How to Maintain an Outboard Motor

How to Maintain an Outboard MotorJust as it is important to maintain your car’s engine for optimum performance, your boat requires a certain amount of care for consistent and smooth operation. Since an outboard motor hangs outside the hull of a boat, it requires special attention to prolong its life. Caution when transporting your boat to the destination of your planned outing is extremely important. The motor and boat trailer should be braced securely so that the motion of land travel does not cause permanent damage.

Each time a boat is returned from a salt water excursion, the outboard motor should be flushed out with fresh water to prevent the pump and lines from corrosion. Outboard motor oil and gas lines should be drained and disconnected before storing your boat for an extended period of time to keep the carburetor clean. The area around the propeller and gears of the motor should be checked for cleanliness and excess water accumulation. The pump inside the motor should also be checked to ensure the impellers do not look worn. If all of these steps are taken regularly, your outboard motor should provide its best possible performance.

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Boat Motor Oil Viscosity

boat motor oilThe viscosity of boat motor oil is one of its most important properties, as it measures how any given oil will flow. Thicker oils will generally have a higher viscosity than thinner oils. The viscosity of boat motor oil is essential for productive engine operation.

The numbers and letters on boat motor oil packaging refer to measurements that have been taken at specific temperatures. A “W” means the oil meets viscosity specifications for winter use. Multi-viscosity boat motor oils prevent the oil from thinning as it warms up because polymers have been added to prevent the oil from thinning. It is wise to use multi-viscosity boat motor oil with the narrowest span of viscosity for the temperatures you will encounter-in the winter, for the lowest expected temperature, and for the summer, for the highest temperature anticipated.

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Electric Boats Gaining Increase in Popularity

Electric Boats Gaining Increase in PopularityNot unlike the growing popularity of hybrid cars, increasing gas prices are causing boating enthusiasts to think smart.

This year, as boat sales in general seems to have slowed, there has been a 50% growth in electric boat sales. The boats still utilize outboard motor oil, yet they provide relief at waterside gas stations, which generally charge more for gas than roadside gas stations, as there is little in the way of competition.

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Cleaning Your Boat

Cleaning Your BoatIn addition to a good upkeep on your engine (such as regularly changing your marine engine oil), you also need to make sure your boat itself is clean. It may seem like a superficial process, but if you take care of your boat, it will take care of you.

Some cleaners on the market can actually damage the sealant on your boat. The phosphorous contained in many cleaning products is difficult to rinse from a surface. That residue builds up eventually causing the sealant to soften, which then results in oxidation. Strong cleaners can do the same thing. Use these products to clean your motors or when removing oil or heavy residue. Go sparingly then rinse immediately.

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Varied Uses

Varied Uses

Two cycle oil isn’t always just relegated to being used for boats. Some brands of 2 cycle oil that are marked as “multi-use” can be used for some types of motorbikes. If you are a person with several different vehicles – or, for this example, a boat and a smaller pocket bike – you can purchase some outboard motor oil and use it for something else other than a boat.

Before you do this, you’ll want to make sure that the oil is usable for your other vehicle. You can find this out by asking other motorbike enthusiasts, or reading the label.

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Replacing and Repairing Your Propeller

Replacing and Repairing Your Propeller

Your boat propeller works by changing the engine’s power into a thrusting that moves your boat forward. Knowing how to do basic propeller repair and maintenance tasks can go a long way in helping you take proper care of your boat without spending excessive repair technicians’ costs. Ignoring the problem will cause more problems, not unlike not regularly changing your outboard motor oil. Here are some quick tips to maintain your propeller:

  • Check the blades on your propeller for nicks or bent parts. These are all signs of propeller wear that typically signal time for a propeller replacement. Any problems with your propeller blades can hinder the job they do for you and can hurt the engine. If your propeller has worn blades, your engine can be damaged further by improper acceleration.
  • Mold any dings out of your propeller. If your prop is just a bit dinged up after a tough sail or impact with an underwater obstruction, it is possible to simply reshape it a bit. It is best to make a mold of the original prop in new condition where the blades are still at their original angle, and then use this mold as a guide when reshaping your prop after impact.
  • Make sure your hub is not slipping. If the propeller hub is the problem, your boat won’t move at all even when you hit the gas. To fix this problem, remove the propeller, and mark the end of the propeller housing and the hub and keep the marks in line with one another. Install a new propeller to see if that fixes the problem. If the marks are out of line, your hub is slipping.
  • Balance your propeller. This can usually only be done by a certified technician, but making sure your propeller is properly balanced ensures that it runs free of any troublesome or even dangerous vibrations.
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History of Outboard Motors

History of Outboard MotorsThe creation of the first practical outboard motor is often credited to Norwegian-American inventor Ole Evinrude in 1909.

Historically, a majority of outboards have been two-stroke powerheads fitted with a carburetor due to the designs inherent simplicity, reliability, low cost and light weight.

In the 1990s, U.S. and European exhaust emissions regulations led to the proliferation of four-stroke outboards. Though fewer in number, four-stroke outboards have always been with us.

Outboard motors benefit from the ability to draw coolant from the water, obviating the need for radiators and cooling fans, thereby simplifying the design and lowering component weight. The motors also have several brands (i.e. Yamalube, Mercury and the creator’s namesake, Evinrude) of oil to choose from, giving the consumer a seemingly infinite amount of options based on their needs.

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Oil Prices Slide, Gas Prices Steady

Oil Prices Slide, Gas Prices SteadyOnce again, the prices of bulk oil have fallen, trading at $133.64 from nearly $140. Gas prices, however, remain around $4.11 per gallon. Though analysts suggest that the sporadic rise and fall of oil means that the previously mentioned breaking price of $150 per barrel will happen, the price jump has been a headache for many Americans, stifling traveling via plane or car; and even affecting the boating industry.

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Yamaha Shows off New Outboard

YamalubeYamaha Motor Corporation has unveiled a second generation four stroke 250hp outboard featuring digital electronic remote control for greatly improved operability and reliability.

The new F250B is based on the proven 3.3 litre V6 from the ground breaking F250A. The new release Yamaha F250B offers a suite of technological advantages for smooth throttle operation, responsive performance plus secure and reliable gear shifting.

At the heart of the new model F250B is Yamaha’s digital electronic remote control system. Governed and monitored by Yamaha’s sophisticated Engine Control Module (ECM), throttle control and gear shift is digitally controlled through a remote electronic box linked to the throttle lever.

These new features display the company’s commitment to product enhancement, which also includes their in-house oil brand, Yamalube.

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Winterizing Your Boat

Winterizing Your BoatIt may be sometime before the season ends, but you’ll want to read up on the precautions you need to take to ensure a long life for your boat. Prior to the step below, Drain the gear case and check for excessive moisture in the boat motor oil.

Then, flush engine with fresh water using flush muffs or similar device attached to the raw water pickup. Let all water drain from the engine. Wash engine down with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Disconnect fuel hose and run engine until it stops. It is important to follow a step by step process to make sure that all fuel is drained from the carburetor to prevent build-up of deposits from evaporated fuel. Use fogging oil in the cylinders to lubricate the cylinder walls and pistons. Apply water resistant grease to propeller shaft and threads. Change the gear oil in the lower unit. Lightly lubricate the exterior of the engine or polish with a good wax.

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New Outboard for Duck Hunters

New Outboard for Duck HuntersJust in time for duck season comes the Mercury Flyway 25 EFI FourStroke outboard with Advantage MAX-4 HD camouflage and matching low-gloss paint, so hunters seeking total stealth no longer need hide an outboard under spray paint, stickers or a bag.

Mercury says if you look carefully, you’ll see that the pattern incorporates cattails, millet, milo, corn stalks, sunflowers, oak and maple leaves, cedar and oak limbs, plus a variety of other plant life. The Flyway 25, available at participating dealers, features battery-free electronic fuel injection system and is available in both electric and manual start models; and, of course, it’s suggested that you use Mercury engine oil with the boat.

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How to Find your Local Oil Recycling Center

How to Find your Local Oil Recycling CenterThrough several posts on this blog, we’ve stressed the importance of recycling your outboard motor oil. One of the biggest concerns is where to find your local recycling station. There are several ways to do this.

The easiest way to do it is to check your local phone book. You can also check your county or city’s website to find locations. If none of those resources work out, you could also consult an auto mechanic, as they would know where to recycle your oil.

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