Wise words… “If you don’t use it, you lose it.”
I get asked a lot about what the best thing to do to keep your boat in good shape is. The answer is “use it”. I was speaking with a customer today who manages some rental properties and he told me how he learned when the house sat vacant it deteriorated faster than when it was occupied. Even setting the A/C a little higher leads to more pests, mold, less fresh air exchanges, etc. The same thing happens with your vessel, its engines, and all the equipment. Seals go bad from not being in contact with oil, engine parts start getting salt buildup from whats left after evaporation, batteries begin losing their charge and resiliency. What you’re saving in fuel costs, you’re going to pay for in maintenance and repairs. Low hours sounds great until the repair bill comes.
The little boat plug that could… and did.
During a recent trip to Key West, I noticed my cousin's boat sitting on the trailer with the drain plug still in place. Since Hurricane Helene had just passed, I knew they hadn’t taken the boat out recently. Trying to be helpful, I went over and removed the plug. What started as a steady stream of water draining for two minutes turned into a non-stop flow that lasted over 30 minutes. The entire boat had been holding water!
I didn’t have time to inspect the inside, but I can only imagine the damage: the batteries are probably dead, maybe from running the bilge pump continuously or shorting out if submerged. The bilge pump itself may have even failed, overwhelmed by the amount of water. Even worse, the boat’s structural and electrical components, which aren't designed to be underwater, are likely saturated.
This experience is a reminder of how important it is to remove the drain plug when a boat is on the trailer and to replace it before launching. Overlooking such a simple step can lead to costly repairs and major frustration. Small preventative measures like this can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle.
Understanding 100 & 300-Hour Engine Services
There's often confusion about 100 and 300-hour engine services and when they should be done.
Here's a breakdown:
-300-Hour Service: This includes a more extensive inspection, replacing seals, gaskets, o-rings, the water pump, and pump housing. It's recommended yearly, regardless of use because the seals, o-rings, rubber impellers, etc, will stiffen over time losing elasticity and pliability faster with lack of use and lubrication.
-100-Hour Service: A less involved service, typically involving oil changes and basic inspections.
Service Frequency:
-300 hours in a years time = avg of 5.7 hours of use per week meaning you would need 1-300 hour and 2-100 hour services yearly)
-200 hours per year = avg of 3.8 hours/week that’s 1-300 hour, 1-100 hour service yearly
-100 hours or less per year = avg of 1.9 hours/week just 1-300 hour service yearly
Remember: Service frequency depends more on how much you use your engine, not just the hours on it. Consistent use helps prevent problems.
Today I Learned: A Tale of Two Lower Units
I've always maintained that there's no such thing as a master of anything, as there's always something new to learn. This week, I encountered a peculiar situation while servicing a Yamaha 300 twin-engine setup.
During the oil change, I noticed a stark difference in the lower unit oil: one was a typical dark green, while the other was jet black. Both had the same consistency, but the color variation was alarming. The customer was understandably concerned.
Upon investigation, I suspected heat was the culprit. The vessel had been kept in the water, and despite the engine's trim/tilt being raised, the lower unit's front edge was still submerged. This constant contact had allowed barnacles to grow inside the intakes, restricting cooling water flow to the engine.
While I've serviced numerous dual-engine setups, I'd never encountered this issue before. I decided to do some research to understand the underlying cause. Various theories exist, but they all point to heat or inadequate cooling.
After cleaning out the intakes and changing the oil, the engines were ready for another 100 hours of operation.
Remember: Regular maintenance, including checking lower unit oil, is crucial for ensuring your engine's longevity and preventing unexpected issues.
