Yamaha 212X

I’ve added the Yamaha 212X boat to my list of pleasure boats my wife will never let me purchase. The 212X is a 21-footer built for water sports enthusiasts. The tower boat is driven by 1.8 liter precision-engineered Yamaha engines. According to the manufacturer, the 212X can go from zero to 30 in exactly four seconds.

Nine people can be comfortably seated inside the boat with plenty of room leftover for storing wakeboarding and water skiing gear. In fact, the built in wakeboard racks fold down for easy towing and storage. Ballast tanks create massive wake while the cruise assist maintains optimal towing speed. From boats to Yamaha oil is there anything Yamaha Marine doesn’t do well?

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Yamaha AR190

Even though we’re over a month into the New Year, I’ve just now begun drooling over the new line of Yamaha boats. The 2012 AR190, for example, allegedly “redefines everything that boaters should expect in a 19-foot boat.” In addition to its considerable length, the AR190 features a wet storage compartment, cup holders, upholstered backrest, and a swim platform.

The cockpit has an integrated helm design. I can tell from the photos that Yamaha definitely thought about ease of use in their lay-out, unlike some manufacturers who prefer design over function. In the bow, two adults can stretch out comfortably – something I’ll be sure to mention to my wife when I ask for permission to buy this pleasure boat. For now, I need to read up on a few technical details, such as does the AR190 take Yamaha 2W oil?

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Yamaha PW80

Yamaha is well known for making quality motorcycle and outboard engines. The Yamaha PW80 is a prime example. Typically used in trail midsize trail motorcycles, the PW80 is suitable for tackling bumps and jumps with ease. New riders prefer the PW80 because it is lightweight and easy to handle.

To go into more engine detail, the PW80 runs on unleaded fuel and is a single-cylinder two-stroke. The engine is air-cooled and requires Yamaha 2S oil (or the equivalent). The transmission is a manual three speed operated by foot. All in all, it’s a solid engine that I would recommend to others, particularly motorcycling newcomers.

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Yamaha Two-Stroke Engine Oil

Normally, I’m wary of manufacturers’ claims. After all, they’ve got a product to sell regardless of the quality. That being said, over the years I’ve found Yamaha’s claims to be largely accurate (although they wax more poetic in their descriptions than I would).

For example, Yamaha 2M oil is described by the company as “meet[ing] or exceed[ing] the industry standard when it comes to guarding against power robbing ring stick and carbon build up.” Having used other oils intended for two-stroke engines I have found this to be true. I would also agree with their statement that Yamaha 2M oil provides “superior anti-wear and anti-corrosion protection.” Though Yamaha has proven there is some truth in advertising, I still recommend finding out for yourself.

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2011 Evinrude 115 ETEC

Have you taken a look at the 2011 Evinrude 115 ETEC outboard motor? It can reach a top speeds between 37.3 mph and 46.7 mph, depending on the boat it’s paired with. Plane speed, which is measured in seconds, ranges from 3.5 seconds to 5.5 seconds.

What I like best about this particular motor is its fuel efficiency. On one tank of gas, the Evinrude 115 can squeeze out 170 miles (when driven at approximately 22.3 mph, of course). The engine takes XD1 Evinrude ETEC outboard motor oil to keep all its parts operating smoothly.

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Repairing WaveRunner Scratches

Scratches on a new vehicle, whether it’s a car or a boat, really irritate me. I recently found some scratches on my brand new WaveRunner which absolutely drove me nuts. Fortunately, I have plenty of experience fixing scratches to look brand new.

Using epoxy fillers, toothpicks, sandpaper, sealant, touch up paint, and polyurethane clear coat, I can fix just about any scratch. It is very time consuming to apply and let the different fillers dry, and then sand them down and paint, but the results are completely worth it. I do need to go to the store to pick up some matching paint, so I suppose while I’m there I’ll also purchase some WaveRunner oil.

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Parts of a Two Cycle Outboard

I’ve been asked to give a brief refresher course as to how a two cycle engine works. There are three main components of a two cycle engine: spark plugs, compression, and power valve system. The spark plugs ignite the combustion mixture, thus generating power in the combustion stroke. The igniting spark plugs move the pistons up and down, compressing the crankcase mixture, and opening the exhaust port so a fresh supply of fuel can be taken in.

As the piston moves down toward the spark plug, the combustion mixture is compressed, thus creating a vacuum in the crankcase. The vacuum in turn causes the reed valve to open, the combustion mixture to be drawn out, and the cycle is then started over. The power valve system closes the exhaust port during piston cycles for better low-speed engine power. Now that you have a better understanding of how a two cycle engine works, you’ll know better than to supply the engine with anything other than premium two cycle outboard oil.

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Digital vs. Analog Gauges

Like controls, gauges also come in a variety of styles, including analog and digital versions. An analog gauge is extremely basic. What you get is essentially a pointer and scale that tells speed, RPM, trim, or fuel level. These gauges are connected to the engine by wires.

Digital gauges are more desirable to some people because the LCD screens on some models allow for all features to be displayed at once or one at a time. In other words, you can have access to all the engine’s vitals with just a touch of the button. Whether you’re old school or new school, it’s important to make sure your gauges are in good working order. Whenever you replace your engine’s two cycle oil be sure to check your gauges and other equipment.

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MerCruiser Piloting Systems

MerCruiser has been hyping its Axius and Axius Premier piloting system. According to the company the piloting systems “turn the most stressful part of boating into something you’ll enjoy.” Apparently, the company has made control and handling easier with an intuitive joystick.

The Axius system works well with boat packages from 27 to 46 feet that utilize a dual sterndrive. Docking is supposed to be easier and more “worry-free.” I’ll admit, the SmartCraft digital throttle and shift does sound enticing. I may need to look more into these systems the next type I pick up some synthetic oil outboard motor.

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Types of Control Mounts

Depending on the boat and engine, controls can be installed using different mount types. The main kinds of mounts are: side, panel or flush, console, binnacle, or top-mount. Typically, side mounts are used in conjunction with mechanical controls on outboard engines. The control box is installed on the boat’s inner wall.

Panel or flush mounts can be used with mechanical and digital controls. The boxes are hidden behind a wall with the handle flush to the wall. Console, binnacle, and top-mount installations likewise can be used for both mechanical and digital controls. Components are usually hidden under decorative housing with the handle attached. You can browse some housing options the next type you pick up synthetic 2 stroke outboard oil.

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Digital vs. Mechanical Controls

When selecting controls for a boat it is important to decide whether you want to go for mechanical and digital. If you’re unfamiliar with the differences, then allow me to explain. Mechanical controls connect to the engine via cables, one cable per engine.

Digital controls, on the other hand, make use of sensors and wires. This system transmits a signal from the controls to the engine’s computer. Mercury Marine models that utilize digital controls include the Verado and OptiMax. For additional information, talk to your mechanic next time you’re picking up snowmobile oil or spare parts.

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Boat Controls

I know I spend a lot of time on this blog writing about outboard oil, but today I’d like to focus on controls. Why controls? They are the primary contact point for most boat drivers, but I doubt most boat owners know much about them.

For example, did you know that while controls come in different shapes and styles, most have a dual-function in that they control both the throttle and shift. Single-engine controls typically have one handle, while dual installations have two. Boats with multiple engines are often accompanied by controls that have more handles.

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