Environmentally Safe Boating: Part One

With tens of thousands of barrels of oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico everyday, people around the country have suddenly taken more interest in environmental issues, particularly as they pertain to the water. If you have been boating for years, chances are you were already well aware of the myriad risks that constantly threaten lakes, streams, rivers and oceans. And while you may not be able to produce a disaster on the scale of the BP spill, gasoline and outboard motor oil from your vessel are still a hazard to the environment.

To that end, it is imperative to take the proper precautions when changing your oil, fueling or handling other potential dangerous substances, particularly when you are around the water. As you can imagine, cleaning up spilled gas or oil from water is virtually impossible. Over the next few days we will be covering some of the basics on how to protect the environment and abide by federal and local laws.

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Boat Trailers and Launching: Part Five

Whenever you are towing your boat, no matter how short the journey, always be sure to bring along a spare tire. In my experience, trailers get flats far more often than cars. Also be sure to bring along a jack that has the capacity to lift your trailer and boat along with your extra outboard motor oil.  Once you successfully get the boat to the launch, the only thing left to do is get her in the water.

If you have never backed up a trailer before, I recommend practicing before you get to the ramp. Be sure to always keep the trailer in your sights and drive slowly while you are backing up. I could spend all of next week writing a series on how to back your trailer, but the fact of the matter is that the only way you learn is by doing it yourself. One tip, however: Don’t be afraid to pull forward and start again. It’s always easier to launch the boat when you are aligned properly.

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Boat Trailer and Launching: Part Four

When it comes to actually towing your boat, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you have a modestly sized vessel, be sure to secure it to the trailer with straps. All boats under 1,000 pounds should be strapped down, and if there is any doubt in your mind, it’s worth taking the extra five minutes to secure the boat. In addition to the craft, be sure that liquids like outboard motor oil are secure and that life jackets and other accessories won’t fly out of the boat.

For those with an outboard motor, you should remove it when towing the boat in virtually all circumstances. It certainly is a hassle to take the engine off its bracket, but it’s more of a headache to have to replace your motor. And before you leave the driveway, be sure you know if your boat is covered by your insurance policy. Some auto policies won’t cover the boat while it’s on the trailer, so do your research.

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Boat Trailers and Launching: Part Three

When you purchase your trailer, it is important to remember that they are designed to hold an array of watercrafts. This means that some trailers simply won’t be long enough or designed to support your hull properly. Before making a purchase, check will various sources and perform your own measurements to be sure the trailer is a good fit for your hull. It is also crucial to ensure that the tongue on the trailer fits the ball of your hitch. After taking all of the above criteria into consideration, you’re ready to go out and make your purchase.

And don’t think that once you’ve bought your trailer that your work is over. Just as you have to refill your Evinrude XD50 oil and perform regular maintenance on your boat, your trailer will need ongoing attention as well. In the next two days we will cover some of the basics of trailer maintenance and upkeep, as well as how to tow and launch your boat safely.

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Boat Trailers and Launching: Part Two

Unless your boat is in the water 24/7, it will likely spend the vast majority of its time on the trailer. With this in mind, it is important to take the time to properly research the various trailer options before making a purchase. Putting in new Evinrude XD100 and flushing the engine are essential for maintaining the internal components, and a properly sized trailer is just as important for the exterior.

When considering the capacity of the trailer, be sure to include all of the gear and supplies that you plan to keep onboard. Many boat owners switch to a smaller tire on their trailer to make launching easier. If you choose to do this, be sure that the tires also have the ability to support the weight of the watercraft and supplies; the tire’s load rating will be located on the sidewall.

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Boat Trailers and Launching: Part One

Seasoned boaters will undoubtedly put a considerable amount of time and effort into the upkeep of their craft. From changing the outboard motor oil to flushing the engine and cleaning the hull, most of the maintenance is centered on maximizing performance on the water. Many boat owners, however, store their boat in their driveway or a storage unit, meaning they have to launch the watercraft every time they want to use it. And while this is surely an inconvenience and many people neglect to learn the proper procedures, keeping your boat out of the water does have its advantages.

First, your boat will stay in better condition—especially if you clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. You also don’t have to worry about the myriad threats to your craft, including adverse weather conditions and careless boaters. Of course, constantly transporting your boat can be a headache, particularly if you don’t have the proper trailer or know how to launch the boat properly. Over the next few days, we will be covering some of the basics for purchasing and hauling a trailer and launching your boat.

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Proper Gas to Outboard Motor Oil Ratio

While most vehicles now utilize four-stroke engines, the two-stroke model does have its advantages. Two-stroke engines complete the thermodynamic cycle in two movements, creating greater high specific power and making them much more efficient than their counterparts. Unlike four-stroke engines that house the gasoline and Evinrude XD 100 oil separately, two-stroke motors have traditionally required a mixture of the two.

This has been one of the main drawbacks of the motor, as it results in total-loss system where all of the oil is burned. Typically, engines use a ratio of 50 parts gasoline to one part oil, but new technology has allowed for two-stroke engines that don’t require a mixture. Although these models still result in a tot-al loss of oil, they are more ecologically friendly than their predecessors.

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Buying a Boat: Part Four

Once you have thoroughly inspected everything—from the outboard motor oil to the hull—it is time to determine a fair price. The BUC and NADA books are reliable resources for pricing information but it is still a good idea to consult some local marine experts for a second or third opinion. Now that you’ve picked out the boat you want to purchase and have determined a target price, it’s up to you to close the deal.

Before we conclude our series on purchasing a watercraft, I want to emphasize the necessity of looking long and hard before you leap. Unlike a car, there are few practical reasons why the average consumer needs a boat—it is simply a source of entertainment. And between finance payments, insurance, registration, repairs, etc, the monthly costs are going to be considerable.

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Buying a Boat: Part Three

Yesterday we examined the merits of both new and used boats. Since there is much more to take into consideration when purchasing a used watercraft, today we’ll take some time to go over some of the essentials to inspect before purchasing a used vessel. In addition to your personal examination, you will want to have a qualified marine surveyor do the same.

Begin by examining for signs of exterior damage; mismatched paint is often an indication of significant bodywork in the past. Check the upholstery, seals around windows and the entire hull thoroughly. Although you may not have an acute knowledge of marine engines, there are a few quick tricks that will give you an indication of how well the previous owner maintained the craft. Examine the oil and transmission fluid, testing for grit content, color and smell—if these fluids are in bad condition, chances are the boat wasn’t well-maintained. Also ensure the previous owner used premium products, such as Yamalube 2M oil.

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Buying a Boat: Part Two

If you are purchasing your first boat, it is essential to learn some of the boating lingo and engine basics—you probably shouldn’t be purchasing a boat if you don’t even know where to pour in the Evinrude XD100. Also consult friends and acquaintances who are boat owners in order to glean some information on common problems with boats; and, of course, you can always conduct side-by-side comparisons online. One of the biggest decisions to make when investing in a new boat is whether to buy new or used.

For anyone who has ever purchased a car, the pros and cons are comparable. With a new boat, you will have a warranty, payment options and the assurance that the craft is in top condition. But you also have to swallow that huge price tag. Used boats are obviously the more economical option, but if you decide to go this route, you will want to have the craft thoroughly inspected by an expert—just as you would have a mechanic examine a used car.

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Buying a Boat: Part One

Before you take the plunge and shell out thousands of dollars on a new seafaring vessel, it is important to do your due diligence to determine what type of boat you want, how much you can afford, and if purchasing a boat is really a step you want to take. If you will only be able to use the boat on the occasional weekend during the summer, the money and time needed may not be warranted.

Just like an automobile, the initial investment you put into a boat is just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to your boat payments, you also have to worry about insurance, registration, a trailer, outboard motor oil and a litany of other peripheral expenses. Of course, a boat is an investment, and if you use your boat regularly, these expenditures will indubitably be put to good use. For those who are steadfast in their conviction to purchase a boat, we will be highlighting some of the factors to consider throughout the week.

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History of the Outboard Motor

In the boating community, outboard motors and the Evinrude name go hand in hand. Many probably attribute this to the fact that Evinrude is a leading manufacturer of outboard motors, and that is certainly one reason. However, few people realize that Ole Evinrude, the company’s founder, was actually the inventor of the outboard motor.

In the early 1900s, Ole began conceptualizing and building a detachable engine to affix to a watercraft. The first successful outboard motor was constructed in 1907, the year of the company’s founding. Although it has been over a century since that first motor, many of those same components—vertical crankshaft, horizontal flywheels and bevel gears—are still used in modern engines. Today, Evinrude continues to be a trailblazer in the outboard motor industry, offering a range of premium engines and products like Evinrude XD 100.

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