Boating Season is here; are you ready?
Is your boat ready, when you are? Then, start by utilizing your senses to perform a free inspection of your boat and motor. Start by removing your engine cover. Check fuel filters, starting with the water separator filter in the boat and, then the in-line filter at the engine. Sample the gas at the water separator filter and make sure there is no sign of water. Water usually accumulates at the bottom of the filter; Also, if the gas has a varnish color and an odorless smell, then the gas is old. Check hoses for kinks, stress marks (cracks) and proper tying Inspect oil levels and any leaks. Check for oil leaks through the seals on the steering cylinders, trim/tilt cylinders and oil filters. Check all electrical components, no blistering (hotspots) and all electrical connections need to be free of corrosion. See below a picture of bad gas.
Onboard the boat, check that the throttle controls are working smoothly and secured at the engine end. The throttle controls are normally secured with a cotter pin. Make sure your steering response works well. The engine should move immediately upon turning the steering wheel. The steering system should lock at both extremes. Any free play in the steering system means there is air in the system or a leak.
Continue on to check the boat’s electrical system, start at the source the battery. Make sure your batteries are fully charged and accept 12.6 volts or more. Wet cell batteries need to be filled with distilled water. In order to avoid loose connections, secure batteries to the holding plate and replace all wing nuts with locknuts. Check all switches, one by one; listen for the response of each corresponding item. Visually inspect wiring, terminal strips, connections, and pumps for corrosion and/or loose connections. Check all safety equipment, deck supplies, and any spare parts and/or tools that may be needed.
Finally, if the boat is out of the water start the engine using the recommended water supply attachment and stay clear from the propeller. Listen to the engine during cranking. Is it cranking with enough force? Is it starting (firing up) quickly? Monitor the water pressure at the engine and all gauges. Let the engine idle until it reaches operating temperature. Listen and look for unsteady idling, idling too high, a knocking sound or any unusual (new) engine sound to you. Visually inspect all hoses and filters for any leaks while the engine is running. Last step, turn off and on the engine, listen again to the engine starting.
If you need assistance, we will be more than happy to help you. Please call or e-mail us at 786-251-4002 or [email protected].
Happy Boating,
J Alberto
JA Outboard Service