Boat Motor Installation and Adjustments

Motor Installation and Adjustments

Motor Installation

Before installing the motor, ensure that the fastening clamps (see figure 2.1, no. 8) are open to maximum and that the motor is attached to a safety rope or chain. If the boat is in shallow water, tilt the motor to prevent the propeller from scraping the bottom. At the dock, ensure that the boat is properly moored; however, mooring lines must provide enough slack to allow for the effects of added weight. Place the motor on the dock with the top section toward the boat. Check again that the clamps are open. Using the handles, lift the motor and set it in place on the stern plate; tighten the clamps and fasten the rope or chain to the boat.

Loading the Boat

Load displacement and water movement in the hold are two factors that affect the boat's stability. Therefore, the load must be secured (tied down) near the hold with ropes, and the hold kept dry. After securing the load, also check the trim of the boat.

Adjusting the Trim

An outboard motor boat is operated and maneuvered as if the hull were moving parallel to the water. Passengers and materials must be placed to evenly distribute the load along the length and width of the boat.

Poor: Too much weight in front

Poor: Too much weight in back

Correct: Load is evenly distributed and ensures optimal performance

One common mistake is to overload an outboard boat. The recommended load capacity is shown on the Capacity Plate issued by the Department of Transport. Never exceed the specified load.

Steering System Tension

The tension of the steering system is adjusted at its pivot point by a screw or bolt called a copilot. It must be tightened just enough to prevent the boat from changing direction when the operator takes his/her hand off the throttle bar. The tilt of the motor (see Figure 2.1, no. 9) must be adjusted so that the drive shaft is at a right angle to the surface of the water when the motor is running at full speed. If the motor leans too far out, the stern of the boat will sink and the bow will tend to tap the water. On the other hand, the bow will tend to plough the water if the motor is tilted too far in. Trials on the water will show the best tilt in relation to the load.

Motor too close to waterline; vessel will nose dive.

Motor too far from waterline; vessel will tend to tap surface.

Motor is at a right angle to the water surface; operation should be smooth if the vessel was properly loaded.

Lift Lever (figure 2.1, no. 16)

This important device is found on most outboard motors and serves to hold the motor upright against the stern plate. Since the clamp keeps the motor in the water when the boat is in reverse, it should normally be engaged. As a general rule, the clamp automatically disengages if the motor strikes an underwater object.

Motor Controls

Starting the motor

1. Connect the fuel tank to the motor (if the tank cap has an air intake, make sure it is open) and press primer bulb until you feel resistance;
2. Take care to remove any debris from the propeller (see figure 2.1, no. 12) and the cooling water intake (see figure 2.1, no. 14);
3. Lock the motor tilt lever (see figure 2.1, no. 9) in the “RUN” position, and the lift lever (see figure 2.1, no. 16) in the “LOCK” position;
4. Ensure that the drive selector (figure 2.1, no. 2) (also called a gear selector) is in Neutral;
5. Set the throttle to “START” (see figure 2.1, no. 5) and use the choke as required (see figure 2.1, no. 3);
6. In a sitting or crouched position, tug the starter cord (see Figure 2.1, no. 4) until you feel resistance, then pull firmly in a single stroke.  Remain seated to start the motor;
7. Check that the control jet (figure 2.1, no. 1) from the cooling system is flowing properly;
8. Once the motor is running well, adjust the choke.

Heading Out

1. Cast off moorings.
2. Shove off in the desired direction.
3. Set the throttle to the “Shift” position;
4. Set the drive selector to Forward and adjust the choke and increase the throttle setting.

Stopping

1. With the drive selector at Forward ... slow the throttle back to the ‘Shift’ position.
2. Set the drive selector to Neutral.
3. Push the stop button (see figure 2.1, no. 6) (if there is no stop button, pull on the choke).
4. On  reaching  the  shore,  tilt  the motor  out  of  the  water to  avoid damaging the propeller

The operator must sit to the right of outboard motors that have a steering bar connected directly to the motor.

Steering

To change the direction of an outboard boat you must change the position of the motor’s propeller.

If the bar is pulled to the right, the bow of the boat will turn left, and if the bar is pulled to the left, the bow of the boat will turn right.

With practice, boat operators will soon learn to act quickly and correctly.

When maneuvering in reverse, the lift lock mechanism must be engaged to prevent the motor from tipping.  Obstacles must be avoided with great care since the motor is no longer protected from collision.

Reversing is much more complicated than forward maneuvering, and therefore requires extra alertness.