Being kind to your outboard engine
Issue 57 : Nov/Dec 2007
Low-powered yacht tender outboards are often overworked and under-serviced. They rarely, if ever, enjoy a thorough freshwater flush. This can be addressed by, first, placing your outboard’s stern rail mount high enough to slip a bucket under its leg and, second, by periodically filling the bucket with fresh water and running the engine in it. If it is a direct-drive, gearbox model, start and run the engine at idle to prevent the water from being displaced within seconds.
Alan Lucas, an Australian from New South Wales, has been cruising for 40 years, primarily south of the equator. He’s authored several Australian cruising guides.
Thank you to Sailrite Enterprises, Inc., for providing free access to back issues of Good Old Boat through intellectual property rights. Sailrite.com
