BOAT TIPS FOR SKI FIENDS
Courtesy:  Mercury Marine



Ever tried water skiing without a boat?  
It's not too exciting.  So it's important 
that you get your boat motor in 
shape for skiing, just as you do the 
rest of your equipment.

	If you're not confident in your own 
boat knowledge, get a friend to help 
or check in with your professional 
marina operator, but don't go out 
without proper engine maintenance.  
Whether you have an outboard such 
as a Mariner or a stern drive like a 
MerCruiser, there are two compo-
nents to your set-up:  the power 
assembly and drive leg.  The power 
portion is different, but the drive 
section is similar in either case.  

	There are a number of items you 
should check regularly to make sure 
they are right.  

*	Check the level and condition of
	your gear case oil;
*	Check the condition of protective
	paint covering and sacrificial zinc
	anodes;
*	Be sure the kick up and reverse
	lock mechanisms are working;
*	Examine the condition of the
	propeller blades and shear hub;
*	Ensure the water pick-up inlet is
	free and clear.

	Now, up to the power section.  If 
you're running with a stern drive, 
check your crankcase oil as you 
would your car, using the dipstick.  
Since most outboards are 2-stroke 
and get their lubrication from oil 
mixed with the fuel, there's no 
crankcase to check.  But do be 
conscientious about maintaining the 
right oil/gas ratio and if your out-
board has automatic oil injection, be 
sure to keep the reservoir topped up.  
With the demands of towing skiers, 
proper engine lubrication is an 
absolute necessity.

	There are other things to look at. *	Check your plugs to make sure
	they are clean and gapped prop-
	erly.
*	Check your fuel filter(s) and
	replace them if necessary.  
*	Be sure to check your battery,
	being careful to wear eye pro
	tection and rubber gloves.  Your
	battery condition is critical to
	proper engine performance.

	Take care of your motor and it will 
deliver the good for you.  Then you 
can get on with the important things 
in life, like skiing!