Keep an Eye on Your Outboard

A recent influx of outboard motor thefts in the Florida Keys has served to remind boaters to remain vigilant on dry land. According to the Miami Herald, bandits have been targeting high-quality Mercury and Yamaha outboards. In this calendar year alone, there have been 53 cases of marine engine theft, and the vast majority of them have gone unsolved.

Officers working on the cases have said that the robbers are anything but brazen; in fact they have been known to strike only when a motor is left unattended and readily accessible. It stands to reason, then, that small boat owners would benefit by storing their boats in garages after use, or, in some cases, detaching the motor and stowing it away inside. It’s not unusual for the motor to be far and away the most valuable part of a boat, and crooks are not ignorant of that fact.

Although this problem has been particularly rampant in Florida, it’s important for all owners of small craft to remain alert. It’s best to think of outboard engine security as simply another facet of day-to-day maintenance. Just as you would provide your engine with quality boat motor oil to keep it running strong and smooth, you should keep an eye on your outboard.

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Electric Outboards: Are They Worth the Hype?

Electric Outboards: Are They Worth the Hype? For several years now, many small boat owners have been hearing whispers about electric outboards. These engines are supposed to be the wave of the future, but do their benefits truly outweigh their detriments? When you hear someone trumpeting the use of an electric outboard, they tend to bring up environmental impact first. Let’s explore these and other issues by comparing electric motors to traditional petroleum-fueled outboards.

Bear in mind that there are always going to be tradeoffs associated with electric engines. They might be compact, but they require a heavy battery that can weigh your craft down significantly. On the face of it, electric motors might appear to be more eco-friendly than an engine that requires two cycle oil. This is not actually the case, however. When it comes time to charge the battery, how long will you need to run the engine? Any environmental benefits are therefore negligible, at least for now.

Electric engines also limit the speed and mobility of a small vessel. If you’re accustomed to motoring around a lake with quickness and efficiency, electric is probably not the way to go. Returning to the question of environmental friendliness, don’t forget that 2-cycle engines have improved by leaps and bounds in that department within the last few years. Most major outboard brands meet and exceed efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Evinrude Anglers Excel at Fishing Tournament

It’s not an uncommon sight when the Evinrude professional anglers sweep a fishing tournament or manage to take more than half of the top spots. Evinrude professional anglers are assisted in all their fishing endeavors by the amazing Evinrude E-TEC outboard engines, which are supported by certified Evinrude mechanics and Evinrude outboard oil.

The Evinrude E-TEC engine has several benefits over the standard outboard motor. For one, the E-TEC is a great deal quieter than other outboard motors, allowing fisherman to sneak up on fish without alerting of their presence. The E-TEC engines are also cleaner engines that keep lakes, oceans, and rivers free from pollutants. The E-TEC engine is also resilient to weather and atmospheric conditions, boasting top performance in both biting cold and blazing heat. E-TEC outboard engines are often amongst the most popular used in fishing tournaments around the world, and with good reason.

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Cleaner Outboards Down Under?

Last week, we took an extensive look at the Environmental Protection Agency’s call for an increased ethanol presence in domestic outboard fuel. In the wake of this news, motor manufacturer BRP Evinrude has proposed that Australia adopt America’s current outboard emission standards. If implemented, the plan would ban importation of high-emission technology engines as early as next year.

Australia has been notoriously lax about regulating non-road engines, but there has been a clamor of late down under to improve air and water quality. Many older non-compliant two-stroke engines are high polluting, according to Evinrude, and they are costing the country’s health industry billions of dollars. Environmental concerns have achieved a new level of awareness in Australia following a 270-ton oil spill off the coast of Brisbane.

If passed, the proposed regulations would copy the EPA 2009 emissions limits and testing procedures. Newer outboards manufactured by such companies as Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury comply with these standards and use efficient, eco-friendly boat motor oil. If the Australian government decides to adopt these standards, it will set an interesting precedent for outboard fuel discussions in the U.S.

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Comparison Shopping for Used Outboards

If you’re new to the boating scene or have recently decided to buy your own boat, it’s tempting to go for a “package deal.” These are the small boats that come with outboard engines included, and they can be pricy. Used motors provide an alternative for thrifty shoppers – although you should always do your homework before buying and attaching one to your vessel.

In the outboard motor market, brand names mean a great deal. Yamaha, Evinrude and Mercury have come to be known for their reliability and generous warranties. It’s always advisable to shop around for the motor that suits your budget as well as your practical boating needs. It goes without saying that you’ll want to find a used motor with all of the relevant features – perhaps an electric start or a steering cable attachment.

Perhaps the most important consideration when comparing used outboards is the amount of wear and tear. Boat motors should be judged not by their age but by the number of hours they’ve been run. Just as you would most likely prefer a Corvette that’s been parked in a garage for five years over one that’s been driven hard for three, an engine that’s seen less use will require less maintenance. In many cases, used motors are less efficient than new ones and therefore require plenty of lubrication with quality oils such as Yamalube. Just remember that it’s possible to find a quality outboard on a budget.

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Mercury Marine Motors: Then and Now

It should come as no surprise to outboard engine owners that Mercury Marine grew out of the seeds of hard work and innovation. After all, the company continues to display those traits to this day. It all started in the late 1930s, in a sleepy Wisconsin burg. Company founder Carl Kiekhaefer saw potential in a failing outboard motor manufacturer and rescued its supply of originally “rejected” motors.

In those days, Kiekhaefer still had modest dreams: naming the company after himself, he hired a small crew of workers to repair the 300 or so motors and sell them to the original buyer. This retailer was so pleased with the crew’s work that they turned around and ordered another batch. Around this time, Kiekhaefer began to envision designs for a refurbished outboard engine that would put power and reliability before all other considerations.

By 1940, the company had been renamed Mercury and was creating a whole new line of engines featuring an innovative fuel system and a housing to protect the drive shaft and exhaust from water damage. As America entered World War II, public attention turned away from the outboard industry. Mercury sought and won a government contract to make 2-stroke chainsaw motors.

In the post-war years, the recreation industry boomed and people returned to lakes and rivers with one thing on their mind: relaxation. Mercury resumed outboard production and would later introduce its own line of 2 cycle oil. Today the company has expanded to put its stamp on a wide variety of products for boat enthusiasts, including propellers, electric controls and inboard engines.

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Time to Inspect for Oil Leaks?

Most outboard motor manufacturers recommend that boat owners inspect their engines once a year – if not more often – and perform some routine maintenance as needed. If your outboard has seen a lot of action this summer, take some time to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly. To begin this process, grab a screwdriver, an adjustable wrench, an industrial container, pliers, a hammer, some two cycle outboard oil and your owner’s manual.

The first step is to make sure you don’t void your warranty by mistake. Scour the manual for tips on which lubricants and replacement parts to use. Next, study the motor for signs of lubricant leaks. Don’t be alarmed if you spot a bit of oil below the fill screws, but a large running stain is cause for concern. In the case of excess oil leakage, set up an appointment with an outboard mechanic. At least you caught the problem early instead of finding out about it when your engine shuts down in the middle of the lake.

Consult your manual again to see if lubricant changes are recommended for the engine’s lower unit. If so, drain the old lubricant into the industrial container and replace it with a recommended brand. Squirt some lubricant into the gear case with the applicator until the oil starts to come out of the top fill hole. Put the top plug back on and wipe away leftover lubricant with a cloth.

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Ethanol Issues, Continued

Yesterday we established the potential problems with the Environmental Protection Agency’s push to mandate higher ratios of ethanol in outboard fuel mixes. Most notably, a 15 percent ethanol mix would prove harmful to carburetors and especially fuel tanks in small private crafts, costing the boating industry millions in the long run. Today, let’s look at a few other potential headaches E10 and especially E15 could cause boat owners.

For obvious reasons, a motor runs best on fuel that is consistent throughout – from the first drop to the last. The same is true for all machines that require 2 stroke oil: A lumpy mixture has a tendency to gum up the works, while a smooth, consistent blend will keep a motor running strong. When ethanol dissolves components from a fuel tank, those components flow along with the fuel into the rest of the system – including the engine. These chemicals congeal into black goo.

Even worse, E10 latches onto water molecules and holds them in a gelatinous state. This means just a little water in a fuel tank presents a unique problem with ethanol blends. The lumps of ethanol and water are more dense than the rest of the fuel, causing them to sink to the bottom of the tank. Over time, this sludge will build up and lead to additional problems. It goes without saying that an E15 mixture would only compound this already serious issue.

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Planning Ahead for Winter Fun

August is just around the corner, and before we know it fall will be on the horizon. Most anglers and other boat enthusiasts can squeeze out a few more months on the lake, but what comes next? It’s never too early in the year to prepare for snowmobile season as you’ll want to spend every free moment tearing through the powder when the time comes.

Snowmobile manufacturers try to lure consumers with revamped designs and pleas for brand loyalty, but the primary feature that truly distinguishes snow machines is the engine. As is the case with outboard motors, the choice is fairly straightforward: 2-stroke or 4-stroke. Just when it appeared that 4-cycle motors would dominate the market for environmental reasons, Evinrude created the E-TEC direct-injection system for its outboard motors. Ski-Doo, one of the world’s leading snowmobile manufacturers, was intrigued with these new, cleaner-running 2-stroke engines and modified them for winter.

The 600 H.O. E-TEC 2-cycle produces fewer carbon monoxide emissions than any 4-stroke version on the market. It meets and exceeds all Environmental Protection Agency standards for snowmobiles and runs best on Yamaha 2s oil and other similar specialized products. Its popularity has made 2-stroke engines relevant once again in the cold winter months. Before the snow begins to fall, evaluate the bevy of wintertime options.

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Additives Explained

oil gunk Boat owners who regularly use small crafts might wonder why 2-stroke oil additives matter so much. In truth, the additives found in a fuel-oil mix are just as important as the quality of the oil itself. The chief goal of any outboard motor oil is to lubricate the engine and keep it running smoothly. That would not be possible without additives such as ashless detergents.

Carbon buildup is a natural byproduct of a 2-stroke engine’s combustion process. This residue – usually lacquer or varnish – needs to be cleared away so that it doesn’t completely gum up the works. Ashless detergents are made from organic compounds, whereas many fuel additives in the past were rendered from heavy metals. As such, newer 2-cycle oil additives leave no trace of ash when burned. Marine engine oil featuring these detergents is usually characterized by a distinctive ammonia odor.

All this talk about combustion and engine buildup might suggest a few environmental hazards; however, the Environmental Protection Agency has taken actions to ensure that 2-stroke marine oil conforms to rigid environmental standards. For instance, outboard motor oil contains biodegrading agents that allow microorganisms to cleanse the water of hazardous materials. Although these agents have little positive effect on an engine’s performance, they add to a boater’s peace of mind.

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Different Engines Suit Different Purposes

2 cycle engine Contrary to popular belief, not all 2-cycle engines are suited for the same purposes. For the most part, 2-cycles can be separated into two distinct groups: water-cooled engines and air-cooled engines. Outboard motors are typically run at high speeds for long durations and then throttled down once a boater reaches his or her destination. Recirculated water keeps these engines cool. On the other hand, most chainsaws are stopped and started frequently, and their engines are air-cooled.

In automotive terms, the outboard motor can be likened to a country car engine – speeding along with minimal interference. The chainsaw motor is more akin to a city car that makes multiple pits tops. Not surprisingly, these very different beasts require different oil formulations. Outboard motors operate best when treated with heavy base oils that don’t evaporate quickly. Evinrude XD50 oil, for example, is specially designed for use in watercraft. Chainsaw motors require lighter base oil with detergent additives. In an outboard engine, these additives would leave destructive ash deposits. However, the chainsaw’s vibrations serve to knock these deposits out of an air-cooled engine.

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