December, 2011 | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 2

Top Five Fishing Cities: The Twin Cities

Of course Minneapolis and St. Paul made the cut! They are located in the ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ aka Minnesota. I have frequented the Twin Cities because they have some of the best freshwater fishing in the nation.

The mighty Mississippi river flows through the cities and offers up a delectable offering of bass, walleyes, muskies, and catfish. You may want to check local regulations, but I’ve had no problems taking out my outboard motorboat filled with 2 cycle oil. Lakes litter the area, so ask locals for some tips. I personally favor White Bear Lake and North Arbor Lake in Hennepin County.

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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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More Essential Yamaha Outboard Tools

Yesterday we detailed a few Yamaha outboard tools all responsible owners should have on hand. In continuing in that vein, boat owners should also carry extra spark plugs and a spark plug tool. On site swaps are not too difficult for a regular DIY-er.

Fluids, again, not strictly tools, are essential. You will want to have power trim and tilt fluid, like Performance Power, to ensure the prop shaft works properly. Yamalube 2W oil or Yamalube 4M oil, depending on what type of outboard motor you have, is necessary for proper motion and extending the lifespan of a motor. You may want to stock up on gear-case lubricant, too.

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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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Winterizing Yamaha Jet Boat, Part I

Knowing how to winterize watercraft is part of being a responsible boat owner. Today and tomorrow we’re going to focus on how to winterize a Yamaha jet boat. To complete the winterization process, you will need: stabilizer fuel treatment, fogging oil, water hose, flush hose, antifreeze, desiccant plugs, and ArmorAll.

Add fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank of the jet boat prior to its last run of the season. After the outing is over, add another bottle of fuel stabilizer and fill the tank with fuel. Using the water hose, flush the engine for about 30 minutes. Make sure the engine is running when you flush the system, so as not to damage any cylinders. We’ll pick up here tomorrow. You can use the time between posts to make sure you have all the necessary materials, including plenty of Yamaha outboard oil.

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