Ethanol Fuel Attacks Outboard Engines, Inboard Engines and Fuel Tanks
No matter what brand outboard engine you have Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, Tohatsu, or Johnson youll want to be wary of ethanol fuel. Owners of older sailboats with gasoline inboards like the Universal Atomic 4 should also be on alert. Ethanol fuel presents a wide range of problems for owners of gasoline engines. The new blend of fuel can attack tanks, hoses, seals, and can gum up your engine if you don't take certain precautions. We examine the issues surrounding ethanol fuel and offer some tips for safely storing a boat that runs on ethanol fuel.
Conditioners Help Combat Sulfate Build-Up
With the rising awareness of the new lead-acid battery "Desulfator/conditioner" products that are currently hitting the market, we tested the claims of two leading products to see if they are worth the money.
Great Maintenance Products: 2006
Fill your bucket with these favorites for a boat that shines from the bilge to the bow.
Mailport: 12/06
MARINE INSURANCE REDUXI have been reading with much interest your articles about marine insurance this year (April and May 2006).
Rhumb Lines — Getting a Fix on Reality
It was mid-July 1990 on the Caicos Banks, a stretch of shallow, gin-clear water extending for about 70 miles east to west in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Along with a dozen other cruisers whod chosen to thumb our noses at hurricane season (ah, those were simpler times), we were pausing in Providenciales before heading south. …
Fending Off the Funk
A 52-paint checkup: Antifoulants 12 months later.
The Great Goo Chase Begins
Testers search for the perfect teak caulk - or at least one that doesn't incite acts of rage.
Sticky Situation
After a year of testing, the proof is in the goop.
A Fistful of Splicing Fids
The stainless set from Selma combines elegant design with durability.
Hand Abrasives Round-up
3Ms Sandblaster sanding sponges and plain wet/dry sandpaper stand out.