and convenient as buying a brand new motor but you have the opportunity to get a great motor at a fraction of the cost of a new one.

If you choose a Yamaha then get the most from your motor with Yamalube 2M oil.

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Great Gifts for Boaters This Holiday Season: Part 4

When the warmer months finally arrive it will be time to head out on the water. After having abstained for the entire winter I’ll be waiting anxiously to head out for the first time. And each time I head out I’ll probably stay out a little longer than usual. In fact, if you’re like most boaters I know, you won’t wait until it’s actually “warm.” It only has to be a little bit “warmer.” However, going out in the early months of the year can leave us facing extended periods of darkness and even less-than-ideal weather and visibility conditions.

If you plan on being out during the twilight hours, or even when it’s dark, then quality marine lighting is a true necessity. Whether it’s the early morning hours or late into the night, you don’t want to be caught on the water without the proper safety precautions. In addition to illuminating your surroundings marine lighting serves a host of versatile functions. It can help you see in dense mist or fog and makes you more visible to other boaters in low visibility conditions. Lighting makes an affordable gift that no boater should ever be without.

If your boater enjoys their 2-cycle engine then help them keep it running affordably with Yamalube 2W oil.

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Great Gifts for Boaters This Holiday Season: Part 3

Our next installment in gifts for boaters is something no modern boater should be without. We’re all familiar with those fancy GPS systems we have for our cars. They call out directions, display an interactive map and some can even keep up-to-date with construction areas and road closures. So, why should you go without one when you’re on the water? Just because there aren’t any road signs, traffic lights or huge intersections doesn’t mean you can’t end up heading in the wrong direction.

Marine GPS products offer a variety of versatile functions and features. From being designed specifically for being on the water to having interactive features for fishing and more, no boating enthusiast should be without one of these nifty gadgets. Some even provide sonar for illustrating depth contours and fish targets! Whether it’s for use on fresh water of off shore, the marine GPS unit is a must-have. And for the Yamaha owner check out a lasting supply of Yamalube 2M oil.

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Spring Checklist Item 3

Our next item on the checklist is something we should probably be doing everytime wwe take the boat out, but sometimes we all forget. Fluids, props and hulls need to be checked thoroughly before heading out on the water this spring. It’s easy to check fluid levels like oil, steering, power trim reservoirs and coolant. And if you didn’t change your oil prior to winterizing you’ll want to change it before heading out. Many Yamaha 2 cycle engines run better and more efficiently with Yamalube 2W oil, for example.

Propellers and hulls should be checked for nicks and dings that may be unsafe or cause the motor to operate at less than optimum efficiency. You’ll also want to ensure the prop is seated securely. When inspecting the hull keep an eye out for any cracking or blistering that may indicate a larger problem. A little preparedness goes a long way when getting ready for the next boating season.

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Spring Checklist Item 2

One thing which is notorious for failing during the colder winter months is the electrical system. Whether it’s the battery or the wiring you can bet you will need to check this system thoroughly before heading out onto the water this coming spring. You can start by inspecting all electrical connections for corrosion or other debris. A good practice is to remove all terminals and clean them thoroughly with a wire brush to remove any remnants from the previous season.

When it comes to your battery, make sure you charge it completely and have it tested. You’ll want to have it tested so you can be sure it will hold a charge. There’s nothing like a dead battery to ruin a day on the water. Yamaha owners should also check into Yamalube 2M oil for top performance in the coming months.

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