Diesel Engines

The best way to get all of the oil out of the engine (after a thorough warm-up) is to drain it from the plug at the bottom of the pan. In boats, however, its often tough or impossible to get at that plug. The optimum solution is to have an oil-change system permanently installed, with a hose from the oil sump to a bulkhead-mounted pump.

The light, easy-to-start Honda BF2 fends off challenges from 3 newcomers.

MARINE INSURANCE REDUXI have been reading with much interest your articles about marine insurance this year (April and May 2006).

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. …

Here's a combination that will give you a decided advantage the next time you need to change a waterpump impeller. In difficult circumstances, the time saved could mean a lot.

Minn Kota's 3X steering and ergonomic features push the RT80/S-3X past the competition in the 80-lb. thrust class. In the 50-lb. class, we like the no-frills MotorGuide SW46 HT.

Here's a dinghy-power option that might make sense — if your circumstances permit. It's quiet, clean, and cheap, but also slow, and may lack staying power.

Clean diesel fuel is the first step toward proper engine maintenance. Thanks to an Alaska-based inventor, attaining perfection in that department has become easier and less expensive.

Among the bar-type locks, we like the Islander Outboard Motor Lock. For really robust security, go with the Stazo SmartLock.

Resale Value of RepoweringWe own a 1975 Tartan 34C, still powered with the original Farymann R30 (V2) diesel engine. In its 28 years of...