Boat Maintenance / Yacht Maintenance (9)
Gift shift problems in Mercruiser Inboard Engines
Written by boatplaceProblems with Mercruiser engine gear shift.
I started having trouble shifting in and out of gear with my Mercruiser 4.3 litre V6 engine and Alpha One stern drive. This was not a problem on the open water when uderway, but became a real nuisance when I was berthing the boat in a marina. Primarily because once in gear, I could not get the engine into neutral whilst the engine was running. There are a number of issues that can cause problems shifting gears and here are three potential causes of the problem.
- The gear shift cable. With continued use and ageing, the shift cable will deteriorate and begin to break down. The inner cable begins to fragment and then cannot move freely. There can also be problems if the cables are not lubricated. They need to be greased by your marine mechanic and checked to ensure they move freely.
- Gear shift bellows. These can leak and cause water intrusion which will also lead to problems shifting gears.
- Shift Interuppter Switch. Sometimes referred to as a micro switch or shift change switch. This device cuts the engine in a split second to allow the gear change without damaging your engine. These can deteriorate or break, making it difficult to neautralise the boat's engine.
Symptoms of a leaking stern drive on your boat.
Written by boatplaceSymptoms of a leaking stern drive on a boat.
The first sign my stern drive was leaking was the appearance of a milky substance in the small fill tank for the gear lube that sits on the top of the engine. At first it was a small amount at the bottom of the fill tank, mixed with the Mercruiser gear lube. But it was obvious. There were no other symptoms at this time, so I elected to monitor the issue and have it addressed during the next boating season's service.
A leak on a boat - even a small leak, can lead to a very big expensive repair bill. Although I was lucky this instance, I don't believe I was wise in waiting as long as I did. For what happened next illustrates that the condition of the stern drive gradually deteriorates at an accelerating rate as the leak becomes worse.
In the next couple of months and with continued use of the boat, I began to notice a more-than-normal amount of water building up in the bilge. As my boat has full bimini and rear sloping covers, minimal rain water can get into the bilge, especially as the drainage from the engine compartment is very good. My concern over the suspected leak increased, but I was not alarmed and continued using the boat.
Having drained and cleaned the bilge a few times, I began to monitor the engine bay after each use for signs of the leak. Immediately after I used the boat, I would venture into the confines of the engine bay and listen and watch for obvious signs of water intrusion into the hull. The drip-drip-dripping sound was evident although not immediately visible. I had to almost crawl under the engines to figure out which one was leaking and from where.
When I did actually see the leak, I could see it was from the bottom of the main seal around the stern drive. This is the very confirmation upon which I should have acted and that you need to know to act! The next symptom was a knocking sound which initially was not overly loud. However, with continued use of the boat the knocking sound intensifies. This is most likely the sound of your gimbal bearing under stress and working whilst full of sea water! There is also a strained 'growl' when the stern drive is steered hard to port or starboard.
At this stage I stopped using the boat and quite wisely, too. Further use could have caused immense damage that would have put me on hard stand for quite some time! I pulled the boat for its annual service and found that the u-joint bellows and drive seals had to be replaced. The gimbal bearing also needed replacement. There was no damage done to the gimbal housing or outdrive unit and I was lucky that this was the case.
These seals come in a kit and like most boat parts, seems excessively expensive. However, this kind of maintenance is not normally required annually, so you need to be aware of when the seals were last replaced. It's cheaper and easier to have them replaced prior to suffering a leak and risking damaging your engines. Peace of mind to have them done and keeping your stern drives happy for prolonged use of your baby!
Fuel Preservative Stabiliser for Boats from PPC
Written by Permanent Painted CoatingsPermanent Painted Coatings
POR-15 Fuel Preservative & Stabilizer Saves You
Time, Money and Worry
Permanent Painted Coatings is proud to announce the inclusion in its range of POR 15 Fuel Preservative and Stabilizer. Coming from the stable of POR 15 coatings products, this product is superior in quality and guarantees that your fuel will not oxidize in the fuel tank.
POR 15 Fuel Preservative and Stabilizer stops a breakdown process in fuel called oxidation. When a petroleum product stagnates for any long period (2 months or more), gums and varnishes are formed by the reaction of oxygen with the fuel. These by-products greatly reduce combustibility, octane value, and overall fuel efficiency. Furthermore, all internal fuel system passageways, lines, nozzles, valves, jets, etc. become restricted due to these gums and varnishes, which are very tough to remove once in place.
By adding POR-15 Fuel Preservative & Stabilizer to your tank, oxygen becomes chemically isolated, thus preventing oxidation. Additionally, powerful agents neutralize corrosive compounds and also prevent rust formation.
This product is safe for use in every type of fuel system and effectively preserves fuel for more than 2 years.
Benefits include:
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Keeps fuel fresh for 2 years
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Cleans fuel lines in concentrated doses
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Stops corrosion and prevents gum & varnish formation
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Quick starting
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Elimination of fuel system overhaul due to storage problems,
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Retention of original octane performance
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Leaves no residue after combustion
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Safe for every type of vehicle & power equipment (2 or 4 cycle)
This is an essential product for cars, boats or lawn mowers that "sit" for long periods. It is great for holiday homes where you leave a car or boat or any other engine.
For more information on PPC’s amazing range contact either Rob Harrington-Johnson or Kalinda Ross on 1 800 643 229.
Everything you could think of For Your Boat
Written by Permanent Painted CoatingsEverything you could think of
for your boat.
Permanent Painted Coatings (PPC) is a company that specialises in rust conversion and rust preventative paints. They have become experts in rust prevention, repair, corrosion and general restoration in the building, motor, marine and industrial areas. They stock many different products that literally cover your boat and protect, renew and revitalise it.

Here are just a few of the product they have that can help with boating maintenance:
POR-15 Rust Preventative Paint is directly imported from the
Leatherique is another range direct from the
SW 2 Protective Oil is similar to Fish Oils, but without that fishy smell and will penetrate into difficult to access areas. It is to be used where applying paints like POR 15 Rust Preventive Paint is hard or impossible, SW2 is the way to go. It is ideal for the interior of vehicle doors, body panels, hollow sections of chassis, trapped recesses, etc. SW 2 Protective Oil forms a water resistant, penetrating thin film which dries to a satin finish, and will help prevent condensation, corrosion in these areas. SW 2 Protective Oil can also be used as a long term protective film on stored machinery, parts, castings and the like. SW2 has low odour, is water resistant, easy to apply and has a satin finish.
Inox is the only lubricant in the world with the special mx3 anti-corrosion, anti-moisture formula. It displaces, penetrates, lubricates and protects.
Inox is a quality product designed for heavy industrial use and where extreme climatic conditions prevail. It contains no silicon, acid, dieselene or kerosenes, will not harm metal points, surfaces, plastics, paints, enamels or finishes, fibreglass, formica or neoprene seals and does not dry out, gum up, become gooey or sticky. It won’t wash off with water!
Lanox for .. Anchors-chains-shackle bolts: For good protection against corrosion & helps reduce fouling. Jet skis & outboards: Protects outboards, clamps, props & jet skis from salt water corrosion, will not harden or harm rubber fittings - Keeps control & steering cables & linkages in good working order, lubricated & corrosion free. Mooring & slips: Stops electrolysis - Keeps winches, cables, slip cradles & wheel bushes lubricated & corrosion free Protection for electricals from moisture & salt air corrosion. Protection: Protection for painted & bare metal surfaces in the open under adverse conditions from moisture & corrosion. Protects all bare & untreated timber from water & dry rot - It may darken slightly bare or untreated timber, but it will not harm it. Trailers: Boat, Box, Car & Horsefloats, spray on chassis, springs, axles, hinges, couplings winches, cables, light fittings & electricals for protection from salt air corrosion & moisture. Thread anti-seize: Spray on all metal threads before joining, stops threads corroding together makes it easier to undo the joint, nut or bolt later.
Deox-C is a crystalline, 100% active corrosion removal product formulated for the removal of corrosion products from steel, stainless steel and most ferrous materials. This product, when dissolved in tap water, produces a bath of powerful rust removing liquid. It is extremely economical, for example just 1 kilogram of Deox C makes up to 20 litres of powerful rust removing bath. It will remove very heavy corrosion, but is safe to use on even the most delicate items. It is suitable for any object that can be completely immersed. Deox-C is harmless, non toxic and biodegradable and comes in a gel that will stick to vertical surfaces.
These are just a few of the products that PPC carries in its arsenal to combat rust and general wear and tear on your boat. As a boat owner, CEO, Rob Harrington-Johnson is passionate about fighting rust and helping fellow boat owners get the best out of his products. Just a phone call away, he is available to answer your questions and point you to one of their 70 dealers
To get your hands on the free Restorers catalogue PPC on 1800 643 229 and they will mail it out directly.
For further information please contact Rob Harrington-Johnson on 1800 643 229.
Marine Batteries - Maintenance for your Boat Batteries
Written by boatplace
How often do you service your boat's marine batteries?
Yes, I deliberately used the word 'service' to catch your eye. Because chances are you might check your boat's engine oil levels. You probably monitor your boat's power steering fluid levels and the gear lubricant levels. You might check the belts for tension. You might even monitor salt and corrsion build-up on parts of the engine and clean and spray with anti-corrosio paint.
But how often do you think about checking your boat's batteries. They need some attention too, but are easy to forget about. After all, it's boat engines that are the big ticket items that we worry about having to replace. But given some basic and routine maintenance, marine batteries can enjoy an extended life and you can be rewarded with lower operating costs in not having to replace them earlier than otherwise required.
Basic maintenance for a marine battery involves observation more than anything. Most of the time you should not need to do much, or anything at all. But you should make it a priority to check your boat's batteries as part of your basic maintenance routine.
The terminals on a marine battery can oxidize the same as a car's. This means you need to check the battery terminals regularly for corrosion, especially if your boat doesn't get used often. Corrosion can appear as a build-up of white powdery deposits around either or both of the battery terminals. There can also be a bit of color mixed in - a bluish-green tint. These deposits can be the result of chemical exchanges involving vapors and the battery terminal.
Directions for inspecting and cleaning you boat's marine batteries:
- Remove the battery box cover/s. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery terminals by loosening the nut on each cable clamp. Once they are loose, always ensure you remove the cable clamp from the negative terminal first. It’s marked with a minus (-) sign and the positive terminal has a plus (+) symbol. The cables may not lift off easily and may need to be gently wiggled free until the clamp comes off the terminal. If there is a lot of corrosion present, you may need to use of pair of locking pliers. Be careful not to short any spanner or tools you use against the nearby metal objects when they’re in contact with the marine battery.
- Secure the loose cables using tie and duct tape so that they cannot accidentally fall back onto the terminals.
- Examine the condition of the battery cables and clamps for corrosion or excess wear. Should any damage appear extensive, immediately replace the cables and clamps to avoid potential problems.
- Check the battery's casing for cracks and the battery terminals for signs of damage. If you find either, replace the marine battery.
- Mix a small quantity of baking soda with water and paste directly onto the terminal posts.
- Dip a toothbrush in water and use it to scrub the baking soda into the terminal posts and cable clamps. Skin and eye protection should be worn.
- You can also use a battery terminal cleaner brush on it. Clean the insides of the cable clamps by using a clamp cleaner or use a plain soap-free steel wool pad.
- Wipe the terminals, battery cover and cable clamps dry with a clean, disposable, lint-free rag.
- Use a product like CRC Battery Terminal Protector or Lanox. This comes in an aerosol spray pack and provides a protective film over the terminals to reduce the liklihood of corrosion build-up. Cover all exposed metal surfaces on the battery posts, battery cables, and clamps.
- Replace the positive clamp first and then replace the negative clamp. Tighten them securely with the spanner and replace the battery box cover.
Checking the electrolyte levels in a marine battery.
Remove the vent cap/s. The fluid levels should just cover the interior lead plates and distilled water (available at all supermarkets) should be added if fluid levels are down. You should habitually check the marine battery's electrolyte levels whenever you are checking your engine oil and lubricant levels in the boat. There is a fill well visible underneath the vent cap. Fill the well to cover the lead plates, but avoid overfilling the battery. Always use distilled water for servicing a marine battery. Ensure the vent caps is replaced and tightened after checking the fluid level. Never add acid to a marine battery.
Boat Repairs provides information for fibreglass and timber boat repairs, restoration and modification. Service providers might include shipwrights and workshops that offer a specialized service for boat repairs.![]()
Fibreglass Boat Repairs for all boat and marine fibreglass repairs and information. ![]()
Fibreglass repairs have long been & still are a complex & tricky job, hopefully this article will explain some of the problems you may experience.
Step 1. When grinding the f'glass back for preparation it is imperative that you remove all delaminated areas. All edges should be feathered out so no sharp edges remain. At this stage you should apply resin to the area to soak into old laminate & act as a primer. Allow to dry 1 day
Step 2. Laminating the damaged area should result in a flat finish & replicate the original surface, polyester resin is the most commonly used resin in production boats & chopped strand mat is also the norm. Allow to dry 1 day
Step 3. Sand the area & apply enough filler to bring it to just above flush. Ultimately you should not be using too much filler as this will result in cracking at a later date. Filler can be bought from f'glass suppliers or as we do, make our own. Sand the filler back with a block to attain a flat surface, even on raduis or inside rounds.
Step 4. Applying the gelcoat to the surface can be done by brush or spray application ( as we do) the trick here & probably the most difficult is getting a perfect colour match! Some f'glass suppliers will match colours at a cost!! allow to dry 1-2 days
Step 5. Finishing> This is where all the skill is involved & again using a flat block to achieve a flat surface is important. Starting with a medium grade freecut sandpaper (220 grit) & working down through the grades to 1200 - 1500 wet & dry then compounding with a power buff.You should then apply 2 coats of wax for a perfect result.
As you can see there is a lot of labour involved but there are NO shortcuts!
This article was put together by Paul van Noort from Elite Gelcoat Repairs. Contact him on : 0408 644 634 or
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Boat Anti-Fouling is a section for tips and how-to-do-it articles as well as information on what types of antifouling paint are avilable, which antifoul paints you should use, precautions to take when antifouling your boat or yacht and how to dispose of unused or stripped antifouling paints.![]()
Read these Articles c/o Akzo Nobel Pty Limited International Paint (Asia Pacific Yacht Coatings)
Antifouling Made Easy
Whether to paint depends on the weather
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Boat Anti-Fouling is a section for all marine anti-foul information including tips & how-to-do-it guides, anti-foul paint information and suppliers, as well as maritime businesses offering anti-foul services.
How to Antifoul your Boat or Yacht
Anti-fouling Paint Suppliers ![]()
Anti-fouling Services
Information about Anti-fouling your Boat or Yacht
SLIME SLOWING YOU DOWN?
Slime and Barnacles are no more with the commercial release in Australia of digital ultra-sonic antifouling technology, the Boat Sure, by Sure Systems.
Easy to install, the Boat Sure is attached to the hull (no skin fitting or dry docking required), using it as an amplifier. Boat Sure emits ultrasonic sound waves that remove and prevent algae, bio-film and barnacles.
Boat Sure offers a wide range of benefits:
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Reduces algae and bio-film build-up
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Improves antifouling performance
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Extends the period between cleaning
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Reduces drag – maximises fuel economy and boat speed
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Cost effective – reduces down-time and maintenance
And the good news just gets better! Sure Systems offer solutions for all water-based applications where algae, pathogens and bio-film accumulate, including marinas, lakes, ponds, pools, cooling towers, cooling intakes. Whatever the problem, Sure Systems has you covered!

Boat Sure will be available at the 2009 Sydney International Boat Show- Stand 222-223.
Contact the distributor, Sure Systems, via their web-site www.surewatersystems.com.au or via telephone 03 9335 3577.
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Boat Maintenance is the dedicated support centre for articles, contributions and information from boatplace users to assist each other in keeping your boats in ship-shape! It is a forum for advice and tips for looking after your boat, keeping a maintenance routine and scheduled servicing of your engine and critical systems on board your vessel.
Chart above courtesy of Permanent Painted Coatings showing products available for boat & yacht maintenance.
Hull and Deck Maintenance hull and deck cleaning, washing, protecting and restoring gel coat, making fibreglass repairs, painting and polishing. ![]()
Sail and Rigging Maintenance the art of sail making, ways to increase the lifespan of sail and yacht rigging and make repairs when needed. ![]()
Interior Upholstery Maintenance protecting leather and vinyl seating and other upholstery from the marine environment in boats
- Seats and Protecting your Seats![]()
Bilge Maintenance if it smells, is full of water, oil (and God knows what else), it has to be the bilge. Ways to clean it and keep it that way!![]()
Head Compartment Maintenance cleaning and maintenance including plumbing and fixtures![]()
Boat Plumbing and Fittings fixing the leaks, handy on-board equipment to fix it and what you should look out for. ![]()
Bow Rails & Stainless Steel Fittings Maintenance details about your brokerage and or dealership, where you are, contact details, business hours, services offered, point of difference, website link, specials offered, post-purchase support etc.
Electronics & Electrics Maintenance the marine environment is undoubtedly the toughest on earth. Salt eventually gets to everything, including electronics and electrics.![]()
Boat Trailer Maintenance how to keep your trailer boat-worthy and road-worthy.
General Boat Maintenance for everything else that doesn't have its own category.
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