How To Change Boat Engine Oil
Learn the essential steps for drilling into fiberglass on your boat, whether installing equipment or making repairs. With any maintenance procedure, the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to get done. So rather than put off changing your engine oil or transmission fluid, take a few moments to master the procedure […]
Changing Engine Oil
Frequent oil changes ward off breakdowns and extend the life of your boat engine(s) by thousands of hours. Engine manufacturers typically recommend an oil change every 100 hours, and at least once a year. Even if your engine manual allows for a longer interval between oil changes, changing the oil more often will extend the […]
Marine Battery Maintenance
1 in 10 calls for help is due to a dead battery or other electrical issues. Look after your battery, and it will serve you when you need it. If a boat’s wiring is the lifeblood of your boat’s DC electrical system, then the battery is its heart, and your boat needs a healthy heart. […]
Maintain Your Seawater Pumps
Learn the essential steps for drilling into fiberglass on your boat, whether installing equipment or making repairs. Engine Seawater Pumps Almost all marine engines rely upon an engine-driven pump to provide the seawater needed to maintain proper engine temperatures. Taken for granted until they fail, these simple pumps can bring your cruise to an abrupt […]
Boat Haul Out
For many, an annual boat haul out is the end of the season. Plan it all out first so it doesn’t make you crazy. Many boats will have to be hauled by a boatyard or marina at some point. You might think that all you have to do is show up with your boat to […]
Changing The Oil In A 4-Stroke Outboard Engine
Oil is the lifeblood of your outboard. Follow these tips when it’s time for a transfusion, or at least an oil change. https://youtu.be/_bnqJR_K4pk So, you’re basically a DIY sort of boater, and your new four-stroke outboard is not so new anymore. It’s past the warranty period, and you’re ready to do some maintenance on your […]
Heat Exchanger Maintenance
Don’t overlook your engine’s heat exchanger! Protect it from electrolysis with a zinc pencil. Make sure to complete regular checks. When did you last replace the zinc pencil inside your engine’s heat exchanger? If you don’t remember — or worse, if you are thinking “the what?” — this is a maintenance job that needs immediate […]
Marine Head Maintenance
Prevent marine head issues by monthly vinegar treatment. Pour a pint into the bowl, pump slowly, and follow with lubricant. Saltwater and uric acid (don’t ask!) produce calcium scale inside a marine head and discharge hoses. Such deposits cause the toilet to get progressively harder to flush and can lead to total blockage. Avoid this […]
How Long Will My Engine Last?
Explore factors affecting boat engine longevity. Learn how load factor, maintenance, and usage patterns contribute to engine life. At our diesel engine classes at TrawlerFest, the ques- tion of engine longevity always comes up. This question also plays a key part in most conversations about buying a used boat. And while there is never a […]
Exhaust Manifolds
Exhaust manifolds are important, and ignoring them can potentially lead to expensive problems, perhaps an engine rebuild. Exhaust manifolds last forever, don’t they? Even if they do fail, it isn’t a major problem, right? These are common reactions when people are asked about their boat’s manifold. There is an additional hassle-manifolds are normally damaged by […]
