Changing Your Boats Engine Oil

   It has often been said that the best way to help your car last a long time is to change your engine oil and filter on a regular, recommended basis. Your boat engine, whether it be an inboard, stern drive or outboard, is no different. In fact, your boat's oil should actually be changed more frequently. You can bring your boat to the local dealer to do it, but in many cases, you can save time and money by following these steps and doing it yourself.

   Discover Boating provides the following:

   "Just like cars, boats need to have their oil changed. Four-stroke outboards, inboards and stern drive boats require regular oil changes. The frequency will vary by model but a good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 100 hours of operation or once a year.

  Unfortunately, there aren't any quick change oil shops for boats, so you either have to change your boat’s oil yourself or take it to your local dealer. Luckily, changing the oil in your boat’s engine is easy and can be done quickly with the right tools.You’ll need an inexpensive oil extractor pump that removes the oil via the dipstick tube. Also, an oil wrench and enough rags to catch the normal drips. As added protection against messy oil, it’s a great idea to put an absorbing pad under the engine, particularly near the oil filter.

Step 1 – If your boat is in the water, start the engine to warm it up. If your boat is on a trailer, you’ll need to supply cooling water to the water intake at the gearcase. Do this by placing what mechanics nic-named “earmuffs” over the water intakes. Earmuffs consist of two suction cups on a V-shaped piece of tubing. A hose fitting at the Vee supplies water to the engine. Outboards and some sterndrives have special hose fittings for this purpose."

Read the full article and steps here:

Maintenance: Change Your Oil

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How To Apply Boat Bottom Paint

   There are times when it is necessary to paint or repaint the bottom of your boat. Once you have determined that it is time to do this, there are several steps that you need to take to prepare the surface to be ready for paint, which largely depends on the surface as it appears now. Boat bottom paint is not inexpensive, so take your time and apply it correctly so it lasts longer and protects better.
   Boat US offers the following:

"Clean

Slime and growth are relatively easy to remove while the bottom is still wet, but let the stuff dry and you will have to chisel it off. Fortunately most boat yards pressure wash the bottom as soon as they haul the boat, and many will also knock off hard growth with a long-handled scraper.

Strip

The adhesion of the new paint is only as good as that of the paint under it, so watch for signs of adhesion failure. Anywhere the old paint is flaking or lifting, scrape exposed edges with a knife or small chisel. If the paint zips off, the bottom may need to be stripped of paint.

You may also have to strip the bottom if you are changing paint type. For example, the aggressive solvents in vinyl paints lift other types of bottom paints, so if you are applying vinyl, any non-vinyl paint has to come off. And soft, sloughing paints are a poor undercoat for anything other than a fresh coat of the same.

Using a 2" hook scraper is one stripping method with less potential for injury to both you and the planet, and this is often the easiest method as well. If you decide to use a chemical stripper, be sure it is one formulated for fiberglass; regular strippers will attack the gelcoat. Always follow closely manufacturers’ instructions and warnings."

Read the full article: Tips for Painting Boats

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Which Anchor Is Right For My Boat?

   There are a number of different style, shape and weight anchors available on the market. Some are better for specific bottom situations, and some may be better in certain weather conditions, but when it comes down to it, you need to choose the anchor that best fits most of your needs. Having the wrong anchor can cause problems, or at the very least, just allow you to drift. So how do you know that you have the best anchor for your situation?
   Get My Boat offers the following:

  "Anchoring is one of the least understood aspects of boating. It may be because anchoring involves both art and science. First, there is the physics of anchoring, such as knowing how heavy an anchor needs to be to secure the boat. Next comes the technique of  “setting the hook,” or getting the anchor to hold. Regarding the latter, there are as many opinions as there are boats. This article will stick to the science question: choosing the right anchor for your boat.

Knowing you have the right anchor for the job will make a day on the water much more relaxing, and will certainly help you sleep well at night if an overnight is part of the plan. Anchors can also be important for boat safety. If a boat loses power for some reason, and is drifting toward shore, dropping anchor and getting a firm hold will keep you safe until you can solve the problem or until help arrives.

There are two things to consider when buying an anchor: boat size and bottom conditions. The size of the boat determines how big (heavy) the anchor needs to be, and the bottom conditions determine the anchor style. The weight of the anchor can hold a boat in calm waters, but in most conditions you will need to make sure the hook is well set, and hooks are designed for various bottom surfaces.'

Read the full article: Choosing The Right Anchor

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How To Clean Mold Off Your Boat Seats

   Unfortunately, the boats that we enjoy so much are used in some of the harshest environments. High humidity, salt water, direct sunlight all make it difficult to keep your boat looking good. Having a clean boat with fresh looking vinyl seats not only gives you as the owner a greater sense of pride, but it also helps your boat keep a higher resale value. It is not inexpensive to re-cover or replace your boat's seats either. The best way to keep everything looking good is with a regular cleaning plan and making sure you clean the mold off your boat seats.

   Love To Know provides the following tips for cleaning marine vinyl:

  "The key to keeping your boat's vinyl mold-free is to clean it on a regular basis. Don't wait until mold and mildew have spread to various areas, rather tackle even the smallest jobs quickly by employing the following techniques:

   Take your time--Once you apply a mold-killing product onto a vinyl surface it's important to let it sit for a while to allow the cleanser to work. The bigger the job the longer you should let the vinyl cleaner sit.

   Go easy--After the cleanser has been applied, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the vinyl. A toothbrush or nailbrush can help loosen particles adhered to the surface and eliminate mold hiding in crevices. In addition, pay special attention to the stitching, where residue can build up. Finally, remember to brush lightly to avoid damaging your marine vinyl.

   Rinse well--It is critical to remove every trace of cleanser as mold spores can feed on almost any sort of residue, even soap.

Don't forget to buff--Use a clean white towel to get buff marine vinyl. You want to get vinyl as dry as possible to eliminate moisture that can cause mold growth."

Read the full article: How To Clean Mold Off Marine Vinyl

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The Top 14 Ways to Reduce Boat Theft

   Most people securing their boat at a dock or marina for the night have had that little bit of concern inside them for the security of their boat and boating gear. Piracy on the high seas was one of the earlier acts of criminal behavior, and today boat theft is still a concern. Moorings in the water or docks without security can be particular targets. To help reduce the chance of having your boat broken in to and having your property taken, or worse, there are some simple things that you can do to protect yourself and minimize your risk.

   
   BoatUS provides the following suggestions:

"Suggestions to make your boat less vulnerable

Begin by looking at your boat through the eyes of a thief: How hard would it be to steal the boat? How long would it take?

What would you have to do to break in? Is there equipment that isn’t protected?

·         Most boats are stolen while on their trailer; don’t make it easy for a thief to hook it up and take off. If possible, park the trailer away from the road. If you must leave your boat in the driveway, don’t leave the hitch facing the street. Chain your trailer to a tree or a sturdy post. If not, remove one or more tires and store them inside along with the lug nuts. Not only does this make it impossible to pull the trailer; it prolongs tire life and reduces the chances of a flat. Consider removing the license plate and lights as well; the last thing a thief wants is a traffic stop. Simply locking the hitch or removing the coupler is not always enough; some thieves carry coupler devices that can be quickly attached to the trailer.

·         Use locks on props, outboards, and outdrives. Buy good quality hardened steel locks that aren’t easily defeated.

·         Whenever possible, store equipment at home. If you have a small outboard engine, it’s much safer in your garage than hanging on your boat’s transom. The more stuff you take off, the less attractive your boat will be to a thief."

Read the rest of the tips here: Avoiding Theft

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