Important trailers are underappreciated
May 2008
I have written a lot about maintaining your boat and engine, but the trailer is quite possibly the most important component of your rig. It is also likely the most overlooked component of your rig.
Got a fuel problem? Troubleshoot it
April 2008
Not all mechanical problems are the result of a failed engine. In a recent e-mail, a boat owner described a problem he was having with the brand-new engine he had just re-powered his boat with. He explained that he had performed the usual break-in, and liked what he had seen up to that point.
On-board chargers make life easy
March 2008
Since first being introduced to the boating market several years ago, the on-board battery charger has become a must-have accessory for most boaters. This is especially true if your boat is equipped with a trolling motor.
On-board chargers make life easy
March 2008
Since first being introduced to the boating market several years ago, the on-board battery charger has become a must-have accessory for most boaters. This is especially true if your boat is equipped with a trolling motor.
What is this oily sludge beneath my prop?
February 2008
There are many questions I have been asked over the years, but there are some questions that seem to be asked over and over again. One of these has to do with the possibility of oil leaking from the lower unit of the engine.
Clanging noise is seldom a good thing
January 2008
When I opened my e-mail recently, I found this note from a boater in Kentucky: “Hank, I found you on the web and hoping you can help. I was on Lake Cumberland in Kentucky yesterday, and had to be towed in. I have a 1998 V-6 outboard. I was running about 3 miles at wide open throttle, approximately 50 mph, and heard a loud clanging sound out of the engine. I immediately shut down the engine, and as I turned to look, saw a puff of smoke come out of the cowling. I sat for a minute then tried to turn her over, and it was locked up tight. I waited about 30 minutes and tried again, and although she turned over, the clanging noise was evident. I didn’t want to do any further damage so I got towed in. Any thoughts or ideas would be greatly appreciated.”
Even insects can cause motor failure
November 2007
As I think back over the years, I have seen many different things that can cause serious damage to your outboard motor. Marine dealers and repair shops have done an excellent job of informing and educating outboard motor owners on how to prevent these things from happening. Sometimes new products have been developed to help prevent these things from occurring. Other times it was just a matter of informing the boat owner of potential problems and their prevention.
Gummed carburetors a problem now
September 2007
It has been two years since Hurricane Katrina devastated our area. It’s hard for me to believe, but I’m still getting a large amount of work that is related to the aftermath of that storm.
Battery troubles lead to other problems
August 2007
Occasionally, I get to take boats out for a water test. Whenever I go to the boat launch, I like to sit back and take note of the boaters in the area.
Is your boat ready for storm season?
July 2007
Most of us have detailed plans for what we will do in the event that another hurricane heads our way. I’m sure these plans include boarding up and securing the house, stocking up on hurricane supplies and getting ready to evacuate if needed.
Ask Captain Paul
The Boat doctor 
