outboard oil | Outboard Motor Oil - Part 2

Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 6

One thing that can’t be stressed enough is recycling. Recycle, recycle, recycle. This is one of the biggest, easiest ways everyone can contribute to environmental conservation. What does recycling mean to boaters? Well, in addition to keeping your trash out of waterways and off of coastlines, it means the proper disposal of batteries, paints and other chemicals. 12V batteries are one of the most recycled products on the planet. Any hazardous wastes must be disposed of properly and in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Many marinas and shops will offer a credit for an old battery when purchasing a new one. This is a nice incentive to anyone replacing a battery and also helps keep batteries out of landfills. In addition, never pump sewage out when you are near the shore. Check local regulations for specifics, but most marinas offer pump-out stations for proper waste disposal. And don’t forget to buy bulk oil for maximum savings this season.

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Environmentally Friendly Boating Tip 3

Topping off has long been a no-no at filling stations nationwide. By trying to get that last little bit of fuel into your vehicle you can end up creating dangerous spills as well as excess and unnecessary fumes and emissions. When you decide not to take the easy route and top off you save the environment and other motorists from unsafe conditions and exposure to fuel gasses ans fumes.

The same is true when it comes to our boats. When filling the engine we must take care not to top off since excess fuel may end up in our waterways. The last thing we want to do is exxpose marine life and marine environments to gasoline and oil. Learn the proper techniques for fueling your boat’s motor and prevent spillage, excess filling and overflow. Fuel slowly and responsibly to help prevent long term damage to the environment created by careless fueling practices. Using the proper 2 stroke oil will also help increase your fuel efficiency this season.

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What Does Motor Oil Do? Part Three

One of the functions we don’t usually associate with marine engine oil is cooling. In most vehicles, the antifreeze concoction in the cooling system only does about 60% of the work when it comes to cooling the engine. Not only does oil cool the engine as it pulses through the system, it also controls the temperature by reducing friction.

Many of the grooves and spaces in-between the fittings on the engine leave microscopic openings in the system where pressure normally would be able to escape. However, the oil works its way into these gaps and creates a seal, effectively improving the engine’s efficiency. Additives in the oil now help reduce foam, allowing the oil to function to its full capabilities.

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Boat Engine Maintenance 101: Emissions

Emissions wreak havoc on the environment and pose a serious threat to those onboard your vessel. Luckily, you can work to minimize your emissions through a few simple maintenance procedures. The main hazard from your engine is carbon monoxide, which is difficult to detect because it is invisible and odorless. If you have water leaking out of the exhaust system, you can be sure that exhaust fumes are escaping as well.

In order to reduce your emissions, first look to the intercooler. Here, the air is cooled before it enters the engine, and although this is an integral component of the system, it is often overlooked. You’ll want to check these intercoolers regularly and be conscious of any water escaping from the exhaust system. If this is the case, you’ll probably want to take the craft to a professional. Also keep in mind that engines with premium oil, such as Evinrude XD 100, will run cleaner as well.

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How to Operate a Boat: Shifting, Steering and Stopping

Before you push away from the dock and open up the throttle, be sure you have reserve gasoline and outboard motor oil on your vessel. If you’re operating an outboard motor, the throttle arm will also act as a tiller. Remember, the boat will go in the opposite direction that you point the tiller. You should be able to get the hang of it rather quickly when you’re going forward, but be sure to exercise extra caution if and when you have to back up. Once the throttle arm is turned to “run” or “shift,” adjust the shift lever and turn the throttle handle until you reach your desired speed.

Unlike your car, a boat doesn’t have brakes. The only way to reduce your speed is by lowering the power, which is actually quite effective due to the immense resistance from the water. And don’t try to stop on a dime. Shift the engine down to neutral well before your stopping point. If need be, you can give it a little more juice to get your all the way there.

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Winterizing Your ATV: Part Five

Now that we’ve dealt with the problems that can stem from the Evinrude XD100 oil and fuel you put in your ATV, it’s time to move away from the inner workings of the machine to the exterior. Corrosion is a serious concern when you’re taking your ATV through rain, sleet and snow, particularly when it comes to the suspension and the brake pads. The easiest way to prevent corrosion in these areas is by spraying your machine down with a silicone water-dispersant before you take it out. This will also protect it from road salt while you are transporting it on the trailer.

Rinsing down your ATV after each trip will also help prevent unnecessary wear and deterioration. Once you have rinsed down the machine, be sure to store it a warm, dry place, such as your garage. If you leave the machine outside, the water will freeze and could cause damage to the systems. Letting your machine sit in the cold will also wreak havoc on the battery and will make it more difficult to start.

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Winterizing Your Boat: Part One

Now that the summer boating season is winding down, it’s time to start thinking about putting your boat in storage for the fall and winter. You may assume that you can simply throw your boat on the trailer, put the cover on and let it sit for months on end. This may work for a season or two, but eventually this sort of neglect will begin to cause damage to your vessel.

It’s critical to take some time at the end of each season to make sure your boat is stowed properly. Not only will this improve its longevity, it will also make your job easier when it comes time to get it water-ready next spring. Over the next few days will go over the proper protocol for handling the cleaning, outboard motor oil removal and other crucial components of boat winterization.

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Boat Ownership: Part Three

As I mentioned to other day, you initial investment in your vessel is just that—the initial investment. Just like with a car, you will continually be sinking money into your boat. You may have the budget for a down payment and finance charges, but do you have the means for everything else? And will it really be worth it? Here is a quick rundown of some of the basic costs you’ll have to deal with:

~Finance Payments
~Registration (for boat and trailer) and licensing
~Insurance
~Dock Fees
~Gas and Yamalube oil
~Dock Fees
~Taxes
~Storage
~Routine Maintenance

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Boat Ownership: Part Two

When most people begin to contemplate purchasing a watercraft, they have a particular use in mind. Perhaps it’s pulling waterskiers, wakeboarders or innertubers. Or you might simply want a place to sit out in the middle of the lake casting your fishing line. Maybe you want the best of both worlds. It’s important to hash out how you plan to use your boat, as this will dictate the type of craft you need.

If you are only going to be trolling around a small body of water, a modest craft with a is all you need. Of course, the larger your vessel the more it’ll cost and the harder it will be to maintain it; you’ll have to pay more for fuel, Evinrude XD100 oil and even to keep it in storage. This is why I suggest getting the smallest vessel that will still do everything you need it to.

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The Anatomy of the Two-Stroke Engine: Part Five

Now that you’re well acquainted with the two-stroke cycle and its advantages, it’s time to look at the downside—because let’s be honest, there’s always a downside.  Here are a few reasons we don’t see the two-stroke engine used in automobiles and for other large-scale applications:

~Longevity: the fact that you have to mix the Evinrude XD 100 oil with the gasoline means that there isn’t a direct means of lubrication to the system, which leads to expedited wear and tear.

~Efficiency: two-stroke oil can be expensive, and the engine guzzles it up. As an example, you would use about one gallon of oil every 1,000 if there were a two-stroke engine in your car. You’d also notice a decrease in your gas mileage.

~Pollution: as stated above, two-stroke engines burn a lot of oil, equating to a lot of pollution.

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Preventative Outboard Motor Care: Part Three

Flushing your engine is one of the most basic and essential components of outboard motor maintenance and as such, every boat owner should be well acquainted with the practice. Aside from a basic garden hose and a water source, the only other tool you need is a set of “rabbit ears”—and not the kind you put on your TV. These rabbit ears consist of two rubber hoses and a metal clamp.

Slide the rabbit ears onto the lower unit where the water intake is and hookup the garden hose. Turn on the engine and the water pump will start to do its magic. Once you start everything up, examine the water pump to ensure a good flow of H20. The water coming out of the pump shouldn’t be hot nor have any debris in it. If this is the case, turn off the engine immediately. Tomorrow will go over how to fix the problem, as well as other routine maintenance like how to change your marine engine oil.

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Environmentally Safe Boating: Part Three

Due to the systemic risk of petroleum and oil in our water systems, there are several federal laws pertaining to the proper disposal of these fluids. Under The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, any expulsion of oil or oily substances into navigable water or water in the contiguous zone is illegal and carries up to a $5,000 penalty. Of course, you can always find ways around the law, but as we’ve learned in previous blog posts, the detrimental effects of oil in the water vast, so you shouldn’t need any additional coercion to deter you from dumping.

In addition, The Clean Water Act forbids you to use soap, dispersants or emulsifiers in an attempt to clean a spill. Unauthorized use of these cleaning agents carries a hefty penalty—as much as $25,000. If you accidentally spill any oil or see a fellow boater leaking gasoline or dumping mercury engine oil, the best M.O. is to call the Coast Guard and give a detailed report of the spill.

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