Category Archives: boat maintenance

Mercury Marine unveils new lineup of FourStroke outboards

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But I just bought a Mercury four stroke!!!!

Doesn’t look much different except its bigger 😉
Jun 19, 2014
Mercury Marine is proud to introduce its new 75, 90 and 115hp FourStroke outboards, which offer the ultimate combination of power and thrust, unsurpassed fuel economy, extreme reliability and smooth, quiet operation – all in a lightweight, compact package. These engines are the new best choice for bass, deep-vee, runabout and offshore boats as well as pontoons and saltwater skiffs.

Despite their low profile and low weight – they’re 20 pounds lighter than the closest four-stroke competition – the new engines feature a 2.1-liter, four-cylinder, eight-valve, single-overhead-cam design that delivers more torque and horsepower than competing engines. The result is unmatched performance, reliability, handling and efficiency.

Mercury Marine

Now that I own a Mercury 60 HP four stroke Bigfoot outboard…

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        
May 7, 2014

Mercury Marine introduces oil change kits
(FOND DU LAC, Wis.) – Changing oil in a Mercury outboard is one of the most important steps to keep an engine running at its peak. Mercury has developed four new convenient oil change kits that contain all the components needed to change the oil in your outboard engine.
Each kit includes:
• Mercury 25W-40 marine engine oil featuring Flagship Protection
• OEM Mercury oil filter
• Drain plug seal
• Drip tray (if required)
• Complete instructions (printed right on the box)
Mercury oil change kits contain industry-leading Mercury 25W-40 engine oil. Over five years of engineering and development went in to the exclusive Flagship Protection formula which features a high-tech, advanced set of anti-wear additives that provide up to 33 percent better camshaft wear protection and the highest levels of corrosion and oxidation protection. Designed to maintain engine reliability and performance, Mercury 25W-40 mineral oil has been proven to hold its viscosity ratings longer in industry wear testing than other oils on the market. Mercury oils in combination with a genuine Mercury filter team up to provide the No. 1 protection on the water.
Exclusive new Flagship Protection formula provides:
• Shear Stable Formula – Proven stronger in shear and viscosity testing
• The ultimate in corrosion protection
• The No. 1 recommended brand in the Industry
Mercury Oil Change Kits:
• 15/ 20 HP CARB Oil Change Kit – 8M0081914
• 25/30 HP EFI Oil Change Kit – 8M0081915
• 40/50/60 HP EFI Oil Change Kit – 8M0081916
• 75/90/115 HP EFI Oil Change Kit – 8M0081917
Kits will be available to order with the spring 2014 program.

About Mercury Marine
Headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wis., Mercury Marine is the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury provides engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications, empowering boaters with products that are easy to use, extremely reliable and backed by the most dedicated customer support in the world. Mercury’s industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard packages; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury propellers; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; Attwood marine parts; Land ‘N Sea marine parts distribution; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils. More information is available at mercurymarine.com.

Contact:
Lucas Lauderback
Mercury Marine Media Relations
920-929-5980
lucas.lauderback@mercmarine.com

Spring Boat Service – Trailer

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Trailers should be checked before use as well. Being parked on the side of the road because of a flat tire or a bad wheel bearing really puts a damper in the weekend boating excitement.  Lubricate and inspect the hitch coupler. Safety chains might keep the trailer from getting away from the vehicle when the coupler comes undone, but why have that happen in the first place.  The coupler needs to be free to move but at the same time fit tight over the trailer hitch ball.
Check the air pressure and inspect the tire treads and sidewalls for cracks.  Low pressure can cause the trailer to start swaying and potential cause the loss of control.
Inspect the bearings and repack if necessary. Don’t rely on just pumping more grease into the hub. The bearing should be cleaned and repacked at least once a year or so.  Bearing greasers do help keep water and air out of the hub, but over time the grease gets heated and hard and doesn’t provide the lubrication it needs to. The only way to prevent damage is to clean and repack the bearings.  If you use the trailer in salt water, check to make sure you can flush the hubs and break to prevent corrosion.

 Also test all the tail and back-up lights and the wiring on the tow vehicle.  Additionally, if there is rust or corrosion on the trailer frame it should be cleaned and repaired. Any damaged rollers or pads should be replaced or repaired also.


Extras
Extras are personal flotation devices, safety equipment and paper work.  Remember; don’t leave home without it means more than the boat. Make sure you have a enough personal flotation devices for the rated number of the boat or at least for the number of people that you take with you.

You’ll want a safe and dry place to keep the registration and insurance paperwork.  

You also want to make sure that all of your fire suppression and extinguishing systems are fully charged and in working order.  

If there are inspections required, make sure they are done before you head out on the water.    

One other thing to think about is having a good Marine First Aid kit.