Outboard Engine Care

The weather is just right, it’s the start of the season, everyone is keen to get out on the water and then once you’ve loaded up your tender you find out the outboard won’t start. Time to get out the oars and rowlocks or do you give up and go home?  Outboard Engine Care is just another area where a bit of planning makes all the difference.

Outboard Engine Care are fairly simple and even if you’re not a mechanic some day to day maintenance can go a long way to keeping your outboard engine in a reliable condition. 

At the end of each trip or vacation:

1. Flush (clean) out the engine:
   • Outboard Engines with a flushing port:
     • Remove the cap from the flushing port and attach your garden hose (if the boat is in the water tilt the engine up so the saltwater drains out.
     • Turn on the water and let it run for at least 5 minutes. Do not start the engine.
     • Remove the hose and put the cap on.
   • Outboard Engines without a flushing port:
     • Attach a pair of earmuffs to the hose and slide over the water outflow.
     • Turn on the water, start the engine and let the engine run for 5 minutes. Make sure water is coming out of the outflow tube.
     • Turn the engine off, turn off the water and remove the earmuffs from the hose.
2. Whilst flushing the engine have a look at the water pump. You want to see it has a strong flow of water. If there is a weak flow of water then check to see if there is anything stuck in the outflow tube.  Turn the engine off and then use a loop of wire to go round the outflow tube to clear anything. If you start the engine again and find the water flow is still weak then you may need a new water pump. Whilst the engine is running also check the heat of the water; the water should be warm but not hot. If the water is hot then the engine needs to be looked at by an experienced mechanic.
3. Burn off all the dirty fuel in the carburettor. Disconnect the fuel line and then allow the engine to run for a few minutes.
4. Check for leaks. Once you have flushed the engine and run the engine out of fuel disconnect the battery, take the engine cowling off and check for fuel or water leaks. If there are any leaks it probably time to call in a mechanic.
5. Protect the engine. Whilst you have the cowling off wipe the engine with water and then spray with an anti-corrosive (e.g. WD40).
6. Cover up. Once work is completed put the cowling back on and keep a canvas or plastic cover on the engine.

Other areas to maintain:

It’s always a good to look over your outboard for anything that looks unusual and may require attention.  Typical areas where outboards need maintenance are:

1. The fuel line. Any cracks or worn areas?
2. The fuel primer bulb. Any cracks, soft and pliable to use?
3. Fuel tanks. Any damage or corrosion?
4. Tank vent. Vent is clear and not damaged?

At Nanaimo Boatyard we provide routine servicing, repairs and installations. We work with all types of recreational engines using original manufacturer parts.  Contact us via our website, or pop in and see us.

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Guide to Boating During the Covid-19 Crisis

Boating safety is always—always—a critical consideration whenever you push off the dock, but with all the recent issues regarding COVID-19, many people are wondering if boating is considered a safe social distancing practice. For safety please see on below for Guide to Boating During the Covid-19 Crisis.

MAINTAIN THE All IMPORTANT SOCIAL DISTANCE

Stay at least two metres from others. (No joining up boats together, no dock parties.)

KEEP YOUR BOAT IN GREAT CONDITION

Before leaving the dock it’s even more important than in normal times to ensure your boat is in good order. If you need emergency services save it for an emergency that could not be avoided.

Before you leave the dock ensure you have everything you need for your journey to reduce the number of times you need to stop for supplies. As with all shopping for supplies it is best to pay online or over the phone.

RESPECT LOCAL PEOPLE

Double check the local  covid safety rules before you moor up or go ashore. Of course, ideally you simply stay on your boat.  It’s all about the continual challenge of financially supporting the local community whilst keeping everyone covid safe.

DON’T CROSS THE BORDER!

The Canada-US border is currently closed to non-essential traffic.

Come and talk to us or check our servicing, repairs and installations.

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Boat Maintenance Tips 2

I’m writing this in the summer so all these maintenance tips are selected for fair weather conditions.

Varnishing

Longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures mean more time in the day to varnish and for it to dry before the temperature drops.

Running Rigging Checks

Running rigging refers to all the equipment (ropes etc.) involved in raising, lowering and controlling the sails. By the middle of the summer, you’ll know what is working and what needs some attention. Check through your rigging for any failing splices, sheaves are running smoothly and any other adjustments that could be made to reduce friction and make sailing easier.

Deck Gear

This is a pleasant afternoon job. Check all your sheaves are running smoothly, your winches are serviced and the windlass is working as it should. If you’ve ever been on a boat when deck gear fails you will understand how important a little regular maintenance is.

Each piece of equipment will have its own servicing list.

Standing Rigging

Standing rigging refers to the fixed lines, wires and rods which support masts and bowsprits. In extremely bad maintenance situations, the mast could come down! What is more likely though is the boat’s performance will be affected by the rigging requiring adjustments. A correctly rigged boat will be easier to steer and faster too.

Safety Equipment

If you ever need the safety equipment, you are going to be extremely glad it is all in good working order. Of course, it is especially important if you are planning to do longer passages away from the shore. The usual maintenance needs are replacing lifebuoy lights, lifejackets with faulty inflation cylinders and old, unreliable fire extinguishers.

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Boat Maintenance Tips

Some of the common questions we receive at Nanaimo Boatyard. More maintenance tips to follow! Read and learn.

How do I clean black streaks on my hull?

There are specialist black streak remover products, but after a while, they strip off the wax and then the water streaks become even more prominent and difficult to remove. If you have a good layer of wax on your boat then the best thing is to stick with boat soap. The popular choice is to use the black streak remover, but as soon as it becomes harder to clean then apply cleaner wax to the area. This way you won’t need to wax the whole boat so often and you will have an easier job cleaning off the black streaks.

Do I always need to clean the salt off my boat?

Sun on a salty boat can result in salty water spots into the gel coat and your glass or plastic windows. Salt can also start to rust stainless steel.

Before you leave your boat even just a few minutes hosing the windows and hull can make a difference but it’s not really enough. For boat health, you need to wash your boat with boat soap or a recommended boat cleaner. Be thorough and don’t just stop at the gel coat, clean all the deck, glass and stainless steel. If you have time wipe down all the windows until they’re dry.

Can I use a pressure washer on my boat?

It is very tempting to use a pressure washer. It’s a fast way of removing black mould, green mildew and more, but you are also removing any wax that is left on your gel coat and it won’t improve the gel coat’s condition for waxing. Pressure washing can remove fittings, easily ruin teak and on a coloured hull or topside can make the colour uneven. Elbow grease is, unfortunately, the answer with boat soap and soft brushes.

How do I know my boat needs some tender loving care?

The first thing people notice is that the boat has become dull and less shiny. This happens because the gel coat has started to oxidize and there isn’t any wax protecting the gel coat from UV rays. You may also notice black specs. These specs are mould and they won’t come off easily.

Once a boat is heavily oxidised no amount of boat soap is going to bring it back to its former glory. Boat detailing companies use power buffers with a rubbing compound and then polish to seal the gel coat and a good coat of wax to help protect it further.

To keep your boat on track the answer is regular maintenance:

• Wash your boat every month.
• Deep clean the interior at the start and finish of each season.
• Wax the hull every year and wax the topsides twice a year.
• Clean the decks and canvas with mildew spray and then treat the canvas with a product to prevent mildew.
• If you have teak decks wash them as often as the rest of the boat and then use a specific cleaner once a year to remove any grease and dirt.
  
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Boat Storage and special offers - Vancouver Island

We have space in the boatyard for Winter Dry Boat Storage: we have space available in the boatyard for dry storage every Fall until the end of February. Call us at 250 716 9065 for more information, or simply fill in our online inquiry form and we’ll contact you to discuss your requirements.

Dry storage is normally storage inside a warehouse. It means your boat is secure and protected from the weather, it saves money on trailer maintenance and less expensive than having a marina berth, but there are some drawbacks. Drawbacks can be you may not be able to get to your boat when you want it and larger boats may not fit. 

 Before you store your boat make sure all valuables are removed from the boat, remove batteries and put them on trickle charge, empty fuel tanks (for fire prevention) and ideally keep your boat protected with a waterproof cover.

Some people like to store their boat at home. If you’ve got the room it means your boat is easily available, it’s free and you can do some maintenance through the winter. The drawbacks are that you are taking up space at home, you’ll need to take your boat to and from the water and protection from rodents and other pests isn’t guaranteed. Before you leave your boat fill and flush your boat with antifreeze, block any holes in your garage to avoid rodents, put the battery on trickle charge and cover your boat up. 

Come and talk to us about our storage options or  Get a Quote

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Stones Boatyard and The Marine Store

Stones Boatyard is a professional, clean and environmentally friendly do-it-yourself boat haulout and marine repair facility, located in Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Before you arrive there is a fuel dock on the approach to the boat lift dock.

Hours: from 9 am until 5 pm daily, Mon - Sat, and after hours yard customers may enter through a locked gate.

The boat yard features include:

• Modern, remote controlled 83 US ton Marine Travelift
• Stable waiting dock adjacent to the Travelift with an easy-access entry gangway for boaters
• Water filtration and cleaning system to filter runoff water from the washdown area
• Safe pedestrian access to the dock and boatyard
• Fully paved and clean boatyard with up to 40 marked stalls
• Each stall has 110V/15AMP, 110V/30AMP power and potable water available
• Some stalls have access to 220v/40 and 50 amp power for heavier equipment and welding
• On-site equipment rental: scaffolding, ladders, tarps, power tools, shop vacs, etc
• Forklift service available and cranes can be brought on site as required
• On-site chandlery for all your haul out supplies including zincs, paint and painting supplies, and nuts, bolts and screws hardware
• Garbage, oil and hazmat disposal in the yard
• Do-it-yourself owners and contractors are welcome
• On-site mechanical and boat-care services available through Nanaimo Yacht Services
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff
• Liveaboards welcome in the yard
• Fax and parcel receipt services
• Toilet and washroom facilities on-site
• Plentiful parking available

See our Boatyard Rates page for the travel lift charges.

Amenities nearby include bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation, boat brokers, kayak rentals, supermarkets and shopping malls, banking facilities and plenty of coffee shops! The yard is surrounded by two pubs and a mediterranean restaurant offering a variety of drinks and cuisine.

Come and talk to us about our storage options or find out more about Boat Storage - Vancouver Boat Yard

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Marine Engine Repair and Plumbing Maintenance Nanaimo

We provide routine servicing, repairs and installations.

Typical engine repairs and installations we deliver are:

• Engine repairs, tune-ups, rebuilds and re-powering of inboards & outboards, both diesel and gas engines
• Marine transmission alignments, repairs and rebuilds
• Shaft, strut and propeller repairs & PSS dripless shaft seal installs, anode and cutless bearing changes
• Servicing of coolers and heat exchangers
• Oil sampling and testing
• Exhaust system replacements
• Installation of all mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
• Electronic & electrical installation and upgrades
• Propane stove and system checks
• Bow thruster installation

Other typical types of work are:

• Plumbing
• Fibreglass work to repair, for example hull blisters and gelcoat chips
• Window re-bedding and leak fixing
• Mast/rigging/ furling gear inspections and tuning
• Maintenance of inflatable dinghies and paddleboards

Please contact us to discuss your individual requirements. 

Beneteau Parts: For all Beneteau sail and power boats

Electromaax Marine Charging Solutions:

Espar Marine Heaters:  

Gill boating foul weather gear and clothing:

Interlux Paint:  

Jeanneau Parts: For all Jeanneau sail and power boats

Kohler Marine Generators:

Lagoon Catamaran Parts: For Lagoon Catamarans 380, 380S2, 39, 400, 410, 410S2, 420, 421, 440, 450 and Lagoon Power 43 & 44

Life Cell Marine Safety:

Planar Marine Heaters:

Ports and Passes:

PSS Shaft Seals:

Swing-lift Outboard Motor Hoist:

Webasto Marine heaters:

Yanmar Marine Engines:

ZF Marine transmissions:

Come and talk to us about our storage options or find out more about Marine Engine Repair and Plumbing Maintenance Nanaimo

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