Getting the Best Mileage, Part I

Let’s face it: boating is an expensive hobby and rising fuel costs don’t help. Here are a few tips to keep more cash in your pocket by getting the best mileage. Before you start any new routines, take an accurate gauge of how much fuel you use, specifically gallons per hour. Some boats come with a gauge that will tell you this amount, but if not you can keep track by calculating miles traveled divided by fuel used (this number may not be as accurate, but it gives you a starting point).

Next you will want to inspect all of your plugs. If they’re full of gunk, clean them. If they’re cracked or leaking, replace them. This will save you money in the long run. You also don’t want to skimp on engine oil; go for the best outboard motor oil you can find at a discount, as engine problems tend to be the most expensive boat repairs you can be plagued with.

Did you like this? Share it:

Choosing Marine Diesel Engine Oil

Diesel marine engines require special marine grade oil. To avoid low-quality oils, look only at marine diesel engine oils tested and certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). The NMMA currently certifies three types of marine grade engine oil: TC-W3, FC-W, and FC-W(CAT).

TC-W3, like Amalie oil, is typically used for two-stroke engines. FC-W is used for four-stroke engines, and FC-W(CAT) is used for four-stroke engines that have an exhaust treatment catalyst system. Synthetic oils tend to be more expensive than partial synthetic oil, but offer better protection, so look into your budget to see what you can afford.

Did you like this? Share it:

Changing Oil on a Two Stroke Motorcycle

Even normal activities can place a strain on motorcycle and dirt bike engines. To keep them running smoothly, the 2 stroke oil needs to be replaced every season. It is advisable to check oil levels before any long rides or competitions, as well.

To change the 2 stroke oil on motorbike or motorcycle, start by parking the bike on a flat surface. Take a drain pan and set it up under the engine block, unscrew the drain plug, and let the old oil drain away. Screw the drain plug back in and add new 2 stroke oil into the oil compartment via the oil check dipstick hole. When the compartment is full, screw the dipstick cover back in place, clean up, and get ready to ride!

Did you like this? Share it:

Mixing 2 Cycle Oil

Many boat owners, particularly new boat owners, have questions about how to properly mix 2 cycle oil with gasoline. It is important to get the right ratio of gasoline to oil as too much oil can cause a fire, but too little oil won’t provide adequate engine lubrication. Start by dispensing the gasoline you will be adding to the tank into an approved container. Note down the quantity in the container.

Next, determine the ounces of fuel in your tank by multiplying the number of gallons by 64. Take the number of ounces and divide by 50, as the ratio for gasoline to oil is 50:1. The final number of that equation will be the number of ounces of 2 cycle oil you will need to add to the gasoline. Add the oil into the gasoline container, mix, and then add to your boat’s fuel tank.

Did you like this? Share it:

Yamalube Oil and Motorcycles

In addition to being an avid boater, I also love riding my Yamaha V-Star motorcycle. The V-Star is a typical cruiser style motorcycle that I take out several times a week. For this type of motorcycle, synthetic oil works well to reduce wear and tear and keep operating temperatures in check.

I have a lot of faith in the Yamaha brand which is why I purchase Yamalube oil for my bike. It is competitive with other brands, but far cheaper. Plus, Yamalube oil has achieved the highest rating given by the Japanese Automotive Standards Organization.

Did you like this? Share it:

Dare To Dream

Boating enthusiasts should make a point of reading ‘Dare to Dream’ by Ia The book details the logistics of Thomson’s record setting solo circumnavigation of Australia. What’s most intriguing about the book is how candidly Thomson relates his mindset and motivations.

Another fascinating feature of the book and the trip is how quickly the journey came together. In January 2010 Thomson decided he wanted to undertake the journey, but didn’t even have a boat. Within months he was able to get a boat and equipment, and completed the journey by mid-June. I don’t think I’ll ever be as gutsy as Thomson, but perhaps I’ll plan to motor around the local lake in a two-stroke outboard motor, lubricated with Yamalube 2M oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Sydney International Boat Show

The 44th Sydney International Boat Show is set to begin on the 28th. If you happen to be down under this is a show you do not want to miss! There will be over 280 exhibitors, including the leading manufacturers in the industry.

In addition to the boats on display there will be various activities and authors on hand. Every day at noon there will be a boating safety class and following at two there will be a workshop on preparing yachts for long journeys. Ian Thomson, who holds the record for solo circumnavigating Australia, will sign copies of his book ‘Dare to Dream.’ If you do sail away with a new boat, be sure to purchase Yamalube 2-M oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Compare/Contrast: Two Cycle Oil and Motor Oil

Not all motor oil is created alike. In fact, different motor oil is required for different engines. Today we will look at the difference between two cycle oil and motor oil.

Two cycle oil, like the Yamalube 2 cycle oil you might currently use, is needed, not surprisingly, for two stroke engines. These particular engines do not have a lubrication system so two cycle oil is mixed with gasoline to lubricate the engine while the fuel is used. Motor oil is used in four stroke engines and is typically kept in a separate reservoir from the gasoline. For lubrication, an oil pump transfers the oil to the engine.

Did you like this? Share it:

Changing Oil on a Yamaha 225 hp

What’s great about the Yamaha 225 hp four-stroke is that you only have to change the oil in the gear case. The oil injection system mixes the oil and gasoline precisely, so you don’t have to worry about getting the right ratio. The only drawback to the 225 hp is that you have to tilt the motor to drain the oil from the front rather than the bottom like most motors. Still, the process is not too difficult so long as you know what you’re doing and have Yamaha outboard oil on hand.

Start by tilting the motor up so the oil drain plug is the lowest point. Place a drain pan under the drain plug. Next, you will need to remove the nut and bolt holding the cooling water inlet covers, the magnetized drain plug, and the oil level plug. Let the oil drain out and then tilt the motor down and replace the oil. Place all of the covers and parts back on and you’ll be good to go!

Did you like this? Share it:

Paella, Part 2

If you’re following along from yesterday’s post, then you’re probably chomping at the bit to get cooking. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in a sauté pan on medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp in the sauté pan until they are pink on both sides. Set the cooked shrimp aside. Next you need to add more oil to the pan so you can cook the sausage until it begins to brown, and then add in onions, garlic, and rice.

Stir in the paprika, turmeric, diced tomatoes, broth, salt and pepper. Bring the whole dish to a boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer. Place a lid on the pan and let the dish cook for 25 minutes. During the last minute stir in the peas. Voila! You may not have enough room to eat the whole pan, so save some for your next boat outing on your outboard motorboat that’s engine has been properly lubricated with Evinrude XD 50 oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Paella, Part 1

Two years ago I had the good fortune to spend a few days in Barcelona, Spain. While visiting I of course had to try some world famous fish paella. Authentic paella is cooked in a special, large paella pan over an open fire. It is still possible to recreate the flavors in a smaller pan on your stovetop at home.

To complete this recipe you will need: 2 tablespoons olive oil, ¾ pound medium shrimp (peeled and de-veined), 12 ounces chicken sausage (sliced into half inch rounds), 1 finely chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 ½ cups long grain rice, ¼ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 cans chicken broth, coarse salt, ground pepper, and 1 cup peas. If you can get your hands on fresh shrimp, that is ideal. In fact, if you want to add freshly caught shrimp to the recipe that works, too. Just make sure you use Evinrude XD 100 oil in your motorboat.

Did you like this? Share it:

Family Style Pasta and Salmon

This pasta and salmon dish is perfect for serving family-style, and only takes 30 minutes to prepare. You will need: 1 tablespoon fennel seeds, ¼ cup minced fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, salt and pepper, 1 pound salmon fillet, 1 pound of corkscrew pasta, 10 ounces of spinach, ½ cup sour cream, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Start by heating your broiler. While that is going on, crush the fennel seeds, place them in a bowl, and then mix in the parsley, brown sugar, ¾ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Take the spice mixture and press it into the flesh side of the salmon.

Take the coated salmon and broil it, skin side down, for 8 minutes. When it’s been cooked through, flake the fish with a fork. Mix together the sour cream, ½ teaspoon salt, lemon juice, and a little bit of pasta water (because you have been cooking your pasta this whole time, right?). Bring all the components together on a plate: pasta on the bottom, then the salmon, and then the sour cream mixture drizzled on top. Whenever I take the boat out to go salmon fishing, I make sure the engine is properly lubricated with Evinrude oil.

Did you like this? Share it: