Evinrude through the Ages

Evinrude through the Ages

Yesterday’s post highlighted the inventive nature of outboard motor innovator Ole Evinrude. Today, let’s take a look at a few trials and tribulations the Evinrude company has faced throughout its long and storied history. The company’s first major competitor, Johnson Motors, got its start in a Terre Haute, Ind., garage. Johnson focused its attention on planes and boats, releasing the world’s first heavy outboard engine in 1926. The stock market crash hit Johnson especially hard, and Evinrude managed to buy up controlling shares of the company. The Outboard Marine and Manufacturing Corporation, or OMC, was born.

Business boomed during most of the rest of the 20th century, but things took a turn for the worse in 2000. With flagging sales and an inability to cope with increasingly strict environmental standards, OMC announced bankruptcy. That’s where Bombardier Recreational Products came in. The Canadian company purchased the Evinrude and Johnson brands and strove to uphold their proud tradition. The company has continued to produce high-quality Evinrude XD100 oil among many other products for boating enthusiasts.

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Spirit of Invention

Spirit of Invention

Innovation is almost always born out of necessity. History’s great tinkerers and inventors used the limited knowledge at their disposal to solve modern problems. And we in turn reap the benefits of those breakthroughs. The work of boat engine mogul Ole Evinrude is a perfect example. One hundred years ago this month, Evinrude changed the American boating landscape by inventing what is now called the outboard motor.

In August of 1909, Ole Evinrude wasn’t exactly a household name. He had distinguished himself as a machinist while employed for a number of machine tool companies in the Midwest, but he probably would have never dreamed of attaining fame in the boating world. On a fateful August day, Evinrude was enjoying a picnic with his girlfriend on a small island in the middle of a lake. The girl suddenly mentioned her hankering for ice cream, and Evinrude was eager to please. He rowed across the lake to an ice cream shop, bought the confection and turned back.

Before he reached the island, however, the ice cream had melted in the sun. This gave him an idea: Why not attach a motor that would propel his boat without the need for rowing? From there, Evinrude began to tinker until he came up with a workable model. He wouldn’t approve an engine design unless it worked perfectly. This attitude has remained an integral part of the company a century later. The Evinrude brand has expanded to include a variety of specialized engines, tools, and high-quality 2-cycle oil such as Evinrude XD100 oil. There’s no telling what innovations the next 100 years will bring.

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Considering Boat Insurance

Considering Boat Insurance

As summer begins to wind down, many boat owners begin taking stock of their vessel – seeing to any late-season repairs and making plans for the offseason. In the wake of a recent rash of outboard motor thefts in the Florida Keys, boat owners are taking extra care to ensure that their investments remain protected for the years to come. In many cases, this requires exploring the ins and outs of boat insurance.

It’s a common misconception that boat insurance covers the craft exclusively. Depending on the plan, boat owners can cover practically any unfortunate eventuality. The most basic plans cover collision damages, fire and lightning. Beyond that, most plans also protect against the threat of vandalism and theft. But that’s just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Many policies extend far beyond the boat itself to cover machinery, outboard motors, boat trailers and personal property that may be attached.

Now that August has arrived and many seasonal boat operations will be ceasing within a few months, it’s as good a time as any to assess the state of your small boat. Whether or not you invest in an insurance plan, it’s always a good idea to keep your boat and its components well maintained. Providing the motor with satisfactory lubrication – as provided by Mercury engine oil – can effectively extend its life. That means more time to have fun in the sun.

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Dealing with Saltwater Corrosion

Dealing with Saltwater Corrosion

For those who make a habit of using their small boats in salt water, a unique problem begins to crop up. Although most quality outboard motors are built to run in any water conditions, they become susceptible to the effects of wind and weather over time. Even if your engine is initially protected by a few coats of primer and paint, the elements have a way of getting through. Despite your best efforts at keeping an engine running smooth with Yamaha 2m oil, there are other factors that also must be considered.

Now that summer is beginning to wind slowly to a close, it’s a good time to check your outboard for outward appearances of wear. Saltwater corrosion starts as an aesthetic problem, but it can spiral into a mechanical one in no time. Take a close look at the paintwork, inspecting for blisters or bubbles. You might notice that some of these irregularities are solid, and others have burst to emit slight trails of whitish aluminum oxide.

In order to remedy this problem you’ll need to remove the engine and place it on dry land. Using a degreasing agent, remove all traces of dirt. After it dries, take an electric drill and a heavy brush and eliminate any flaking paint, rust and salt deposits from the engine’s surface. Fill in any dents or dings with putty, and then sand the result until it appears consistent. Finish by adding primer and final coats of paint.

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Keep an Eye on Your Outboard

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

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?

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

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

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?

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

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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