Top 6 Common Problems with Mercruiser Engines: Insights and Solutions Common Mercruiser engine problems often include issues like leaking sea pumps, transom assembly corrosion, exhaust manifold failures, IAC motor malfunctions, water pressure sensor failures, and heat exchanger leaks. Leaking sea pumps can cause significant corrosion if not addressed early, while corrosion in the transom assembly,… Read More...

Marine Diesel Engines: How Long Can They Really Last? In the realm of marine diesel engines, a question that perpetually surfaces is: “How long will my marine diesel last?” This query, simple yet profound, hinges on a multitude of factors, each playing a pivotal role in the lifespan of a marine diesel engine. Let’s delve… Read More...

Boat Buying Guide: Interpreting Engine Hours and Usage In evaluating boat usage and engine hours, it’s important to understand that low engine hours on an older boat can be as concerning as high hours on a newer model. A boat with minimal use over many years may suffer from maintenance neglect and deterioration due to… Read More...

Rebuilding vs. Repowering Marine Engines: Making the Right Choice In the marine industry, choosing between rebuilding and repowering an engine is a critical decision that affects a vessel’s performance, reliability, and value. Rebuilding involves disassembling, inspecting, and repairing an existing engine, focusing on restoring each part to acceptable specifications. This process is ideal for engines… Read More...

7 Essential Steps for Evaluating a Used Marine Diesel Engine Evaluating a used marine diesel engine involves a meticulous process to ensure reliability and efficiency. Start with a thorough review of the service history, looking for regular maintenance records as per the service manual. Next, inspect for external corrosion, particularly around the lower parts of… Read More...

Outboard Idle Problems: When Your Outboard Won’t Idle or Stay Running In the dynamic and often challenging world of marine engines, one common issue that frequently surfaces is the problem of outboard engines failing to idle or stay running. This issue can be a source of frustration for many boat owners and professionals in the… Read More...

Understanding an Outboard Lower Unit and Gearbox In the intricate world of marine engineering, the outboard lower unit and gearbox stand as pivotal components, essential for the smooth operation of any boat. This part of the outboard motor is “where the rubber meets the road.” This comprehensive guide aims to unravel the complexities of the… Read More...

Comprehensive Guide to Winterizing a 2-Stroke Outboard Motor Winterizing a 2-stroke outboard motor is a critical process for ensuring its longevity and reliability. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to protect your motor during the off-season, ensuring it’s ready for action when the boating season returns. Quick Answer: How to Winterize… Read More...

How to Find the Size of a Boat Prop: A Comprehensive Guide for Marine Professionals Finding the size of a boat propeller involves identifying two key dimensions: diameter and pitch. The diameter is the width of the circle formed by the propeller blades, while the pitch is the distance the propeller would move in one… Read More...

Fuel Filter vs Fuel Water Separator: Essential Insights for Marine Professionals Understanding the distinction between fuel filters and fuel water separators is crucial for maintaining marine engine health. Fuel filters are designed to trap fine particulates and impurities in the fuel, ensuring clean fuel delivery to the engine. In contrast, fuel water separators specialize in… Read More...

A Guide to Diagnosing and Fixing Overheating in Outboard Motors An overheating outboard isn’t just a nuisance; it’s a cry for help from your boat’s heart—the engine. For marine professionals, understanding the intricacies of an outboard motor’s cooling system is not just about maintenance; it’s about preserving the lifeblood of your marine vessel. An overheated… Read More...

Used Outboards a Buying Guide In the realm of marine equipment, the decision to purchase a used outboard motor is both economical and practical. There’s a ton of ways to locate and buy a used outboard, especially if you’re shopping on the internet. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that your investment is sound and… Read More...

Loss in acceleration on Outboard: Enhancing Your Outboard’s Performance In the dynamic world of marine boating, encountering a loss in acceleration or top speed is not just a nuisance but a critical issue that demands attention. This article aims to dissect these issues in depth, offering professional insights and actionable solutions for marine enthusiasts and… Read More...

Outboard Corrosion Protection In the marine world, corrosion is a relentless adversary, constantly threatening the integrity and performance of boats. It’s “a boat owner’s arch-enemy.” This comprehensive guide explores the types of corrosion that plague boats, effective prevention strategies, and the critical role of maintenance in safeguarding your vessel. Follow Merrill Charette for more content,… Read More...

Outboard Cable Measurement: A Comprehensive Guide for Marine Professionals   In the complex and nuanced world of marine engineering, the precision in measuring throttle and shift cables on a boat is a critical skill that mariners must master. This task, while seemingly straightforward, involves a deep understanding of the boat’s mechanics and the intricate relationship… Read More...

Maintaining your boat’s engine is crucial for its longevity and performance. One of the essential tasks is changing the filters and priming the system, which ensures that your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing the filters on a Yanmar 4JH4E engine and priming the system,… Read More...

Factors when buying a marine diesel engine   If your in the market for a Diesel engine its either an exciting endeavor or a terrific disaster. There are many brands on the market each with their own pros and cons. Below are some basic principles to consider before even deciding on a brand to go… Read More...

The most expensive parts of a boat They say boat stand for “bust out another thousand” so lets take a look at all the parts that generally cost several thousand. The most expensive parts vary widely depending on the size and type of the vessel, as well as the materials used and the level of… Read More...