Fishing
Ignition glitches often tough to diagnose
From time to time I get questions from boat owners regarding problems with their engine’s ignition system. One such recent question was about an engine that had no fire at the spark plugs.[…]
The Boat Doctor
Fishing
Important trailers are underappreciated
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.[…]
Fishing
Got a fuel problem? Troubleshoot it
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.[…]
Fishing
On-board chargers make life easy
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. The[…]
Fishing
On-board chargers make life easy
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.[…]
Fishing
What is this oily sludge beneath my prop?
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.[…]
Fishing
Clanging noise is seldom a good thing
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.[…]
Fishing
Even insects can cause motor failure
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.[…]
Fishing
Gummed carburetors a problem now
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.[…]
General
Battery troubles lead to other problems
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.[…]
Fishing
Is your boat ready for storm season?
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.[…]
Fishing
Safety checklist could save your life
Before you jump into your boat and head out on the water, you may want to spend a few minutes checking out your safety equipment to be sure everything is in proper working order.[…]
Fishing
Uneven trailer tire wear a big deal
When is the last time you took a close look at your trailer tires? Trailer tires wear with age, but when they begin to wear unevenly, they are telling you that there is a problem that needs your attention.[…]
Fishing
Let the used-boat buyer beware
In some parts of the country, the boating season doesn’t begin until the ice melts off and the lakes become liquid again.[…]
Fishing
Spring tune-up is easy, worthwhile
Winter is over. Flowers are beginning to bloom. The weather is milder. The days are a little longer.[…]
Fishing
Power steering now better than ever
I was just reminiscing with an old friend the other day. I remembered the first outboard boat that my father owned. It was a 15-foot tri-hull with a 33-horsepower Johnson hanging on the transom.[…]