Capt'n Pauley's Virtual Boat Yard -- Projects Galore!!!

Changing Oil

 

There should be a law that boat designers should be forced to service their own boats. That might make common maintenance tasks, like changing engine oil, a little easier. In most inboard or I/O engine installations, changing engine oil is looked on with the same fervor as going to the dentist.

 

Do I Sail with the Transmission in Gear or Not?

This is a perennial question that seems to pop up on every sailing list I'm on at least once a year or more. Here is the official word from Yanmar on the subject.

Capt'n Pauley

Advisory Number: MSA08-003:

DATE February 8, 2008 Dealers and OEMs
TO: All Marine Distributors
SUBJECT: Gear in Neutral While Sailing All MODELS:

All Sailboat Engines

We continue to get questions regarding the correct gear position while sailing with the engine OFF. This advisory is issued as a reminder; Yanmar requires that if sailing with the engine OFF (not running) the transmission shifter must be in the neutral position or internal damage to the gear or sail-drive will result. This damage will not be covered by Yanmar’s Limited Warranty. Please instruct customers and dealers who deliver the sailboat to the customer, of the correct (Neutral) position for the marine gear while sailing.

If the customer desires that the propeller shaft not spin while sailing, either a folding propeller, shaft break, or other suitable device may be used. However, Yanmar accepts no responsibility for the selection, installation, or operation of such devices. Please also refer to Marine service advisory “MSA07-001_Yanmar Sail Drive Propeller Selection” for additional information.

If you have any questions regarding this advisory please contact a Customer Support representative.

Seen at the Boat Show: Beta Marine Engines

Does your sailboat have an old Atomic 4 gas engine? Is it at the end of its useful life? If so, you may be a candidate for a Beta Marine engine.

Water Separator Filters for Outboards

I recently received this email from a reader:

I have a 6 HP Tohatsu outboard. I have been looking for an in-line water separator for some time. All I could find were for larger engines. I would be even happier if I could find one for a funnel as I store gas in regular cans also and then could just put it through the filter when filling the boat. Does anyone know of a simple water filter?

How To: Out with the Bad, In with the Good (Water that is)

Most of us running our inboard/outboards (I/Os) and inboards in salt or brackish water understand the potential harm that water can afflict on our expensive machinery. Corroded and leaking manifolds and risers, blocked cooling passages and overheating engines, to name just a few of the hazards.

One partial solution is a fresh water cooling system, where outside water is used to cool the engine antifreeze in a heat exchanger. This will help eliminate the ill effects in the engine block, but the raw water side of the cooling system is still vulnerable to salt and corrosion.

Another, better, option is to install a fresh water flushing system in your boat. Such a system allows the engine to be flushed with fresh water after you have returned to your slip. Most of these units have to be added after purchase of the boat and vary widely in concept and execution of the product.