Evinrude oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 4

Slip Sliding in the Snow

I read another pithy tagline for inflatable boats, this time for the Sport 340 soft bottom inflatable boat. The tagline read, “Capable. Very Capable.” It’s not quite as catchy as the tagline I mentioned in Monday’s post, but it still made me snicker.

The Sport 340 is described as a boat that can go the distance. It can be used as a fishing, cruising, family fun, or ship-to-shore tender boat. The trick is in the design of the boat: It has a lower center of gravity and high-strength floors with seating for up to five people. Throw an outboard on the back, some Mercury outboard motor oil, and some gasoline and you’ll be good to go.

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Amanzi Inflatable Boat

After some nagging from my spouse, I finally got back on track researching inflatable boats we may actually purchase and use. The Amanzi rigid bottom inflatable boat by Mercury looks very promising. It can be used both as a tender and also as a daytime pleasure boat.

It comes with deck fuel filler, bow/stern cleats, a mooring eye, and tube reinforcements. Electric bilge pump, integral fuel tank, and tray storage are among the standard accessories. It will even take an outboard marine motor we already own (as well as Mercury engine oil) which makes my spouse happy because it means we won’t have to shell out more money for a new engine.

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Response to FAQs

Every now and then I like to respond to some frequently asked question. A common question asked is: What oil should be used with a two-stroke engine? In terms of an Evinrude engine, Evinrude XD100 oil, XD30, and XD50 are recommended for models made after 1993.

Another question that is frequently posed is: What is the proper fuel to oil ratio for my motor? Generally speaking, motors made before 1958 require 20:1, motors made between 1959 and 1963 use 24:1, and motors from 1964 to the present use 50:1. Racing boats require a 25:1 ratio, as do new engine break-ins.

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Happy New Year

As we do every year, the family went down to the lake on New Year’s Eve. It was a bit nippy, but we made a campfire and toasted marshmallows for s’mores. The kids go back to school tomorrow, so it was a nice way to close out their winter vacation.

When it got close to midnight we set off fireworks on the shore (perfectly legal in our county with the proper permits). We sang a few songs and shared our resolutions for 2012. My son’s resolution surprised me the most; he wants to spend more time with me working on our boats. Not many teenagers want to go shopping for Evinrude XD 100 oil with their dad when there are videogames to be played! I sincerely hope that he’s serious about his resolution.

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New Johnson Propeller

I’m in the market for a new propeller for my Johnson outboard motorboat. Johnson as an independent brand has not existed for many years; they are currently owned by Evinrude. Though Evinrude stopped producing new Johnson models, the company still carries parts for Johnson motorboats.

I’ve got my eye on an aluminum three blade, standard rotation propeller. The one I’m looking at is die cast with aluminum alloy for greater strength. It has also has baked on corrosion resistant paint. I’ll have to do a bit more research before I make my purchase, but I think that between the propeller and some Evinrude Johnson 2 stroke outboard oil my outboard should be up and running in no time.

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Windy Winter Weather

Over the holidays I spent time with my family in the Seattle area. The surrounding area is technically a temperate rain forest, meaning it doesn’t get too hot or too cold and they get lots of rainfall. The Seattle area also doesn’t get a lot of snow, so there was no white Christmas for us.

We did, however, have a windy Christmas. The wind gusts were so forceful that the power got knocked out. It was pretty chilly so we went to the movies for some warmth and light while the power was being restored to the neighborhood. Next year I think I’ll spend Christmas in Florida where I can take my boat out, filled with Evinrude 2 cycle oil XD100, and not worry about the cold.

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What’s in a Name?

The best part of purchasing a new boat is getting to pick out a name. Some people are sentimental and name their boats after a spouse or child. I think that’s a great idea, but I lean toward funny or clever names.

When I walk down to the marina I keep an eye out for funny boat names. Friends also send me links to boats with clever names like “Vitamin Sea” and “Playbuoy.” A great party boat name is “Cirrhosis of the River.” Sometimes I’ll strike up a conversation with the boat owner’s while they’re changing their Evinrude XD50 oil. Boat owners with cleverly named ships tend to be pretty friendly and easy going.

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No Cruise Ships For Me

I’ll let you in on a secret: I love boating, but I loathe cruise ships. Don’t get me wrong, I have been on many a gorgeous cruise ship with fantastic décor, food, and entertainment – not to mention exotic destinations. What I dislike is the seasickness that accompanies such trips.

I’ve spent my whole life on the water in kayaks, canoes, motor boats, and sailboats. That’s why I was so startled the first time I went on a cruise ship and experienced sea sickness. Even though there are drugs and patches that take the edge off, I much prefer to steer my own smaller boat. I get more satisfaction and zero sickness in my own craft. I also take pride in knowing that I’ve maintained my boat with Evinrude XD100 oil.

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Putting in a Bulkhead

In addition to putting in a dock, my grandparents also decided to put in a bulkhead. A bulkhead is essentially a retaining wall that helps prevent erosion caused by wave action. Getting a permit to build a bulkhead can be tricky because there are some drawbacks to the environment in terms of redistribution of sand and eel grass. The township did grant a permit, but my grandparents had to sacrifice more of their land than they originally wanted to.

Our friendly neighbor recommended an experienced contractor who had put in our neighbor’s bulkhead years before. The man and his crew did an excellent job; the bulkhead has weathered many storms without damage. Our neighbor has been very helpful; first with the Evinrude XD 100 oil recommendation and then with the bulkhead contractor contact information.

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The Environment and Evinrude

At the turn of the 21st century the Outboard Motor Corporation was not doing too well. As a result, the company was taken over by BRP. As part of the rebuilding effort, there was a re-focusing on making Evinrude motors more environmentally friendly, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the .

The company did so well, in fact, that in 2005 the EPA awarded them the Clean Air Excellence Award for the advancements in Evinrude E-Tec technology. Evinrude has continued on the path of excellence. To maintain your Evinrude motor, be sure to use Evinrude XD100 oil.

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Changing a Johnson Lower Unit Seal

The lower level of a Johnson outboard houses the water pump and propeller, among other important parts. Two seals keep the water out of the gears and keeps packed grease in, so if the seals become damaged in any way this can cause lots of problems. Therefore, when a seal is damaged it must be replaced.

Start by removing the cotter pin and then the propeller nut. Place the steering wheel puller over the propeller shaft, then lock the arms of the steering wheel puller and depress the bearing carrier off the gear case. Remove the damaged seal and pull out the old O-ring. Place the new seal into the bearing carrier and tap it into place with a mallet. Finally, spread grease on the seal. Don’t forget to replace the motor oil with Evinrude XD 50 oil!

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1999 115 Evinrude Boat Specifications

In the early 1990s, Evinrude introduced the 115 horsepower engine. The Ficht-Ram model, introduced in 1999, featured an outboard design. The new design had better fuel efficiency, and therefore increased performance, when compared to other four-stroke engines.

The Ficht-Ram model uses 87 octane gasoline and is lubricated with Evinrude XD 100 oil. The recommended ration between the two is 60:1 or 300:1 depending on desired performance level. Once a year, the engine needs to be serviced to ensure continued high quality performance.

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