Boating is a popular recreational activity for many people. People love taking on the water to sightsee and explore what lies beyond the shores. Simultaneously, other boat lovers have made a sport from boating machines, spicing things up with competitive voyages at sea. Engineering advancements allow them to tune their boats for top-notch engine outputs and handling. However, boat lovers must be wary of the mechanical problems that can occur and address them in good time.
Timely troubleshooting is critical for getting out of trouble when disaster strikes. Here are some handy troubleshooting hacks that may come in handy when using your boat:
The Engine Won't Start
You walk to your boat, turn on the ignition, but nothing gives. Very frustrating! Usually, an engine that doesn't start when you turn the ignition often comes down to a break in the electrical circuit. Low batteries, dead batteries and breaks in the circuit connections are some of the notorious causes. If you run into this problem, start by checking the kill switch. Make sure that your shifter is in the "neutral" position as you inspect the starter switch. Look for any loose fittings and tighten them. Get behind your dashboard to fasten the nuts and try the ignition again. If this doesn't work, call in an expert for a more detailed examination.
Vibrating Engines Props
Vibrations from the engine props are another common problem you might face when using your boat. These vibrations often get worse as you try to steer the boat faster. In some cases, your boat may lose speed despite the engine racing vigorously. Usually, vibrating props result from gouged or nicked blades that cause an imbalance between the prop and the engine. Direct hits from invisible objects and snarling by fishing lines make the props lose their shape and start to vibrate.
If you have a vibrating prop, the best alternative is to slow the boat down and focus on getting to the shore as soon as possible. Replace the old prop with a spare or new one before taking. It is also advisable to practise changing your props regularly so that the problem doesn't catch you off guard.
The Gears Don't Shift
Your boat can stick in idle speed and fail to shift into other subsequent gears. For boats with electronic controls, the primary cause of this problem is a blown fuse. Boats using mechanical cable shifting methods will have this problem if the linkage is broken or stuck. Any of these two problems call for examination and repair by a marine engineer.
