Selecting the right propeller for your boat and engine combination: The proper propeller size for your boat and engine combination is based on the wide open throttle operating range for your particular engine. This can be located in your operator's manual. This will be expressed in terms of a certain horsepower at a certain RPM.

The propeller that came with your new engine isn't necessarily the one that is best suited to your needs. This is because many original equipment props, understandably, are made to meet a range of average conditions for many kinds of boats, hull styles, and loads. This can limit their performance. What you need is a propeller specifically selected for your kind of boat, and your style of boating.

It is important that you choose the right engine or prop for your boat if you want it to operate at the manufacturer's maximum recommended engine RPM and if you want something suitable to the type of boating you do. If you have an engine that doesn’t reach the recommended RPM when at full throttle then you will be getting an over propped condition which leads to lugging.

Fuel vapor pressure is a measure of how easily fuel sample evaporates. Any additives used in gasoline contain aromatics. Aromatics are light hydrocarbons distilled off the top of a crude oil sample. They are effective at increasing the research octane of a fuel sample but can cause vapor lock (bubbles in the fuel line) on a very hot day If you have an inconsistent running engine an you suspect a fuel vapor lock, use a piece of clear fuel line to look for bubbles, indicating that the fuel is vaporizing.

A fuel’s octane rating is a measurement of how stable the fuel is when heat is introduced. Octane rating is a major consideration when deciding whether a fuel is suitable for a particular application. For example, in an engine, we want the fuel to ignite when the spark plug fires and not before, even under high pressure and temperatures.

At elevated altitudes there is less oxygen in the atmosphere than at sea level. Less oxygen means lower combustion efficiency and less power output. As a general rule, power output is reduced three percent for every thousand feet above sea level.

On carbureted engines, re-jetting for high altitude does not restore lost power, it simply corrects the air-fuel ratio for the reduced air density and makes the most of the remaining available power.

Engines utilize one of two cooling systems, or variations there of. Simply, there is a Seawater Cooling System, sometimes called Raw Water system and a closed Cooling System. Seawater systems are just that… they utilize the water that the boat is operating in to cool and lubricate the drive and engine.

As implied by the name, this system utilize water from outside the boat to cool the engine and certain related components-this system is also called a seawater system and the names can be used interchangeably All versions of this system utilize two water pumps, hoses and a thermostat. The raw water pump is a self-priming impeller-style pump. Special compound nylon/rubber blades give the blades the ability to flex. The inside surface of the pump is eccentric, causing the blades to move from larger volume area to a smaller volume area as they rotate within the pump body. During periods of low speed there will be very little resistance to water flow within the pump.

This System is actually two systems in one-a closed freshwater system and a raw sweater system. All version of this system utilize two water system pumps, hoses, a thermostat and a heat exchanger. In the closed portion of the system, a mixture of freshwater and antifreeze is circulated through-out the engine block, cylinder head and a heat exchanger. The pressurized water/coolant never leaves the system and is thermostatically controlled.

We estimate that most of the boat engine repair work can be directly attributed to lack of proper care for the engine. This is especially true of care during the off-season time. There is no way for a mechanical engine to be left sitting for an extended time and then be ready for instant service at once.

Only through a regular maintenance program can the owner expect to receive a long life and the best performance at a minimum cost.

Therefore prepare always specifically for winter storage and have it serviced again before the start of the new season.

Spark Plugs have four main functions:

It fills a hole in the cylinder head.
It acts as a dielectric insulator for the engine system.
It provides spark for the combustion process to occur.
It removes heat from combustion chamber.

Always remember a spark plugs do not create heat, they help remove it. Anything that prevents a spark plug from removing the proper amount of heat can lead to pre-ignition, detonation, spark plug failure and even internal engine damage.

The minute you buy your boat, you should start thinking about your boat maintenance and upkeep schedule. First, you need to either personally inspect your boat or to hire a professional boat inspector. If you choose to hire an inspector, take note of his recommendations in terms of things to watch out for and the maintenance weaknesses of your boat. Local boat traders may have their own inspector for you to hire. Keep in mind that after checking your boat, there are several things you need to do in order for you to keep it in tip-top shape.

Service your marine fuel filter on a regular basis to avoid fuel delivery problems. Cleaning or replacement of the fuel filter will decrease the risk of blocking the flow of fuel to the engine. A fuel filter is to keep particles of dirt and debris from entering the carburetors or the fuel injection system and clogging the tiny passages of either.

Just a tiny speck of dirt or sand can affect the ability to deliver the proper amount of air fuel/oil to the engine. If a filter becomes clogged, the flow of gasoline will be impeded. Lean fuel mixtures hesitation, stumbling will cause problems in carburetors.

Many engines are equipped with a positive crankcase ventilation circuit that utilizes a PCV valve in the rocker cover in order to ventilate unburned crankcase gases back into the engine via the intake manifold in order that they can be re-burned. The PCV valve should be replaced every boating season or 100 hours of operation. A PCV system that is malfunctioning can cause rough running or idle, and also increased fuel consumption. Do not attempt to disconnect or bypass the system

The power trim/tilt system is a hydro-mechanical or electrically controlled system allowing the stern drive to be raised when moving through the water at speed, when approaching the beach or shore and when trailering the boat. It can also be adjusted through-out trims range while the boat is underway and at any speed.

An electric motor, controlled by a switch and relays, provides the power for a hydraulic pump. The pump, in return, forces fluid trough a set of hydraulic cylinders. The fluid will flow into one end of the cylinders to raise or lower the drive unit.

Taking care of the canvas accessories of your boat need not be a time consuming or difficult task. A little regular maintenance and attention to detail when you are boating will make your canvas last the life of your boat.

Normally the canvas components of a boat are very few: a convertible top, side curtains (which usually are not really used much), boots, and boat covers. Let’s address each of these items.

The biggest surprise for boat owners is the extent to which mold and mildew develops in a boats interior. Preventing this growth, the boats interior should be thoroughly cleaned, and ventilation should be provided to allow good air circulation.

Properly cleaning the boat includes removing as much as possible from it. The less there is on a boat, the less there is to attract mildew. Clothing, foul weather gear, shoes, books, charts, paper goods, leather, bedding curtains, food stuffs, first aid supplies, odds and ends, etc., should be taken home. They’re all fertile soil for mildew, as is dirt, grease, soap scum, etc.

The kids are excited to spend the day out on the boat. You've just unpacked everything from the car and are ready to put it all on the boat. This is going to be a beautiful afternoon out on the water. As you prepare to cast off you open the cabin and are suddenly overwhelmed by a foul stench. The smell is more than anyone can stand. Everyone is upset, as the planned voyage has to be cancelled.

This unfortunate situation could have been prevented. There are several products on the market that could have been effective in this situation. But are thy Green? Are these products safe for use in a small contained area, or would the toxic chemicals themselves be harmful to you and your family?

Boating is one of the most pleasurable experiences that you can have on our beautiful lakes, rivers, and oceans. Boats involve a large amount of cleaning and maintenance, though, which can be time consuming and not particularly fun. Some boat owners use more of their time cleaning their boats than they actually spend enjoying them out on the water. While keeping your boat clean and maintained is essential, there is no reason why you need to use so much of your time cleaning. If you use the right equipment and cleaning products, you can save time while maintaining your boat's beauty and protecting it from destructive marine elements and harsh weather. You can also lessen the time and effort of cleaning your boat by cleaning it regularly and by using boat covers when it is not in use.

When it comes to fixing up a boat the one this that gets overlooked the most often is the boat seats and pedestals. However, having a comfortable boat seat can be the most important part of your boating experience. If you are fishing or just taking a relaxing trip around the lake you want to have a comfortable place to sit. But when it comes to fixing or replacing your boat seats and pedestals the information can be quite overwhelming.

When it comes to reupholstering your boat seats you are doing a lot of work. Reupholstering your boat seats requires you to provide your seat with padding, spring, webbing and the fabric cover. Basically there are three elements of a boat seat that you need to consider when reupholstering boat seats. These are the frame, support system and fabric cover. But how do you know when its time to reupholster your boat seats?