During the early part of the 20th century most boats were wooden, built by hand and largely propelled by sail or by rowing. Engines were diesel and internal. Engineering in…
outboard
Why a simple bucket of fresh water is the secret to making a small outboard engine last
If your outboard engine is struggling with salt build-up, follow these essential maintenance steps to keep the cooling channels clear
2-stroke outboard service in 12 steps
Stu Davies revives a 1989 2hp outboard engine
Your guide to the outboard engine: troubleshooting common problems
Whether it be a small outboard engine to drive our dinghy or a bigger one to drive our fast ‘toys’, we all have one. But before we look at how…
Safety alert for some Mercury Marine four-stroke outboards
The UK Government has issued a safety alert for certain models of Mercury Marine four-stroke outboards which do not meet the requirements of the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017
How to service an outboard engine: step by step
Stu Davies shares useful maintenance tips on how to keep your 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors running sweetly
How to change a water pump impeller
Stu Davies shows you how to check and replace an engine’s raw water pump impeller, and explains why it’s an important job
Backflushing an outboard motor: step-by-step
You’ve replaced your impeller, but the engine’s still not pumping cooling water as it should. Jake Frith recommends chemical backflushing
Replacing gearbox oil seals: step-by-step
Outboard engine gearbox oil seals are vulnerable to damage and can be difficult to remove. Rupert Holmes explains how to change a typical set
How to refurbish a scruffy outboard cowling
Rebecca Beck shares how she improved her outboard cowling
Rebuilding an outboard motor gearbox: step-by-step
Small outboard motors can often be a low priority when it comes to maintenance. David Parker found out the hard way that his trusty little engine had been ignored for…
Why is my outboard so unreliable?
Colin Staple's unreliable outboard is spoiling his sailing. Stu Davies suggests how to improve its performance
Managing E5 and E10 petrol problems
E5 and especially E10 petrol requires much more ‘fuel husbandry’ than older, ethanol-free petrol blends, as Jake Frith has discovered
Mercury Marine V8 & V6 outboard engines recalled
Certain models of Mercury Marine V8 and V6 outboard engines are being recalled due to a safety risk