Choosing the Right Engine For Your Boat

Choosing the Right Engine For Your Boat

By Mike Shaler

Choosing the engine (or propulsion system) for your boat is very important. Both the weight and the horsepower will have a major impact on the performance of your boat. If you have a boat that's underpowered, the engine will work twice as hard, giving you poor performance.

Now, we will take a look at the motors available for boats and vessels:

Outboard motor
An outboard motor is very popular and very useful on small boats. These motors are very light, powerful, and extremely quiet. Normally mounted on the transom of a boat, there are boats available that offer a motor well or even a bracket to mount the motor to.

The entire motor will swivel about, providing easy steering as the turning propeller pushes the stern about. Outboard motors come in many different sizes and the horsepower can use different types of fuel.

Stern drive
These motors are also known as I/O engines, and normally heavier than outboard motors. Consisting of an engine mounted inboard and a lower unit attached to the transom, these motors offer power and versatility. You can also tilt the motor up and down to help provide boat trim while you cruise.

Inboards
On boats that are over 26 feet in length, these motors are very popular. Similiar to the stern drive motor, the inboard motor is mounted inside the boat towards the center, giving you good weight proportion.

Inboards connect directly to the transmission, then on through the hull of the boat. Then, the shaft is attached to a propeller which will turn and propel the boat. The shaft is fixed and doesn't swivel around. Therefore, a rudder is mounted behind the shaft and propeller to help deflect the flow of water which provides your steering direction.

Jet drive
Jet drive propulsion systems have a big advantage - no propeller to cause damage or injury to those in the water, including marine life. Normally, they are inboard engines that will take in water that flows through a pump, powered by an impeller.

Then, the water is discharged at a very high pressure through a nozzle that will propel the boat. To provide steering for the boat, the nozzle will swivel. For personal watercraft, a jet drive is the way to go.

Keep in mind that when power isn't being applied, jet driven boats will lose steering, as the stream of water that propels the boat won't be there. Therefore, always keep any part of your body away from the pump intake - and never operate these types of boats in shallow water.

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How to Choose Used Lower Unit Outboard Motor

How to Choose Used Lower Unit Outboard Motor

Once you have a boat, you'll need a motor to get you out to that great fishing spot. Looking for a good used motor? Look no further. A few simple decisions and you are on your way. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when buying a used lower unit outboard motor.

When buying used, the best thing to do is look for quality name brand; Evinrude, Yamaha, Mercury, and Honda, for example. It is actually better to purchase a more popular brand because they are usually the best quality and come with the best warranties. Check out Consumer Reports for lower unit outboard motors. Read consumer's reviews on Yahoo Shopping. Look around and ask people what they have and why. When you have the whole picture, you are ready to choose your next used lower unit outboard motor.

Look at the different accessories you may choose. Some have hydraulic tilt, cable steering, and electric start, all of which simplify using the motor, while others have a pull rope start and a tiller handle for steering and throttle control. Because of these factors, no one piece of advice or article can cover all the possibilities. If you already have the boat, however, you need the compatible motor to your setup. In other words, if you have a steering wheel, or stick type steering system, you will want to buy a motor with a steering cable attachment, and if you have a battery and wiring to an ignition system you will want electric start. On the other hand, if you do not have these features in your boat, it is not practical to buy a motor that uses them.

Next, consider age. Age and use are not always synonymous. A used motor can be older, and still have had relatively little use. It is hours run that matters with a boat, and not miles on an odometer as in a car. Anything over 500 hours run will generally mean more maintenance. As a rule of thumb, look for a motor with the fewer hours run. This is the safest economical practice.

Buying a boat, complete with motor, often ends up costing more. If you find a boat, new or used, then choose wisely on a used motor, you are saving money, since in many cases, it is the new motor you are paying the most for on a boat bought complete. Remember that age does not equal quality. There are some fantastic used motors out there that have had little use. Depreciation on a motor occurs most rapidly in the first year, but that doesn't mean the quality of the motor is any less.

The same principle applies to having a boat that has need of a "new" motor. Choosing a used quality motor is going to be much cheaper than buying new, and in most cases, just as practical. By doing just a little homework you can decide which used lower unit outboard motors are best for you. Having an economical used lower unit outboard motor does not have to compromise quality.

Lower Unit Outboard Engine Servicing

Lower Unit Outboard Engine Servicing

Routine lower unit outboard Maintenance

After your engine has been properly run in, you'll need to establish a maintenance routine that begins with systematic checks every time you use your boat. These checks won't take long, but could spell the difference between life and death for your engine.

Daily Checks and lower unit outboard Maintenance

Daily checks should include a quick look at just a few key items. First, make sure that your oil tank (if you have one) is topped up. If you have a four-stroke engine, be sure to check the crankcase-oil level and top up if needed. Check your owner's manual to determine if your dipstick should be screwed in, or left unthreaded when you check the oil level. Failure to do so could give you a false reading, and lead to overfilling or underfilling your engine's crankcase, which can cause problems.

Check that you have adequate fuel for your intended trip, and that the fuel-tank vent is open.
With the engine tilted up, check for excess oil buildup near your propeller...it could mean that a seal in your lower gearcase has deteriorated. (Note: Some oil film buildup is normal in many cases; look for changes in the amount of buildup. If it appears to be increasing, check the oil level in the lower unit as discussed in the owner's manual) If the seal has failed, take the engine to an engine repair shop immediately to avoid expensive gear-unit damage.

Check for fishing line wrapped around the propeller hub area. If you ignore it, the line can wrap tightly around the propshaft and cause the aforementioned gearcase seal failure.

If your engine is not through-bolted to the transom of your boat, make sure the screw clamps are tight and secure. Many engines have landed on the bottom of the sea through neglect of this simple check.

Sniff around for any sign of a fuel leak, and if you find one, fix it.

Once the engine is running, make sure to check the "telltale," or "tracer," spray, or exhaust discharge, to be certain the water pump is working.

If all these items are in order, you're ready to go. There's just one more thing:

If you tow your boat on a trailer, and run it in salt water, flush the cooling system daily with fresh water.

Used Lower Unit Outboard Motors - Their Care and Maintenance

Used Lower Unit Outboard Motors - Their Care and Maintenance

Used or new lower unit outboard motors need no require regular care after every use. Lower unit outboard motors are not like car engines in the sense that they are going to need more maintenance than just every 3000 miles. Lower unit outboard motors have to deal with a lot more environmental elements than a regular car engine. Point of fact, car engines don't have to deal with salt deposits left from salt water use. Now do they have to worry about constant water intrusions that lower unit outboard motors deal with during every use. So, it is no wonder that lower unit outboard motors will require maintenance after every use.

Actions that need to take place after every trip with a lower unit outboard motor:

1. Flush the engine - This does not apply to just salt water outings, fresh water can do just as much damage as salt water.

* Buy a pair of rabbit ears. This is a flexible rubber seal connected to a metal clamp. This unit is help flush the engine. connect the unit on the lower part of the motor were the water is picked up. Connect a water hose to the back of the rabbit ears.

2. Start the engine and let the water pump to its work. The water pump will pull in the clean water and wash away any left over salt or sentiment that might have built up during your adventure.

3. While flushing the motor check the water pump to see if your getting a good water flow. Carefully, put your hand in the stream of water. If the water is not pumping hard then you may have a block again the outflow tube. If so stop the engine immediately and clear the debris. You can do this by sticking a small wire into the flow tube and working it back and forth. After you think the tube is cleared re-start the engine and check the flow again.

4. Once the flushing of the engine is complete discount the gas line and allow the engine to run off the excess fuel in the . After excess fuel is burnt off put the fuel line back in place.

5. Next check for old and water leaks. This is done by taking the cowling off. If you find a link consult a boating mechanic to have the issue fixed.

6. Once you have cleaned and checked everything it is time to wipe everything down and spray with a anti-corrosive like WD40 or Quick-lube.

7. Replace the cowling and place a plastic cover on the engine to prevent anything from getting in on your engine.

That is it. Your done.

Why Change 4 Stroke Lower Unit Outboard Motor Oil?

Why Change 4 Stroke Lower Unit Outboard Motor Oil?

On 4 stroke lower unit outboard engines, other than checking your oil level at regular intervals, changing the oil is the next most important task. Regular oil changes will prolong the lower unit outboard life. You can do this task yourself without too much trouble. Just remember to think in a methodical manner and have everything at hand before starting. Here are the steps you need to take to change your lower unit outboard motor's oil.

1. Always follow the lower unit outboard manufacturers recommended maintenance schedule. For example, for small outboards the oil would normally be changed every 50 hours. For large horse power lower unit outboard engines this may be every 100 hours. If you do not use the outboard very much and do not keep a record of the number of hours that it is in use, then always change the oil every year.

2. Gather around you a number of useful tools. A large screwdriver, adjustable spanner, a socket set with a box spanner, an oil filter wrench, a funnel, a bucket or some kind of container to hold the old oil, the new oil, perhaps an oil filter to replace the oil one, WD40 or similar, grease tin, a plastic bag, and some old rags.

3. Have the lower unit outboards manual by your side. Check to see how much oil the lower unit outboard takes and obviously the grade of oil. When an lower unit outboard motor is new the manufacturers like you to use a certain brand of oil, but this is not so important with older engines. As long as it is the same grade and of good quality, it will do the job just as well.

4. Before changing the oil, run the engine until it is warm. Why? Well warm oil will flow easier than cold oil! You will need to put the lower unit outboard in some water before starting or you could use engine muffs designed to allow fresh water to flow through the motor as it runs. Sometimes these muffs are called flushing devices. If you connect the system to your garden hose just make sure the tap is not fully on, adjust the flow accordingly.

5. Once the engine is warm. Take out the oil dipstick or the oil cap and put them to one side. This will help drain the oil. Unscrew the drain plug either with a spanner or screwdriver, depending on the engine. Put it to one side (in a safe place). Remember to catch all the old oil in the bucket or container.

6. Some lower unit outboard engines have an oil filter, if so, then remove this also by having a plastic bag to hold it in and put to one side. Next screw in the new filter a few turns, then using the rags clean the base (filter seat) and using some grease smear some around where the filter is going to rest in. Continue to screw the new filter in by hand until tight, then tighten an extra half turn. If your engine does not have a replacement oil filter, perhaps it is connected to the drain plug, then clean it with some petrol to remove any trace of the old oil.

7. With the drain plug firmly back in place you are ready to fill with the new oil. Use a funnel in the filler hole to avoid spillages. Fill with oil until it reaches the maximum level on the dipstick. Then replace the oil cap or dipstick.

8. Start the lower unit outboard motor and run it at idle speed for 3 minutes. This is long enough to allow all the new oil to get to every part of the engine it should reach. Check the oil pressure warning light goes off and that there are no leaks around the filter or drain plug.

9. Stop the lower unit outboard motor. Leave it for 3 minutes to allow all the oil to return to the sump. Then remove the dipstick to check the level. Top up with oil if it is necessary.

10. Finally, dispose of your old oil in accordance with your local laws. Some areas have a local dump that you can take your old oil to and they will take care of it for you.

This procedure can be messy but it is necessary. It is quite within most boaters capability to do without sending the lower unit outboard to a dealer or mechanic.

Annual Service of Your Lower Unit Outboard Motor

Annual Service of Your Lower Unit Outboard Motor

Your lower unit outboard engine was hopefully winterized and now is ready for its annual service. You could take your lower unit outboard to your local marine mechanic to do this service. Or you might want to do the various tasks yourself if you are reasonably confident about your abilities. Each task is quite simple to do - nothing too difficult. You need a small selection of tools, some grease, lubricant spray, engine oil and gear oil. Once you have these things around you are ready to start!

There are quite a lot of little tasks to do when you are going to service your lower unit outboard engine.
If you use this checklist you should cover just about everything:

1. Change the gear oil - and while you are doing this see if any water has got through the seals.
2. Replace the spark plugs - some people just clean the old ones, but buy new.
3. Strip down and clean the fuel filter.
4. Strip down the water pump - clean any corrosion.
5. Check the flywheel nut and nuts around the cylinder head.
6. Check the recoil starter - lubricate it - also the pull rope for any wear.
7. Check the gear and throttle cables for any damage - lubricate all linkages.
8. Check the tilt mechanism - grease it and the clamp screws while you have the grease out.
9. Lubricate the prop shaft.
10. Bleed the auto lube pump - check for air in system.
11. Check the ignition timing - adjust if needed.
12. Adjust the carburetor pilot screws if they need it - otherwise leave as is.
13. Change the engine oil.

Start your lower unit outboard up after doing these tasks and listen to it. Check to see if water is exiting the exhaust. Then adjust the throttle - the engine should have a smooth pick from idle. The maximum revs should be achieved. Return to idle speed and check to see if does maintain its correct idle speed , now that the engine is hot. With the throttle working smoothly, check all other functions, including the stop button! Happy motoring!

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