Take Care of Your Boat Engine

Cruising along the coastline in sunny Florida is an exciting and fun adventure. That is, as long as you don’t get stranded out in the water. Has this unfortunate luck ever happened to you or someone you know? Living close to the shore I visit the beaches often and I have personally seen many people stranded throughout the years. In fact, when I was new at boating, I found myself stranded a few times as well but I quickly learned my lesson.

Considering the fact that I’ve experienced the embarrassment and aggravation associated with having my engine give out leaving me stranded asking strangers for a helping hand, I’m here to share a few words of wisdom with others that are fairly new to this wonderful sport.

• If you’re going to invest in a boat, then spend a little time learning how to care for the engine.
• Inspect your engine and look for any damaged or worn out parts before you even leave home.
• Check your battery and make sure it’s charged.
• Do a check engine test before heading out to the deeper parts of the water.
• Learn all you can about the pump propeller and how to fix minor problems that can affect it.
• Make sure the fuel you put in your boat has not been contaminated.
• If your engine is a pull start, check the rope before heading out.
• If at all possible, take along a trolling motor that can get you back to shore in the event your main engine gives out.

If you follow the tips above, you’ll greatly reduce your risk of being stranded. However, when you’re cruising around in the Florida waters, anything can happen. For this reason, be sure and follow all safety rules and carry along your flares and a whistle to get someone’s attention if the need should arise.