Everyone knows that buying a boat can be a big investment, so knowing how to care for your boat is absolutely crucial.
One of the things that are often overlooked when you are deciding on the boat you want is what type of maintenance it needs. You should know all that you can about your marine engine to ensure it is cared for as needed.
Fuel and oil are essential to any type of motor. How can you find the best products for your motor in order to help your boat function correctly?
If you want to learn how to get the best fuel and oil for your boat, read below to see what you might need to know.
Marine Engine Fuel: General Information
There are many types of marine fuel out there that you can choose between, so you need to know what you are doing to find the best one for you.
Your boat’s motor is what keeps the boat moving when you take it out on the water. The maintenance of this machinery is absolutely crucial!
Using the correct fuel is essential for the best performance and lifespan in a boat.
Generally, there are two types of marine outboards. These are the two-stroke and the four-stroke.
A lot of the newer engines are four-stroke, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find a two-stroke motor out and about as well. Both of these are common in boats, and the main difference is the way in which they power the vessel.
The lubrication needs of these two types of motors are different because of how the motors actually function. A two-stroke engine will mix the fuel with oil to lubricate the engine, but a four-stroke engine will lubricate with oil in the same way a car would.
Choosing the Best Fuel Options
There are many choices to make when you are selecting a fuel, but you have to consider factors such as the size of your boat, the type of your boat, and how often your boat is used.
There are different grades of marine fuel as well, so the size and use of your boat will help you figure out which grade of fuel you need. This is because of each engine functions in different capacities.
Boats come in a variety of sizes and can be used for many different purposes. Overall, however, the most common boats can be put into two main categories.
Personal or Fishing Boat Fuel
A personal boat is generally much smaller than other boats. Because of this, the engines are smaller, as well.
Since these boats are easier to operate than the larger vessels, you actually can use the same type of gasoline that you might be using in your car. The engine doesn’t have to work as hard, and this makes regular gas perfectly acceptable.
There are usually fuel docks available that will make it easy to fill up these types of boats, and they will have the right type of fuel you need.
Larger or Commercial Boat Fuel
Since these boats are bigger, they need a more specific type of fuel. These boats need a different fuel grade than smaller boats because they are of a different classification.
Marine gas oil can occasionally contain waste products, so this is something to be aware of as you find the fuel you want. You also need to know that marine diesel oil (MDO) is different than regular diesel fuel.
MDO contains very heavy fuel oil. You need to fill your boat with the correct type of fuel in order for it to function as it should.
What is Oil Used For in a Boat?
Another part of the successful marine motor operation is a good oil.
Oil is used to help lubricate all of the different parts of the engine that move and function together. When a motor is properly lubricated, the different moving components will be able to move past and against one another without creating excessive friction.
If friction occurred regularly, the motor would start to break down much faster. This is why oil is so important to the overall health of the marine engine.
When you think about a new car or car engine versus your marine outboard, you should see why they are different. A car is generally driven every day while a boat likely will sit idle for many days in damp environments.
Another big difference is that the marine engine is always operating when the boat is on and is generally under constant load. Car engines have a lower amount of revs and are able to coast without continuously using the motor.
These main differences should show you that you need to keep in mind several factors as you select the best marine oil for your boat’s engine.
Find Your Perfect Match Today
Your marine engine will only work as it should with the proper fuel and oil. If you want to sustain the life of your boat, you need to be sure you are using the right products.
Choose the fuel that is the right type for your boat’s size and function.
This is the best way to ensure you are taking the right type of car of the marine engine and the overall functionality of the boat itself.
If you’d like to get some extra information on your boat and what you need to look for when it comes to maintenance, please contact us to see what we can do for you.