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Tag Archives: evinrude

Improve fuel efficiency

Posted on December 11, 2018 by Scott Smith

How can I improve my boats fuel efficiency?

To help improve the fuel efficiency of any boat make sure to inspect the engine and components, checking to see if they are working at their peak capacity.  That means the air filters or spark arrestors are clean and in good condition. Spark plugs should be cleaned or replaced (if their condition is questionable) and adjusted correctly. Fuel filters and water separators should also clean or replaced along with any worn or damaged hoses, belts, wires or cables.  The better the engine runs the better your fuel efficiency. 

fuel efficiency

It is also very important that you have the correct propeller on your boat.  The wrong propeller can over “rev” your engines burning too much fuel for the speeds and performance achieved.  To much pitch can do the opposite and put too much load on the engine.  Too much load will make the engine work harder than necessary and burn too much fuel for the performance.  Besides reduced fuel economy there is a risk of damage to the engine. 

It is also important to make sure the boat hull is clean and free of barnacles, algae or scum buildup.  Anything that sticks out from the hull surface can reduce the performance of the boat hull and reduce the fuel economy. 

Owners that have access to the exterior of their boat can regularly clean, polish and wax the hulls to reduce drag and increase performance. If your boat spends its life moored, you should have the hull regularly cleaned and refinished with an anti fouling paint.  Depending on the water conditions and your hulls anti fouling protection, this can be a once a every few years or once a year project.

Many companies sell products to reduce growth and build up.  Look for a product that is appropriate for your hull material and gives long life and low cleansing speeds.  If the cleansing speeds are too high, some vessels will never be able to take advantage of the cleaning action while moving.

What ever brand you use, make sure it is suitable for your boat and for the environment.  Look for an anti fouling treatment that last awhile. Cleaning and painting the bottom of any boat is a time consuming job.  The better the material works and the longer it lasts better your fuel economy.

Posted in boats, Marine, pontoons, Uncategorized | Tags: boating, boats, evinrude, marine, mercury, outboards, pontoons |

Boat Show Season

Posted on November 12, 2018 by Scott Smith

Boat Show Season

Question: Its almost boat show season around the country!  I like attending the show in our area.  However, sometimes I am overwhelmed with all the things to see.  Since you go to many events, any advice on what is the best way to get the most out of a boat show.

Answer: Boy, that is a wide open question. First you have to ask yourself why you are attending a boat show (or any show for that matter). Are you attending as new buyer looking for a new boat?  On the other hand, are you attending as an owner looking to upgrade what you already have or just add on to your equipment?  Maybe you are a manufacturer or dealer…. that is a completely different reason.

My situation is even different from that.  I am looking for new products, new boats and new companies.  I am interested in anything that might be of interest to my customers and readers.  I like to keep up with the industry and review new products or boats.  I am also looking for things I want for myself.   I also look for shows that will allow me to give seminars and promote my books.

Of course, I am always looking for a location that I like to visit.  I like the local shows but that is not the same as taking a trip to a distant location and using it like a working vacation.  (Just don’t tell my wife how much fun these shows are!)

One of my favorite shows is the Miami International Boat Show in February (2/14/2019 – 2/18/2019).  Look up their schedules at www.miamiboatshow.com.

boat show season

While I no longer give seminars at the Miami Show it is still a huge show with more things than you can see in a couple days.  Plus its Miami, a great place for boats, food and cigars.

That said, it is probably best to decide why you are at the show and establish an agenda for the time you will be attending.   Reviewing or looking at a boat can take a significant amount of time.  Plan your time accordingly.  In most cases you will want to look over the boat, listen to the sales pitch and, if possible, try it out on the water.

Because it will be a time consuming experience, do a little research ahead of time.  Review models and manufacturers that you have an interest in, on the manufacturers website or at a local dealer.  Go to the website for the show or event you will be attending and get a copy of the exhibitors list.  Review the exhibitor list and rank the manufacturers or dealers by your interest.  It sounds like a lot of work but if you prioritize the models you want to see, you can spend less time wandering the exhibits and more time shopping.  You will also find that you will probably have more time to leisurely enjoy the show once you have achieved your “requirements”.

If you are looking at products or upgrades to your existing boat, it is a variation of the same agenda.  Look through the exhibitor lists and develop a plan and route through the exhibit area.  It is also important to keep track of other things that might be of interested as you are looking at the exhibitor list or walking around.  You can always come back to a booth or visit the company’s website later (or back in your hotel room!).

Its a great experience even if you arent shopping for anything in particular.

boat show

Posted in Boat Insurance, boat ownership, boat safety, Boat shows, boating, boating safety, boatshows, BoatU.S. | Tags: Boat Shows, boating, boats, evinrude, marine, mercury, Miami Boat Show |

Miami Boat Show 2018

Posted on February 20, 2018 by Scott Smith

Miami Boat Show 2018 Pictures

Miami Boat Show 2018 – a few pictures from this years show.  One thing that was not missing was horsepower. Boats with two, three and even more outboard motors on a boat.  And outboards with 400, 500 and more horsepower.  Who would have thought that the outboards would be such a huge market. My favorite type of boat!

miami boat show

Posted in boat crew, boat docks, Boat Insurance, boat maintenance, boat ownership, boat parts, boat projects, boat safety, boat service, Boat shows, boating, boating safety, boats, boatshows, BoatU.S. | Tags: Boat Shows, boating, boats, Cigarette boats, evinrude, lakes, marinas, mercury, Miami Boat Show, outboards, sailboats |

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