Outboard Do's and Don'ts

[SHAFT]

Well I just bought my first big outboard , a 1996 Nitro fish & ski with a same year 225 EFI Mercury . I have had I/O's and jets with v8's and the only other outboard is an old 6hp Evinrude [ LONG SHAFT of course ! ] . I will get it in for service so I am starting fresh and can keep a schedule for service I will try to get an owners manual so I can read up on the operation . My question to all of you is what are the do's and don'ts of an outboard compared to v8's , driving , starting , maintaining ,ect. Any common mistakes people make ? Thanks Randy

[Dewayne]

Since they cool using lake water be sure to warm them up really well. Specially when water temps are cold. This time of year I idle mine for about 10 minutes then slowly bring it up to speed. Otherwise you can blow the power head.

[NaCl]

Also, use fuel conditioner during wet months to remove moisture from the fuel. Two stroke motors get their lubrication from oil that is injected into the fuel. A little water in that fuel system can prevent the oil from doing its job causing catastrophic failure.

.....NaCl

[Mark Langner]

This may be obvious, but:

1) As was said before, don't startup and go tearing outta the marina, let your water cooled engine warm up sufficiently.

2) Make sure you do an "annual service". This includes minimally replacing the water pump impellor and lower unit gear oil. It just isn't worth it to risk an engine over an impellor failure to save a buck and skip doing it.

3) I haven't done it, but have read recently I should, so I will, but that is to pull the propellor and inspect for fishing line, esp if you fish clearlake and the delta.

4) Don't laugh, but I see so many guys pull their boats out of the water with the outboard motor still down...don't forget to tilt up the motor. Make it a habit to look back at the motor before you signal the driver to pull you out.

5) Don't laugh again...but when I first got my bass boat, I had never had a boat with a trolling motor on the front before. Jumping into the seat and hitting it full throttle and forgetting the tm is down is a very expensive learning experience...trust me. I now make it a habit to look forward (tm), and rearward (is big motor down) before I turn the ignition key...

6) Don't run out of 2 cycle motor OIL. Insure you check oil levels every time you fill up with gas (if you have an oil reserve tank back with the gas tank like I do), or more frequently if not. I took a tip from a friend and carry a 1 gallon container of 2 cycle oil in the rear gas tank compartment of my boat for times I don't realize I'm running low and in need.

Good luck with your new boat !!!

Mark

[Fishin' Dave]

Always run premium oil

Always have it serviced; Christmas is a great time, first warm day in spring everybody takes their boat to the shop.

Always monitor your water pressure gague

Check your mounting bolts at the transom and jack plate (if you have one)once a month

Check the latches on your cowling after a rough ride (lost mine on the river)

Check your prop nut and hub once a month

Check your prop for scrapes

Be careful which gas station you stop at