The Marine Knowledge Network
Field write-ups from real jobs - what broke, what fixed it, torque specs and part numbers included. Ask it a question; specs answer inline.
Outboard Fuel Pump Diagnosis: Lift Pumps, VSTs, and Primer Bulbs
Sorting the fuel delivery chain A "dies at speed" or "loses power then recovers" complaint is fuel delivery until proven otherwise. Work from tank to engine — the pump is...
Spring Recommissioning Checklist: Outboard Boats
The goal A disciplined spring routine catches winter damage at the dock instead of a mile offshore. Budget 1.5–2.5 hours for a single outboard; use this as your working c...
Outboard Overheating: A Diagnosis Flow That Doesn't Guess
Start with the complaint, not the parts bin "Overheat alarm" calls resolve fastest when you establish when it overheats: at idle, at cruise, immediately on start, or only...
Outboard Power Tilt/Trim Troubleshooting
The three failure families Tilt/trim complaints sort into: electrical nothing happens, or clicking , hydraulic motor runs but no movement, or it leaks down , and mechanic...
Evinrude/Johnson Two-Stroke No-Spark Diagnosis
The classic call An older Evinrude or Johnson two-stroke cranks strong but never fires. Before condemning the powerpack the expensive guess , work the chain in order — mo...
Outboard Compression Testing: How to Do It and Read the Results
Why it's the first test on any used or sick engine A compression test takes ten minutes and tells you whether the powerhead is worth diagnosing further. Do it before quot...
Honda BF-Series Carburetor Cleaning
When to suspect the carbs Honda BF-series four-strokes especially BF8–BF90 carbureted models are famously reliable until stale fuel gums the tiny idle circuits. Classic c...
Suzuki DF Lower Unit Oil Change and Water Intrusion Signs
Routine that catches big problems early A gear oil change on a Suzuki DF-series four-stroke is a fifteen-minute job, but reading the old oil correctly is where a mobile m...
Mercury Outboard Water Pump / Impeller Replacement
Why it matters The rubber impeller in the lower unit is the heart of the cooling system. Mercury recommends regular replacement regardless of hours — a dried-out or chunk...
Yamaha F-Series Four-Stroke Winterization
Scope Applies broadly to Yamaha F-series four-strokes F25 through F350 . Always confirm model-specific steps in the service manual — fuel system layouts differ between ge...
1995 Sea Ray Sundancer 270
Specs - LOA ~27 ft - Beam ~8.5 ft - Cabin w/ V-berth + head - Deep-V hull - Fuel ~80-100 gal - Sleeps 4 Options - Camper canvas - Cockpit wet bar - Windlass - Generator -...
1994 Catalina 30 MKIII
Specs - LOA 29.9 ft / LWL 25 ft - Beam 10.83 ft - Draft 5.25 ft fin / 4.33 ft wing - Displacement ~10,200 lb - Ballast ~4,200 lb lead - Masthead sloop rig - Designer Fran...