Tag: engine

Categories
Boat & Yacht Market

Boat Sales: 8 Useful Tips to Help Sell Your Boat

With such a competitive boat sales market it is critical to put in the time and effort to ensure a sail or motor-driven boat is well presented.

Boat Sales

Here are eight tips to help market the boat the right way:

Advertise

Market the boat heavily initially in the local daily newspapers and boating press. Plus, for the more high-end models which will attract a lot of attention, make sure to take it further and market the vessel in the national and regional venues. Use a lot of pictures to help draw-in attention. Use the internet to your advantage and publish the listing on the dedicated boat sales and classified ad sites.

Maintain the engine

Start the engine up at regular intervals to ensure it is ready and fully operational each time a potential new owner comes to inspect the boat in person. A slow starting engine or completely flat battery is certain to discourage a would-be buyer.

Spruce up the boat

Give the boat a quick spruce up before showing to a potential prospect. Use a quick and easy spray-on wax to help give the boat an instant shine. While this method can give the boats fixtures and fittings an instant gleam, it isn’t likely to last much longer than 24-hours. So, make sure to repeat this step about 60 minutes before each caller comes to visit.

Remove clutter

Give the boat a more spacious feel by clearing the stowage areas of supplies and equipment that has been left to gather over the years. This is certain to give the impression that the boat has the potential to accept a lot more while also appearing significantly tidier.

Touch points

The boat sales market is highly competitive, so it makes sense to ensure the boat is in pristine condition when listed for sale. Look for signs of glaring blemishes that are easily noticeable. A professional detail job can include cleaning the bilge, de-greasing the engine, re-taping the shredded boot stripe, and removing rust stains. Plus, the cabin or other internal areas can be made more pleasant by using air fresheners.

Clear windows

If the vessel is fitted with a clear curtain that are clouded or scratched due to age, make sure to have them removed or replaced when conducting the internal viewing.

Hull appearance

A wooden boat with a painted hull can benefit from a fresh coat of paint to give a like-new appearance. Also, it can help to improve the appearance of the stern drive skegs or similar areas that have experienced issues with worn paint over the years.

Sea trail

Make sure the boat is in the most favorable condition prior to going out on a river or sea trail. While it is necessary to have the safety gear on board, other equipment can be left ashore, while water and fuel can be kept light. This should ensure the boat is easier to handle, quicker to get on plane, and able to achieve its top speed without difficulty. Also, try to limit the number of passengers on board for the sea trials to ensure the boat is kept light and able to give its best performance.

Categories
Boat & Yacht Market

Should I Buy a New or Pre-Owned Boat?

Whether it benefits to buy new or pre-owned comes down to the personal preference and available finances.

New Or Pre-Owned Boat

A cleverly bought bargain might well be possible with a slightly second-hand vessel (less than 2-3 years old), while others might prefer the mint condition of a brand new craft that is sitting on the dealer’s forecourt.

Below are several points to consider in the process of deciding on new or pre-owned:

New

  • A brand new vessel with no previous mileage means no need to be concerned about pass use, winterization practices, or commissioning. There is no negative history from the past that could impact the performance of the vessel.
  • Buying new usually means more choice and not limited to what is currently available in the second-hand market. Plus, the latest model boats will come complete with the most high-tech instruments and technology, which is certain to be appreciated by those that love the latest gadgets.
  • A new buy comes complete with the manufacturer’s warranty which gives the desired protection should things go wrong within a short time of making the initial purchase. A warranty issued by the local dealership can last in the region of 1/5 years based on the type of vessel sold.
  • There are more options to rig the vessel as preferred with the most modern gear and equipment. Plus, it makes it easier to buy a boat and outboard engine combination that matches the specific needs.
  • Also, there is no need to be concerned about the prior use of the vessel and reason for the sale.

Second-hand

  • A pre-owned boat is certain to be more cost-effective in relation to the initial outlay. Plus, the original owner would have been the person to experience the 25-30% depreciation that is noticed as soon as the boat is removed from the boat dealer’s forecourt. It is possible to invest on a much larger or powerful vessel for a lot less dollars, which means the yearly cost of ownership is more attractive. Plus, there isn’t such an issue if you later decide to change to a different type or size of craft in the future.
  • The vessel is already run in and there is less need to be concerned with causing the first ding or scratch.
  • Early signs of problems with the boat or engine have already been detected, so not such an issue for the second or third owner. For any vessel that is aged 10 years plus it can benefit to invest in an out of the water survey and valuation report carried out by a qualified marine surveyor to confirm the boat is in a sound and seaworthy condition. A full survey will clearly illustrate the condition of the craft and make it possible to offer the lowest price for defects detected or walk away from the more worrying issues.
  • A pre-owned boat means the technologies and systems on board have already been tested over time. Read up on reviews to see how this specific model of craft has been able to perform since release on the market. Any poorly received boats or motors can be avoided by using the internet to conduct the necessary research.

Categories
Boat Maintenance & Organization

What is the Correct Position to Store an Outboard Motor?

Protect a high-value outboard motor with a 50 – 315-lb weight capacity outboard engine stand. Motor stands, trollies or carts, designed to store a motor in the ideal upright position to prevent leakage of fluid, off the floor and safe, come in several different designs from movable, static or collapsible – each with there own distinctive characteristics.

Outboard Motor StandStands are perfect for storing motors in times of non-use, service or maintenance, and transporting to a boat.

A cool temperature in the storage shed is preferred since this offers the chance to lessen the process of rusting; low humidity levels work in a similar fashion. Basically, you should avoid storing the outboard in a shed which is likely to experience significant fluctuations in temperature — like being positioned by the furnace — since moisture has the potential to develop quite suddenly, which will result in mechanical related problems.

Characteristic of a Motor Stand

Portable for use wherever you are, a 1-inch tubular framed outboard stand sits on solid casters or pneumatic tires for increased maneuverability and stability. Its large diameter pneumatic-type wheels are designed to move with ease no matter the size of engine carried.

  1. 1-inch tubular-steed framed construction
  2. Multiple structure designs to accept varying weight limits
  3. Handles fold for ease in storage
  4. Solid-built 1.5 – 2-inch hanging block for placing the engine
  5. Pneumatic tires or casters

The motor’s hangers are placed on 1.5 – 2-inch thick block to secure the engine in a vertical position – which will hold up to oil, gas, or similar corrosive materials. For ease in pushing or pulling, a cart often comes with soft-grip ergonomic handles, which folds-down (or flat in some cases) for convenient storing – offering a lot more space in a shed or garage – and perfect to transport in a vehicle and use on arrival at the boat slip or marina. In addition, with the handles folded-down, it will make maintenance a great deal easier.

Offering varying weight capacities, an engine stand is constructed in high-strength tubular steel, in several different tube frame dimensions – and accepts all brands of motors (Johnson – Yamaha – Evinrude – Suzuki – Tohatsu). A stand built for small HP motors (up to 15 horsepower) has a weight capacity at 60 to 85lbs, a stand for medium HP motors (up to 30 horsepower) has a weight capacity at 85 to 130lbs, and a stand for large HP motor has a weight capacity at 130– 315lbs.

Storing an outboard engine in an upright position, at an angle similar to a boats stern is most beneficial to secure liquids inside the engine in the right compartments, which prolongs the motors tightness and sealing.

Build a Stand

Looking for a solution to winterize an engine, change oils, or general safe-keeping – a self-built stand offers a practical solution to avoid leaving a motor sitting on a garage floor – with plans offering construction times of 30 minutes to 2 hours using 2×4 or 2×6 lumbers plus miscellaneous hardware. Searching online will return a varied selection of plans, some good, others poor.

How to care, prepare and winterize an outboard motor

Proper care, preparation and winterization of the outboard motor or any mechanical component of the boat are able to increase the overall life-expectancy and functionality of the vessel. Maintaining the outboard engine offers a variety of positive aspects, from increasing the safety to reducing the cost of owning the vessel. While certain maintenance and service issues might be best left to the authorized dealerships and mechanics, a wide range of general repair issues on the engine can be completed by the owner to help with saving on costs.

Prior to using the outboard motor

  • Verify the engine oil level – relying on the guidelines suggested in the owner’s manual.
  • Check the fuel system for signs of leaks or extreme wear.
  • Inspect to lanyard stop to make sure it is able to kill the engine.
  • Examine the engine mounting to make sure it is able to securely mount the transom
  • Look at the steering system to inspect for signs of loose components. Check the tie bar fasteners and hydraulic fittings, and that no leaks or damage is noticed.
  • Inspect for indications of damage to the propeller blades. Replace or repair the propeller if required.

After using the outboard motor

  • If using the vessel in saltwater make certain to flush the engines cooling system.
  • Clean the outboard motor if just lifted from salt waters
  • Rinse out the propeller exhaust outlet with freshwater after using the vessel and outboard in saltwater.

Perform every 100-hours or yearly

  • Replace the oil and filter. Examine the separator/water filter for signs of dirt or debris. Change or clean the filter in situations where it is deemed necessary. Use a mechanic to verify the condition of the thermostat to make sure it is able to close at the ideal temperature. If required replace the lubricant for the gear case.
  • Make sure the fasteners, bolts, and nuts are tight. Look for signs of corrosion with the anodes and replace if required.
  • If operating a power-steering vessel have the steering fluid check and top up if necessary. Check the power trim and add fluid.
  • Examine the battery
  • Have the electrical system inspected for frayed wires or loose connections.
  • If regularly used in saltwater, examine the spark plugs for signs of corrosion. Swap-out the spark plugs if required.

Perform every 300-hours or 3-yearly

  • Have the engine inspect by an authorized dealer or mechanic to examine the water pump impeller and high-pressure inline fuel filter, and replace if deemed necessary.
  • Spark plugs are likely to require replacing at the 3-year or 300-hour time-frame.
  • Examine the accessory drive belt to establish if it needs replacing.

 

Categories
Boat Maintenance & Organization

10 Tips to Help Winterize Your Boat

There are several methods available for storing a boat off-season, all of which might involve a certain amount of effort to prepare a winterization plan.

Boat Cover for Winter Lay-UpA well-prepared storage plan should pay huge dividends because of the ability to maintain the mechanical operation of the boat. If you aren’t mechanically minded and don’t have basic maintenance and engine skills, you can refer to a boatyard to help go through the steps to properly winterize.

1 – Start with the engine

Start with winterizing the engine as this is potentially the most significant step that needs to be performed. You don’t want dirty, old oil left sitting in the engine throughout the off-season, so start by changing the filter and oil.

2 – Engine cooling system

The cooling system can vary, either an open or closed system, so it is important to know the particular type on the vessel. If it is an open system, whereby water is drawn outside the craft, it would be necessary to flush the system using clean water. This is achieved by inserting a hose into the intake opening and draining the system. If, however a vessel features a closed system, it is generally a case of refilling the system with a water or antifreeze solution, whichever might be recommended.

3 – Empty the fuel tank

Drain any gas that might be left in the fuel tank. A vessel often includes a drain screw for ease in completing this stage. Once drained, replace the drain screw and top up the tank with the required fuel stabilizer liquid.

4 – Clear the holding tank

Pump out the holding tank (bathroom), if applicable. It often benefits to have a boatyard complete this stage, unless the tank can easily be removed from the vessel. In preparation for next season, it often benefits to treat this tank with a highly effective deodorizing solution.

5 – Clean the bilges

Give the bilges a good clean and dry before leaving. A variety of tools like a stiff brush, hot water, and soap can help remove oil spills or similar. A cleaned bilge area is best sprayed with a lubricant (moisture displacing) and anti-freeze to stop the leftover water freezing up.

6 – Pack the gear

It is a wise precautionary measure to take off-board as much removable gear as possible. It isn’t necessary to leave cushions, sails, fire extinguishers, PFD, electronics, weatherproof gear, fenders, etc. on board – as this is only likely to attract dirt and moisture. Over the course of the winter give the removed valuables a complete inspection to identify those in need of cleaning or replacing.

7 – Open the lockers and hatches

If a vessel is to be winterized in an enclosed space, such as a garage, then there is often an advantage to open all of the storage lockers and hatches. It might also benefit to spray certain areas of the vessel with an anti-mildew product in areas like the bilge and lockers. If a vessel is to be stored outside, a dehumidifier can often help. Plus, open and clean the freezer or refrigerator system.

8 – Use a tarp

An essential step to take if leaving a boat outside and exposed to the elements, is to use a full-length tarp or cover. A high-quality boat cover will be required to make sure sufficient protection is provided for the duration of the layout period.

9 – Give the trailer attention

Similar to the motor-driven or sail boat, trailers can benefit from a service at the end of the season. Give the hubs a thorough wash. Any signs of rust should be rubbed down, primed, and given a fresh coat of paint. Inspect each of the tires for wear for cracks, and don’t forget the sidewalls. Also, consider removing the tires for a variety of reasons. It discourages theft, protects the springs, and extends the life of the tires.

10 – Lay-up storage

Before leaving the boat for the winter give the hull a pressure wash to help remove barnacles from trim tabs, struts, rubbers, and props. Open seacocks to let water drain. Inspect the hull for signs of developing blisters. Work on any blisters found during the winter lay-up to ensure the boat is ready for next season.