ENGINES - Basic Checks
Back to Day Skipper Syllabus

Basic checks on any engine before starting include lubrication oil and fresh water cooling levels. Starting Battery terminals and connections should be kept in top condition but most of all before starting the engine the responsible operator must know how to stop the engine in case any immediate emergencies become apparent. This may sound silly but consider the variety of engines available today all with a different stopping technique.

After starting the raw water cooling system needs to be sighted as a strong flow exiting the engine or through its exhaust. If not, shut the engine down as this may need some attention like checking the inlet and hoses for blockages or even worse the raw water pump and impeller may require servicing.

Battery charging voltage and oil pressure must be checked after starting and monitored during running periods at the engine instruments panel.

Most marine engines today have automatic sensor alarms that activate on ignition and monitor the engines oil pressure, temperature and electrical charging. Features that sailors the world over are relying on to detect immediate faults that a running engine often tucked away in a closed compartment may incur as the unbeknown yachtsman may be busy on the helm.

Outboard Engines

The outboard motor is probably the most common means of propulsion for small boats. This machine is nearly always a two-stroke spark-ignition (gasoline) engine, mounted vertically at the stern of a boat in order to drive a shaft that in turn drives a conventional screw propeller through right-angle gears. It has the great virtue of being mounted external to the hull, thus being easily adaptable to almost any boat. Outboard motors operate on a mixture of gasoline and marine oil.

The development of the outboard motor was rather slow in the early years of the 20th century. After World War I the popularity of the outboard motor grew steadily, and as a result its power gradually was increased, and it was made more reliable. The popularity of the outboard motor increased tremendously after World War II, and small cruisers, runabouts, utility boats, and various classes of racers became available. By the late 1970s, powerful outboard motors, ranging up to 200 horsepower rating, became available, as is special equipment for handling such engines at the water's edge. The use of two outboard motors on cruisers and runabouts is common.

Because of the great power available and because the low transom required by this type of motor creates the danger of the boat being swamped.The safety of the outboard motorboat has become a matter of public and governmental concern.

The popularity of this type of boat also has produced crowded waters at lake and seaside resorts. In many areas measures have been adopted to prevent accidents caused by excessive speed, careless or reckless operation, and poor boat design.

I/O Motor- Yacht
Motor Yachts are popular recreational vehicles, present on many lakes and oceans throughout the world. I/O (inboard/outboard) motor-yacht such as this Donzi Z-25 are capable of reaching speeds of 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour).