Avoiding Disaster:
Take Care of Your Boat Before Disaster Strikes
By: Andrew Buss
Take Care of Your Boat Before Disaster Strikes
By: Andrew Buss
Boat owners are facing an epidemic: ethanol. Co-owner and Operation Supervisor of Starboard Choice Marine in Mishawaka, Indiana, Andy Peterson reveals a scary fact: “70% of our business today is because of ethanol fuel.”
The mechanics of Starboard knew the problems of ethanol well before it arrived in Michiana. It arrived in the spring of 2009. Peterson recalls, “We had some cases of ethanol trouble beforehand, but it hit [Michiana] hard at that time and it has not subsided.”
The biggest problem with ethanol is that it will eat away the rubber it comes into contact. Rubber is used to transport fuel through a motor. Consequently it can clog motors causing them to blow out completely. There have even been reports of motors catching fire.
The mechanics of Starboard knew the problems of ethanol well before it arrived in Michiana. It arrived in the spring of 2009. Peterson recalls, “We had some cases of ethanol trouble beforehand, but it hit [Michiana] hard at that time and it has not subsided.”
The biggest problem with ethanol is that it will eat away the rubber it comes into contact. Rubber is used to transport fuel through a motor. Consequently it can clog motors causing them to blow out completely. There have even been reports of motors catching fire.
Thanks to the higher fuel costs and the demand for cheaper fuel, completely avoiding ethanol is now nearly impossible. Ethanol is cheaper than gasoline and subsequently, is often added to fuel, 15% in many locations to lower prices. However, there are some measures boat owners can take; but it must begin immediately this spring to stay safe. Peterson strongly recommends the use of the additive Sta-bil Ethanol Treatment. “I once recommend using it the first time you fill up for the season, but now I recommend adding it every time. If you add fuel, add Sta-bil.”
He also recommends installing a filter to fight ethanol. A good filter can catch much of the trouble ethanol creates including water, sand, sediment, and rubber. Peterson recommends a Sierra 10 Micron Filter. To help boat owners avoid trouble this season, Starboard is currently running a special for complete installation. The cost of this installation is small peanuts in comparison to a blown motor.
The 10 Micron Filter minimizes the damage of ethanol fuel. Complete installation at Starboard Choice Marine is only $99.99 until the end of March.
Look closely; you can see fishing line wrapped around this propeller. Inspect for fishing line on your trolling motor and outboard propeller often, or bigger problems could arise.
Ethanol isn’t the only hazard boaters put in their boat. Oil can also pose risks. It is better to spend a few extra dollars. Cheaper oil does not burn as clean as premium oil. It has a higher ash content, which in turn, will clog spark plugs. Peterson recommends Yamalube or Mercury’s Quiksilver, “Both are similar in price and are excellent choices to protect your motor.”
Beyond minimizing ethanol and being picky with oil, Starboard recommends that owners take several more steps to avoid disaster on the water this season.
Tender Loving Care: The most valuable tool on your boat is the outboard motor; often, it is valued more than the boat. When first turning it on this spring, let it run idle for at least five minutes. This will allow the thermostats to warm up, natural lubrication to take place, build up oil pressure, and get water pumping.
Beyond minimizing ethanol and being picky with oil, Starboard recommends that owners take several more steps to avoid disaster on the water this season.
Tender Loving Care: The most valuable tool on your boat is the outboard motor; often, it is valued more than the boat. When first turning it on this spring, let it run idle for at least five minutes. This will allow the thermostats to warm up, natural lubrication to take place, build up oil pressure, and get water pumping.
Batteries: Check the water levels in your batteries. If they’re low, add only distilled water. Consider the age of your batteries as well. Batteries, five years or older, are destined for failure. Starboard sells Interstate Batteries and has gotten great feedback from customers. Peterson testifies, “Interstate has a warranty but I don’t even know it. We never have customers return them with problems so I’ve never had to bother with it.”
Electronics: GPS and sonar units are expensive tools. They should never be stored in the cold through winter. Before placing those back on the boat in the spring be sure to check for corrosion on wires. Be sure to tighten transducers as well. A loose transducer can skew or ruin sonar reading.
Electronics: GPS and sonar units are expensive tools. They should never be stored in the cold through winter. Before placing those back on the boat in the spring be sure to check for corrosion on wires. Be sure to tighten transducers as well. A loose transducer can skew or ruin sonar reading.
Before going out for the first time, check the batteries to be sure they won't fail.
Trailers: Check for corrosion on the plugs. Also be sure to check lights before taking it down the road for the first time.
After a long winter, be sure to check tire pressure. A common rule of thumb is to keep the pressure ten pounds less than their rating. Peterson adds that forty-five pounds of pressure is sufficient for most tires.
Consideration should also be taken with the bearings. Blown bearings can leave you stranded. Grease bearings should be re-packed annually and levels on oil bearings should also be checked routinely. Peterson adds, “If you have oil bearings, check for water and debris. This will often turn the oil into a yellowish color.”
Oil bearings are newer to bass boat trailers, but interestingly, Starboard has not seen the advantages: “Oil bearings originated with semi trailers and have more problems on boat trailers: they leak water more so than grease. In 2009 we had over twenty customers switch out their oil bearings to grease bearings.”
After a long winter, be sure to check tire pressure. A common rule of thumb is to keep the pressure ten pounds less than their rating. Peterson adds that forty-five pounds of pressure is sufficient for most tires.
Consideration should also be taken with the bearings. Blown bearings can leave you stranded. Grease bearings should be re-packed annually and levels on oil bearings should also be checked routinely. Peterson adds, “If you have oil bearings, check for water and debris. This will often turn the oil into a yellowish color.”
Oil bearings are newer to bass boat trailers, but interestingly, Starboard has not seen the advantages: “Oil bearings originated with semi trailers and have more problems on boat trailers: they leak water more so than grease. In 2009 we had over twenty customers switch out their oil bearings to grease bearings.”
There are some measures you can take to check the status of your bearings without getting dirty. Begin by lifting your tires off the ground with the use of a jack.
Once lifted, shake the wheel to see if it is securely fastened. There should not be any wobble. Also, spin the wheel and listen carefully. If you hear any grinding you have a problem. Starboard is running a special on bearing work through the rest of April.
Fiberglass: To protect your boat from UV rays and keep the shine on your boat, use a protectant such as Bow to Stern. Starboard Marine carries and recommends this product for fiberglass restoration, protection, and preservation.
Starboard Marine services all facets of boats and trailers. They see a wide range of problems, but the biggest mistake boat owners make, forcing a call to the marine, is a forgotten drain plug. Thus, it is recommended to check for this appendage on each trip.
Peterson also acknowledges that many problems are made by a lack of proper winterization and ignored trailer bearings.
Peterson also acknowledges that many problems are made by a lack of proper winterization and ignored trailer bearings.
Another commonly neglected accessory on boats is the water pump. Peterson suggests getting these replaced every other year. To help boat owners, Starboard has a discount on the replacement and labor of water pumps.
Starboard Choice Marine was selected by the US Local Business Association as the 2008 Best Marine repair facility in Mishawaka. They hold over seventy certifications to cover all facets of boats, trailers, and accessories and are proud of their “Old School Values.”
Starboard Choice Marine was selected by the US Local Business Association as the 2008 Best Marine repair facility in Mishawaka. They hold over seventy certifications to cover all facets of boats, trailers, and accessories and are proud of their “Old School Values.”
Starboard Choice Marine is located at 506 Division Street in Mishawaka, Indiana. The fenced-in campus holds multiple garages and a tackle shop.
Since opening in the fall of 2004, these values have been their guiding principle with customer relations.
“Customer satisfaction is our biggest objective.” Peterson clarifies, “Like the old convenience stores that would check your oil and clean your windows we want to pamper our customers. We sweep out boats, check oil pressure, and look for anything out of the ordinary before pickup. When a customer leaves our facility with their boat, we want them to be confident that they will not have future problems.”
“Customer satisfaction is our biggest objective.” Peterson clarifies, “Like the old convenience stores that would check your oil and clean your windows we want to pamper our customers. We sweep out boats, check oil pressure, and look for anything out of the ordinary before pickup. When a customer leaves our facility with their boat, we want them to be confident that they will not have future problems.”
Co-owner, Andy Peterson, helps a customer in the tackle shop. The tackle consists of marine accessories, along with Great Lakes tackle. However, in order to cater to the large amount of bass fishermen they service, they willingly order all tackle from distributors for fishermen.
Behind Peterson are over seventy certifications. Starboard treats their customers with "Old School" principles and takes pride in establishing relationships with all fishermen: salmon, musky, panfish, walleye, and bass.
Furthermore, Starboard works hard to be connected with local bass, walleye, and salmon organizations. They do much of this by sponsoring events and promote fishing and conservation. They are proudly involved with the Special Athletes Outing, Turn in a Poacher program, and the annual kids fishing event sponsored by St. Joe Valley Bassmasters.
Boundless fishing opportunities await you in 2010, but you won’t be able to take advantage of them if your boat is in-operational. Be sure to properly maintain your boat so you are indulging instead of pondering.
Boundless fishing opportunities await you in 2010, but you won’t be able to take advantage of them if your boat is in-operational. Be sure to properly maintain your boat so you are indulging instead of pondering.