Operating a Motor Boat

Operating a Motor Boat

Motor Operation

The outboard motor is a spark ignition engine. Fuel from the fuel tank enters the carburetor where it mixes with air in a given proportion. From the carburetor, the gas mixture enters the cylinder. In the cylinder, a spark plug emits a spark that ignites the mixture, triggering an explosion that drives the piston. This sets in motion a crankshaft (or drive shaft) linked to the piston by a connecting rod. Successive explosions in the cylinder cause the crankshaft to turn and a gear assembly activates the propeller.

The internal temperature of a spark ignition engine is over 3200 Celsius (4000 F). Therefore, the motor must be cooled. Outboard motors are cooled by water.

While the motor is running, water is drawn in through openings located at the base of the motor (see Figure 2.1, no. 14) under the anti-cavitation plate. Water flows around the cylinders before being flushed out into the surrounding body of water through a cooling system control jet. It exits through an orifice located near the cylinder head (see Figure 2.1, no. 1).

Most outboard motors are two-stroke engines; four-stroke engines also exist.

Two- and four-stroke engines differ in the way that lubricating oil enters the cylinders. In a two- stroke engine, oil is added to fuel in the tank itself (manufacturers specify how much oil to add to the fuel). However, some two-stroke outboard engines have two tanks: one for gas and another for oil. The oil and gas mix automatically before reaching the cylinders. In a four- stroke engine, oil is added through a separate opening located near the drive shaft. Too little oil can cause the metal to overheat and damage the motor.

Figure 2.1 — Typical Outboard Motor

Key

1. Water pump indicator
2. Drive selector or gear selector
3. Choke
4. Starter cord
5. Throttle
6. Emergency stop/tension control
7. Emergency stop cord
8. Fastening clamp
9. Motor tilt control
10. Drift corrector/anti-corrosion anode
11. Water outlet
12. Propeller
13. Oil indicator (emptying and filling)
14. Water intake device
15. Fuel exhaust
16. Lift lever

Boating Trip Plans

Trip Plans

Another useful safety measure is filing a trip plan. Before heading out, the operator of a pleasure craft should complete a thorough trip plan and file it with a responsible person who is familiar with the instructions to follow in case of emergency. During the trip, the plan should be updated to avoid an unnecessary call for help should you decide to deviate from your original plan. Filing a trip plan will assist rescuers when it is necessary to initiate a call for search and rescue in case of emergency.

The trip plan should contain the following information:

• name and registration number of craft
• type of craft .. sailing or power driven
• name, address and phone # of owner
• number of persons on board
• size, type and colour of craft
• engine type (inboard, outboard)
• distinguishing features of craft
• type of radiotelephone and channel monitored
• safety equipment on board
• emergency instructions
• trip description: departure time, return time, and proposed route

Pre-departure Checklist

Another helpful tip is to make and fill-out a checklist of all required equipment and supplies prior to leaving the dock. This will help to avoid situations which could lead to unnecessary emergencies, (such as running out of fuel, dehydration, hypothermia etc).

Emergency Kit

An emergency kit is an item that is often overlooked when equipping a pleasure craft. These items could be kept in a plastic bag or a sealable watertight plastic container of sufficient size.

This kit should include:

• a flashlight
• a whistle
• a knife
• a first aid kit
• emergency rations
• drinking water
• dry clothing.