Engine Stuff

Engine "stuff" is the best way we could describe all the elements of boat engines that must be considered in order to ensure good functioning and performance.  This is a huge topic and one that needs to be understood -- unless you have an engineer with you all the time!   Having said that, most marinas and boat yards have marine engineers working there all the time.   Our advice would be to make sure that you have an engine overhaul once a year, preferably before the boating season starts.  And if you keep your boat in places that freeze during the winter, and don't know how to "winterize" your boat and its engine, then marine engineers can help with that.

However, there are always things that will need to be replaced, and we will start by covering the essential items that you will need to keep as spares.

The high humidity found around bodies of water can create condensation to form in your fuel tank.  This is particularly true with ethanol-based fuels.   Fuel/Water Separators have been developed for inboard and outboard gasoline engines.   They can be installed in existing engine systems by using any one of a number of different kits that are available.  As with all filters, the filters themselves will need to be changed regularly.   All engines require oil filters, too, and spares for these should be kept on board.

All engines have some kind of water-based cooling systems which require circulating pumps with impellers.   Water pump and impeller repair kits are available and are necessary, especially for power boats which have no other means of propulsion.  

While it is not usual for fan belts, alternator belts and power sterring belts to break, if it happens it can spoil your day.  There are some innovative emergency ribbed and V-belts available that can be adjusted to any size and application.

Hoses of all kinds, hose adaptors and jubilee clips/clamps are also a must.   Hoses can be abraided; you may need to cut through them to reach other parts of the engine, or to lengthen them when installing some other piece of equipment.