A FRIEND RECENTLY WROTE: “I saw your piece about how good sailors
always look ahead, and live in the future, not in the moment. Well, I have to tell you that when I look
ahead I see myself one day dropping the outboard in the drink when I’m
transferring it from the rubber dink to the transom rail. What should I do then?”
Well, matey, if you paid proper
attention you’d know that I explain all this in my book about sailors’ rules of
thumb, the Practical Mariner’s Book of Knowledge. So here it is again, for your
benefit, and read it carefully because I’m not going to repeat it:
The rule of thumb for outboards
dropped in seawater is to render first aid immediately, because corrosion sets
in within three hours.
If you fear that sand may have been
drawn into the cylinder, or if you can hear grating and grinding when you turn
the flywheel, you must either disassemble the engine or call for expert help
after thoroughly hosing everything down with fresh water.
Otherwise, proceed as follows:
1. Rinse all salt water away with
fresh water. Do not be scared to douse everything, including the electrics.
2. Remove and dry the spark plugs.
3. Remove, clean, and dry the
carburetor.
4. With the spark plug holes facing downward
to drain, turn the engine over several times.
5. Squirt light oil into the
cylinders.
6. Replace the carburetor and plugs.
7. Start the engine.
If it doesn’t start straight away,
remove the plugs, dry remaining moisture, and try again. Inspect the carburetor
once more for water. Keep trying to start it. Be persistent.
When it runs, let it get good and
warm to dry out — and give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back.
If the beast simply refuses to
start, try to keep it submerged in fresh water until you can find more skilled
help.
Today’s
Thought
Water
is the driving force of all nature.
— Leonardo da Vinci
Tailpiece
“What
caused the fire on Fred’s yacht?”
“The
investigator said it was spontaneous combustion — a $20,000 policy on a $10,000
boat.”
(Drop by every Monday, Wednesday,
Friday for a new Mainly about Boats column.)
1 comment:
Hmmm... a long, tedious process; and don't forget you first have to recover the motor from the bottom. If you really see yourself dropping the outboard in the drink you might see tethering the motor to the stern rail before you unclamp it from the tender.
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