boat safety | Outboard Motor Oil

Boat Safety

When my boys were old enough to get their boating license, I made them jump through all sorts of hoops before I would give my consent. First, they had to take a . I quizzed them on what they learned, especially Coast Guard recommended safety precautions.

I then had them promise me that life vests would be worn at all times. They assured me and went one step further by showing me where and how they looked up weather reports before each outing. The final step was to make sure they knew all about boat maintenance, including how to check and replace Yamalube 2W oil. Both of them met my expectations and were allowed to apply for their boating licenses.

Did you like this? Share it:

Operation Kid Float

Memorial Day is a deadly holiday for drivers and boaters, particularly in Florida where people flock to the beaches to soak up the sun. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit patrolled the waters, pulling over boaters to make sure all safety gear was in order. To help keep kids safe, the Sheriff’s Office instituted “Operation Kid Float.”

Children without life jackets were given life jackets to borrow for the day, to be returned to a bucket drop off on shore. Additionally, kids who were found to be wearing their life jackets properly were rewarded with t-shirts. The t-shirts read “I got caught wearing my life jacket by a Pinellas County Deputy Sherriff.” What a positive approach to boat safety! To do your part, inspect your boat thoroughly to make sure you’re in compliance with all safety regulations, and be sure to stock up on Evinrude XD50 oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Boating Safety Checks by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

In Tampa, Florida boaters at the Gandy Boat Ramp were delayed shoving off on Sunday. The 10-15 minute delay was for a good cause as members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offered boaters a safety check. “Boaters will remember beer, water and food. But they’ll forget that their flares are out of date, or their radio isn’t working,” Tim Teahan of the Coast Guard told Fox 13.

Inspectors checked for life preservers, radios, and flares. They also checked to make sure young drivers had taken boating safety courses in the last five years. All boaters, regardless if the Coast Guard is there, should perform safety checks before heading out on open waters. Part of an inspection of your boat includes checking the oil levels, so make sure you’re stocked up on Evinrude xd100 oil.

Did you like this? Share it:

Beginners Guide to Outboard Motors Part 4

Winterizing your outboard motor is an important task that must be completed each year. If you don’t winterize your motor you could end up regretting it when the motor stops functioning or loses efficiency. Of all the regular maintenance you’ll end up performing this one is easily among the most important. It’s of particular importance to anyone living in a cold climate.

A good place to start your winterizing is with a fuel stabilizer. It stops fuel break down which can leave nasty deposits in your motors moving parts. You should also change the oil and replace the gear lube. When you’re done, disconnect the battery and give the motor a good inspection to make sure there are no missing or loose parts. Make sure that it’s free of debris and check the props for damage or anything that might interfere with successful operation. Follow these few simple steps and you’ll extend the life of your motor and make your time on the water that much more fun.

If you end up with a 2-cycle Evinrude replace the oil with Evinrude XD50 oil for optimal performance and reliability.

Did you like this? Share it:

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.

Did you like this? Share it:

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.

Did you like this? Share it:

Boating Safety: Part Three

As most people know, a life jacket is the most crucial piece of safety equipment on your boat. Before you leave the dock, be sure that you have a life jacket for every person on board and that it fits correctly. Although many states don’t require adults to wear a life jacket, it’s always smart to err on the side of safety.

In addition to a life jacket, every boater should have a supply of spare parts and tools. This cache should include a basic tools kit and miscellaneous parts for performing routine maintenance on the water, if need be. Always keep an extra supply of gasoline and two cycle outboard oil on hand as well. Even if you never have a need for it, chances are you will eventually encounter an unprepared boater who will appreciate your foresight.

Did you like this? Share it: