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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Outboard Motor Maintenance: Part Three

Now that the engine has been flushed, you can turn off the engine and turn your attention to the fuel aspect of engine maintenance. Never use fuel that is over two months old, which means you must refrain from using the same fuel from last season. Start by inspecting the fuel lines and primer bulb for cracks and other signs of wear. Ensure all of the fuel line fittings are secure and there is no rust on the fuel tanks or the clamps.

Open the engine cover and check to see if there is any leakage. Lubricate all of the moving parts in the engine, including the shift and carb valves. And if your have a four-stroke engine, don’t forget to change your Yamalube 2S oil.

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Outboard Motor Maintenance: Part Two

Yesterday we touched on the importance of flushing your outboard motor after each outing, and today we will overview the process. Begin by placing your “rabbit ears”—two rubber seals with a metal clamp—on the lower unit and attaching a standard garden hose. Turn on the engine and allow the water to pump through the system for 10-15 minutes. While the engine is being flushed, we can take care of some other maintenance.

Check the water pump to ensure an adequate flow of water; the water coming out of the system should be warm, not hot. If the flow is weak, insert a wire into the flow tube to loosen any debris. Once the engine is flushed, disconnect the fuel line to burn all of the excess gasoline and Evinrude XD100 in the carburetor. Tomorrow we continue discussing outboard motor fuel maintenance procedures.

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Outboard Motor Maintenance: Part One

Changing your outboard motor oil and coolant is crucial to ensuring the longevity of your motor, but it isn’t enough. Without routine maintenance, your outboard motor will begin to corrode. While taking the cover off the motor may be intimidating, basic maintenance of an outboard motor is simple for virtually anyone with a set of tools. However, if you aren’t a mechanic, it is wise to bring the boat in periodically to have the compression, pressure, water pump and other esoteric systems tested.

Once you have taken the boat in for inspection, most of the maintenance will only take a few minutes. First, flush the engine after every outing, especially if you are in salt water. You only need to flush the engine for 10-15 minutes, but this will successfully rid the system of any sand, dirt or debris that may have been sucked up.

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Basic Boating Manners

While there is a well-laid set of rules and regulations dictating the proper procedures on the road at all times, much of the marine code of conduct is simply understood. Most of your time on the water will be spent away from other boats, but it is crucial to know the appropriate course of action when encountering fellow seafarers. When passing another boat, be sure to give ample room so your wake doesn’t disrupt them too much; if you are the one being overtaken, slowdown to allow other boater to pass.

Especially if you are boating on a large body of water, it can be several miles to the next refilling station. To that end, I keep extra fuel and Evinrude XD 100 onboard in case of an emergency—either my own or a fellow boater’s. When docking your boat, there is often a lengthy line at the launch. As such, it is important to load your boat on the trailer in a timely fashion and clear the dock for other boaters. Since people can’t take numbers, it is on a first come first serve basis. It may seem tempting to cut in on an open dock, but before you do, make sure you aren’t impeding on someone else.

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What is Your Boat’s Fuel Economy?

Fuel economy is a determining factor in virtually every automobile purchase, but many people fail to consider this when purchasing a boat. Since the water obviously provides more resistance than the air, boats are less efficient at using fuel than other conveyances; only 13-14 percent of the energy the engine generates is used to power the prop—the rest is lost through heat, vibrations and friction. Most diesel engines will use about 1 gallon of fuel per hour for every 18hp used. Four-stroke inboard engines our slightly less fuel efficient, using 1 gallon per hour for every 10hp used.

Most of our readers won’t like to hear this, but two-stroke outboard motors tend to get the worst fuel economy. There are several variables for two-stroke engines—such as the ratio of fuel to outboard motor oil—so there isn’t a standardized calculation to determine economy.

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Marine Spring Cleaning: Part Three

The engine is unequivocally the most important component of your boat, and as such, it requires a thorough examination. We’ll begin with inboard engines, as the process is more in-depth. Start by changing the bulk motor oil and both the fuel and oil filters. Also ensure that the coolant and transmission fluid are topped off. Even if you’ve just replenished all of your engine fluids, always keep extra onboard. Finish by inspecting the entire system for cracks, rust, blockage and any other signs of corrosion.

Maintenance for outboard motors is more straightforward. Replace the spark plugs and check the wiring for any damage. Lubricate all of the moveable engine components and make certain the gear lube is adequate. When you are finished working on the engine, ensure that the fuel shutoff valve and hoses are intact. Now that you have inspected your boat and done some basic maintenance, you’re ready to hit the water.

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Marine Spring Cleaning: Part Two

Yesterday we covered the exterior inspection, and now it is time to move on to the more complex aspects of boat maintenance: the engine and electrical systems. Hopefully you charged the battery before you put your boat away in storage, otherwise you may have some trouble getting your watercraft started. Check the water level of the battery and ensure that it will hold a charge. Next, perform a thorough inspection of the gauges and lighting fixtures, as well as verifying that all of the various wires are intact.

Now is also a good time to make sure that you have the proper emergency equipment and extra supplies onboard. Fire extinguishers and first aid kits are a must, as are distress signals and a bailer. Also be sure to keep an extra stock of gasoline and Evinrude XD100 oil at hand for emergencies and incase you come across a stranded boater. We’ll conclude our series tomorrow with a review of both inboard and outboard engines.

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Marine Spring Cleaning: Part One

Last week we covered some of the most crucial talking points of boating safety on the water, and this week we’ll be going over some of the most important system checks before leaving the dock this season. We’ll cover the basics like changing your outboard motor oil as well as tips for basic maintenance procedures that can extend the life of your craft.

Begin by inspecting the hull and applying a coat of wax, which will protect the exterior throughout the season. When going over the hull, don’t neglect to check the rub rails, swim platform and the rudder. Also be sure to clean the windows and the metal and wood furnishings. The ground tackle, winches and other miscellaneous fittings and safety equipment should all be examined as well. Now that the exterior is done, tomorrow we will begin to examine the engine and electrical systems.

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Boating Safety: Part Five

If you have never owned a boat before, enrolling in a boat safety course before hitting the water is advisable—and many states now require you to complete one anyhow. States have varying names for their certifications, but they all indicate the completion of a boating course. These courses can typically be completed online and will cover a wide spectrum of safety information, incldungin transporting, launching and driving your boat. However, you’ll want to spend some time to learn basic maintenance procedures—such as refilling the Evinrude XD100—on your own.

Once obtained, most boating certificates and licenses are good for life. And even if your state doesn’t require it, taking a qualified safety course is never a bad idea.

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Boating Safety: Part Four

You’re sitting at the dock, refilling your outboard motor oil, when another vessel hits you from the rear, warping your propeller and breaking off a piece of the dock: Do you know what to do? The law has specific guidelines regarding the proper protocol for reporting a boating accident, but less than 10 percent of all non-fatal accidents are ever reported to the authorities. Just as with car accidents, it is important to contact a local authority if you are ever in a boating accident. Laws vary by state, but most require you to report an accident if there is a death, serious injury or damage in excess of $2,000.

When required, you must submit a formal written report of the accident within 48 hours if someone is killed or injured or 10 days if there is only property damage. In some states, the requirements for reporting are more stringent. Contact the Coast Guard or your local boating authority to learn more about the specific laws in your state and find out how to file a formal accident report.

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