Thread: Boat setup - onboard necessities

Marine radio, although they look like fold down antennas in the picture.

PLB on your person rather than in the boat, especially if going out solo.

Honestly, the one thing I hadn’t thought of was a fire extinguisher!! I have them in my workshop and vehicles but completely missed one for the boat.

“Wouldn't worry about a start rope - modern outboards cannot be pull started as they are the same as cars, if there isn't enough power the computer says F-U and you are walking!”

I didn’t want to be disparaging towards this suggestion as I’ve pulled started many an outboard but was thinking how the hell would I do that on a 130hp 4stroke Yammy!!!

Was just chatting to a mate confirmed that I need to add a secondary battery. It’s geared up to take one and it already has a dual battery isolating switch fitted. Have a jump start pack somewhere in the shed so added to the list.

I carry a lithium ion jump start on the boat and it has saved me making a call when the battery went flat a while ago. Also have a fire extinguisher, and a mask in case of something wrapping around the prop so i can get in the drink and cut it off while seeing what the hell is going on

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

Honestly, the one thing I hadn’t thought of was a fire extinguisher!! I have them in my workshop and vehicles but completely missed one for the boat.

“Wouldn't worry about a start rope - modern outboards cannot be pull started as they are the same as cars, if there isn't enough power the computer says F-U and you are walking!”

I didn’t want to be disparaging towards this suggestion as I’ve pulled started many an outboard but was thinking how the hell would I do that on a 130hp 4stroke Yammy!!!

Was just chatting to a mate confirmed that I need to add a secondary battery. It’s geared up to take one and it already has a dual battery isolating switch fitted. Have a jump start pack somewhere in the shed so added to the list.

I didn't want to suggest that - might be misconstrued as calling a fellow weak haha. The other issue with the modern engines is simply getting to the crank shaft - the engine cover latch is at the back down low and it's a long way out there to get it off. Once you've undressed the thing, quite likely there is a safety cover over the flywheel anyway which means you either can't wrap rope around it or there is a fair bit of work to get to it! Luckily they are a LOT more reliable nowadays - if you give them power, feed them clean fuel and keep them serviced they are usually happy to play.

One thing I have run into with modern outboards, is they can play silly buggers with you if they get a bit of water in the works around a critical sensor. I would have a serious look at the tank, see if you can introduce a slim stiff hose right into the deepest part of the tank after it's been sitting for a while and suck out into a bucket. Have a good look at it, see if you can see a clear line after settling it that would show that water is in the tank. If you can't see anything, chuck a few ml of clean fresh 91 petrol into the bucket and see if it mixes or floats (been trapped before pulling dyed pink water off the bottom of a tank and thinking it was straight petrol!). Then, if all is good, pull the water separator system and give it a good service and even upgrade it to a bloody good one like a Racor unit. While on the subject of outboards, some have a vapour separator filter on the side of the block that will stop the engine at idle if it blocks up. It's not something that pops up on the service sheet that often depending on the engine type, and a lot of techs won't think to look for it if your engine starts dying when you throttle off and won't idle. Something to discuss with your tech at the next service anyway.

What are your thoughts on auxiliary motors?? I’ve asked this question repeatedly but generally the answer is that with the modern outboards, you don’t really need one. That’s something that I can’t reconcile and think there’s still a good case to have one fitted at some stage with its own fuel supply. I don’t know how usable they would be at sea but on the lakes, they would certainly get you home. Even off the coast, it might be enough to keep you off the rocks till rescue.

Originally Posted by MB

PLB on your person rather than in the boat, especially if going out solo.

Thought about this one a lot as it has come up on other threads. Have my hunting one which I thought would be more than adequate if needed

Originally Posted by rugerman

I carry a lithium ion jump start on the boat and it has saved me making a call when the battery went flat a while ago. Also have a fire extinguisher, and a mask in case of something wrapping around the prop so i can get in the drink and cut it off while seeing what the hell is going on

Carrying a dive mask is a great idea. I have a surplus of them so one permanently on the boat is a no-brainer. Nice one.

Originally Posted by No.3

I didn't want to suggest that - might be misconstrued as calling a fellow weak haha. The other issue with the modern engines is simply getting to the crank shaft - the engine cover latch is at the back down low and it's a long way out there to get it off. Once you've undressed the thing, quite likely there is a safety cover over the flywheel anyway which means you either can't wrap rope around it or there is a fair bit of work to get to it! Luckily they are a LOT more reliable nowadays - if you give them power, feed them clean fuel and keep them serviced they are usually happy to play.

One thing I have run into with modern outboards, is they can play silly buggers with you if they get a bit of water in the works around a critical sensor. I would have a serious look at the tank, see if you can introduce a slim stiff hose right into the deepest part of the tank after it's been sitting for a while and suck out into a bucket. Have a good look at it, see if you can see a clear line after settling it that would show that water is in the tank. If you can't see anything, chuck a few ml of clean fresh 91 petrol into the bucket and see if it mixes or floats (been trapped before pulling dyed pink water off the bottom of a tank and thinking it was straight petrol!). Then, if all is good, pull the water separator system and give it a good service and even upgrade it to a bloody good one like a Racor unit. While on the subject of outboards, some have a vapour separator filter on the side of the block that will stop the engine at idle if it blocks up. It's not something that pops up on the service sheet that often depending on the engine type, and a lot of techs won't think to look for it if your engine starts dying when you throttle off and won't idle. Something to discuss with your tech at the next service anyway.

Like this one?

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

What are your thoughts on auxiliary motors?? I’ve asked this question repeatedly but generally the answer is that with the modern outboards, you don’t really need one. That’s something that I can’t reconcile and think there’s still a good case to have one fitted at some stage with its own fuel supply. I don’t know how usable they would be at sea but on the lakes, they would certainly get you home. Even off the coast, it might be enough to keep you off the rocks till rescue.

Better value for money to get a minnkota type electric motor then it can be used for general use.
Unless your auxiliary is much bigger than the usually are it's not going to be much use at sea, especially if you've gone out over a bar. Also it's another motor to maintain and keep running.
Plenty of stories of people having a breakdown and going to start the auxiliary for first time in yonks and realizing they have 2 motors that don't go

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

What are your thoughts on auxiliary motors?? I’ve asked this question repeatedly but generally the answer is that with the modern outboards, you don’t really need one. That’s something that I can’t reconcile and think there’s still a good case to have one fitted at some stage with its own fuel supply. I don’t know how usable they would be at sea but on the lakes, they would certainly get you home. Even off the coast, it might be enough to keep you off the rocks till rescue.

I think they are a good idea, but don't have one. I do have a Minn-Kota which might get me out of imminent danger. Auxiliary motors are popular in other countries, but not here. Reasons I've heard include more expense, weight and servicing costs. I've also heard it said that they are used infrequently, so might not work when needed and we have the Coastguard!

Got the dame boat but a fisher model.. how about a dual battery setup.

Originally Posted by Sidetrack

Was just chatting to a mate confirmed that I need to add a secondary battery. It’s geared up to take one and it already has a dual battery isolating switch fitted. Have a jump start pack somewhere in the shed so added to the list.

I would second a second battery. Personally, I would feel uncomfortable without one and seems like an easy addition in your case.

Most people that try an aux motor decide it's a waste of time the first time. Any sort of decent windage and a little aux can't keep your course. If it's a decent enough motor that has enough grunt to push the boat straight and actually turn to the side the motor is on it will be so heavy that the boat will have a permanent list on the side it's mounted. Pain in the bum to be fair!