Book Recommendation - Outboards

[GregW]

I need a good book on outboard care and maintenance. I'm know there are many to choose from, however I'd like to hear from folks here to see what worked for them.

[David G]

What do you own? Late-model fuel injected 4-strokes with lots of tech... or vintage 2-strokes? Or some of each?

If it's the vintage motors, Max's recent book is simple, thorough, and good:

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/media/books/cheap/index.htm

I can't speak to the newer jobbies


"The reason so few good books are written is that so few people who can write know anything" -- Walter Bagehot

[BETTY-B]

I've always bought the specific service manual for my outboards too. Not the crappy ones at the boat stores. Most of my outboards have been OMC(johnson/Evinrude). You can get several different manufacturers here: http://www.outboardbooks.com/

These manuals are in depth for the total newby mechanic at the outboard shop.

By the way, I towed another Merc in from the straits just last night. I dont know what people see in those.

DAN

[Kaa]

Get a service manual (e.g. one of the Seloc series). They are detailed, precise, and to the point.

Kaa

[pipefitter]

I've always bought the specific service manual for my outboards too. Not the crappy ones at the boat stores. Most of my outboards have been OMC(johnson/Evinrude). You can get several different manufacturers here: http://www.outboardbooks.com/

These manuals are in depth for the total newby mechanic at the outboard shop.

By the way, I towed another Merc in from the straits just last night. I dont know what people see in those.

DAN

I have always been OMC but I could not refuse this little jewel. A 1987 Mercury classic fifty 45hp. Has to be one of the quietest and smoothest 2 strokes I have ever owned. Still has all the original equipment it came with other than spark plugs. I am not real convinced with any of the new outboards. They have all gone through their warranty issues rushing new technology to market. A good percentage of issues I have been hearing resides at the dealer and rigging departments. I have been finding much more incompetence at the dealer/outfitter level in what they seem willing to hire as mechanics these days, more so than the manufacturers.

http://home.earthlink.net/~tigmaster41/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/splash20.jpg

[BETTY-B]

Get a service manual (e.g. one of the Seloc series).


Those are actually horrible. They give you just enough info to screw up. Get a true service manual like the one I listed above.


I am not real convinced with any of the new outboards. They have all gone through their warranty issues rushing new technology to market.

I've got two different friends running the new E-tecs for the last couple years. Nothing but glowing reports. I like how you can just plug it into your laptop and get complete, detailed info. Like, how many minutes run at what RPM's and so on. They also designed them to use tons of parts off the older OMC motors too.

[pipefitter]

.
I've got two different friends running the new E-tecs for the last couple years. Nothing but glowing reports. I like how you can just plug it into your laptop and get complete, detailed info. Like, how many minutes run at what RPM's and so on. They also designed them to use tons of parts off the older OMC motors too.

Of course they have great service with them. But follow any of the fishing/ boating forums over the last 7-8 years and you can see cycles of just about every brand with an even amount of complaints collectively. The Merc optimax was coined optibombs, Ewrecks, Yamadawgs, Susuckies etc. They are all starting to catch up with themselves by now and for the most part, most people seem happy with their choices across the board. I like anything that runs reliably well and I just seem to be able to pick good motors. I do like the Etecs but the most popular brand still seems to be Yamaha in these parts. It would be a tossup for me and weight possibly being the biggest factor these days.

I also agree about the Seloc manuals not being the best of manuals. You should be able to find shop manuals on ebay perhaps or google for even the basic owners manuals that came with the motor in reference to general maintenance. If not, there is endless topics covering the subject via google. Still, opinions will vary greatly as with anything else. I use brand specific outboard oil, change the plugs, gearcase oil every season and the water pump impeller every 2 seasons. Run the engine out of fuel if it is going to sit for more than 3 months. I detail under the cowling and generally just look for corrosion or leaks and such.