Issues with your boat are not something you’d want to experience, especially if you’re out in the water. Besides causing potentially severe damage, it may also lead to accidents. For this reason, having a boat mechanic do routine maintenance is crucial.
There are various problems that may arise when using a boat. So, familiarizing yourself with these will be helpful in case you encounter them out of the blue. Read on for some common problems with your boat engine.
1. Overheating Engine
If you notice the temperature gauge on your boat rising beyond normal operating parameters, it’s a sign that your boat is overheating. One reason for this is the inadequate cooling of the engine, which may be caused by a failed impeller. When this happens, the impeller cannot pump cool water into the engine, causing it to overheat. Besides that, weeds, trash, or other debris obstructing the water intake may also cause overheating.
Overheating causes major damage such as seized parts, warped metal, or worst, complete engine failure. So, it’s best to check your impellers regularly if they require replacing and look out for other issues with your boat engine before using it. Having a wire or rod on board is also helpful should you need to clear intake clogs.
2. Motor Stopping Suddenly
The first thing to check if the motor suddenly stops is if someone accidentally hit the kill switch or if the boat has run out of fuel. If neither has happened, then there might be an issue with your electrical connection. Besides a blown fuse or a tripped breaker, there may also be loose wiring in your ignition system.
Another likely cause of your motor suddenly stopping is corrosion. You can avoid this issue by regularly checking the electrical wiring on your boat and spraying them with anti-corrosion spray. For more complicated technical issues and necessary repairs, consulting a trusted boat mechanic is best.
3. Engine Prop Vibration
When you feel vibrations during your boat ride, especially as you speed up, there might be something wrong with your engine prop. The prop is a part of the boat’s engine that transfers energy to the water, which creates a thrust, allowing your vessel to move. So, it can be quite concerning if you experience this problem when you’re in the water.
Engine prop vibration may occur when something is stuck between the blades or when the blades are nicked or gouged. It’s crucial to replace a broken prop right away to prevent further damage. But if this happens when you’re in the water, slowly make your way to the shore first, as replacing it there is not advisable, especially if you’re not an expert.
4. Broken Drive Belt
Another common boat engine problem is a broken drive belt. When this happens, the water pump and alternator, which are crucial in keeping the boat running, may stop working. You will know this is happening when the overheat light turns on or if the voltage meter shows your alternator isn’t charging.
While you can consider DIY fixes like using a pantyhose to replace the broken driven belt, it is only a temporary solution. If you have the right tools and are familiar with fixing this issue, it’s better to simply carry a spare drive belt instead. Besides that, checking your boat’s belt regularly will also help prevent this problem from occurring.
5. Engine Unable to Shift into Gear
A boat engine that won’t shift into gear likely means you have a problem with your engine. Reasons for this may vary depending on the type of boat you have. For boats with e-link controls, it might be because of a broken fuse, while those with mechanical cable shifts may have stuck, detached, or corroded linkages.
If this isn’t the case, then the problem might be with the transmission, which must be fixed by an experienced marine technician. Besides making sure you have transmission fluid with you at all times, you can also prevent recurrences of this issue through regular boat maintenance.
Consult a Trusted Boat Mechanic
Before using them, make sure your boat is in top condition to prevent catastrophic damage and accidents. While there are many ways to ensure this, having a professional help you will be most beneficial. Besides maintaining your boats, they will also help with necessary repairs and replacements. So, if you notice anything unusual with your boat or want to make sure it’s in great shape, reach out to a boat mechanic.
