Basic Mechanics Course

Posted onJanuary 02, 2012 - 7:07 pm by Admin | 0 Comments

Many mechanical problems experienced by powerboaters are caused by poor or nonexistent preventive maintenance. Nothing can spoil a boating trip quicker than an unplanned breakdown. Starting with the preparation of an onboard tool kit, there are some actions that can be taken when encountering a problem before making a call for help.

A Boat Emergency Repair Tool Kit

Many components of an onboard toolkit can be shared with a damage control kit.

  • A pair of adjustable wrenches.
  • A small pipe wrench.
  • A spare prop kit that includes an extra propeller, prop nut, shear pins and a floating prop nut wrench.
  • Phillips and straight tip screwdrivers of several sizes.
  • An assortment of tapes. Duct, fiberglass reinforced and electrical tapes are a good start.
  • A variety of wire ties and hose clamps. Carry a couple of each different sized hose clamps found on the boat.
  • A nutdriver that matches the hose clamps.
  • A small hammer.
  • A hacksaw and some spare saw blades.
  • Spare fuses that match what is used on the boat.
  • Any specialized tools specific to the boat.

Engine Turns Over But Does Not Start

  • Many boats have an engine kill switch tied to a lanyard that is physically attached to the operator. The safety switch shuts down the engine if the operator inadvertently falls overboard. Check to be sure the breakaway switch is connected.
  • Ensure fuel is reaching the engine. Check the fuel primer bulb on outboards, condition of fuel filters, fuel hose connections, and that tank vents are open.
  • Pull a spark plug to see if there is spark being generated and if the engine is flooded.

Engine Does Not Turn Over

  • Ensure the transmission gearshift selector is in neutral. Many boats are equipped with a starting interlock on the shift lever.
  • See if the battery switch is in the correct position.
  • Be sure all battery terminals, lugs and connections are clean and tight.
  • Check the condition of electrical system fuses and circuit breakers.
  • Check to see if the starter solenoid is being engaged during a start.

Engine Starts But Stalls or Runs Poorly

  • Check that the fuel priming bulb on an outboard engine is full of fuel and remains firm to the grip while the engine is running.
  • Double check fuel lines and connections for air leaks and kinks.
  • Ensure that the engine is not overheating.
  • Be sure that there really is fuel in the tank and check all fluid levels.

Engine Loses Power or Shuts Down

  • Check to see if the engine kill switch has been disconnected or pulled loose.
  • Check all fuel connections and hoses for leaks or kinks.
  • Check the condition of the fuel filter and check for water in the fuel.
  • Ensure the engine is not overheating.
  • See if the fuel tank vent is closed.
  • Be sure nothing has become wrapped around the propeller.

Engine is Overheating

  • Do not continue to run the engine until the cause of overheating is found.
  • Check raw water strainers and engine cooling intakes for blockage.
  • Ensure the water pump is functioning correctly.
  • Be sure on outboards that the engine is trimmed down far enough to keep the water intake submerged.
  • Check the engine oil level.

These are some basic hints for troubleshooting engine problems. Many communities have classes being offered in outboard or automotive mechanics that can really help boat owners. Local boatyard operators can often provide suggestions for resolving the problems they commonly see with customer’s boats. A review of the owner or operator’s manual can offer additional information about engine troubleshooting.


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