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Thread: Outboard Discussions

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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Lutherville, Maryland (near Baltimore)
    Posts
    197

    Outboard Motor Strategy

    I have a Johnson Seahorse 6hp motor which I remove from the well every time I leave the boat on its mooring. I'm tiring of the time and effort involved in the mount/dismount routine. Most of my sailing lately has been to take guests out. The delay is taking the fun out of the trip. Others in the Chesapeake area are warning me that leaving the motor in the water will result in the water intake becoming clogged and the motor overheating.

    I'd appreciate descriptions of other solutions that are working for Ariel/Commander owners whose boats are in warm brackish water such as the Chesapeake. How close to inboard functionality can I get without risking engine damage? If I see a system that leaves the motor in the water for the entire season and has electric start I'll buy it. Otherwise I'm considering selling this boat and looking for something with an inboard.

    Photos help. I think in pictures.
    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Annapolis, MD
    Posts
    29
    Eh, I don't know about the intake becoming clogged. I had, over the summer, a Sea Sprite 23 with a 5hp Evinrude (REAL old one) and I would routinely leave it for a month or so when I was moving it up the Hudson and through the Erie Canal. I never had a problem with overheating until I screwed up the oil mixture and toasted the engine. It's amazing how fast that can happen! I left the boat for six weeks in brackish water in Newburgh, NY and when I came back to it, the thing started right up and chugged along for another 200 or so miles. I did have to clean the prop and lower unit but the intake wasn't clogged and she pumped water fine. It's possible that you might get more growth in the Chesapeake but the conditions seem similar to me. I dunno, I'd definitely get more opinions before you sell the boat. And certainly don't take mine as the gospel truth!

    Out of curiosity, do you own an Ariel or a Commander? I know there was an Ariel in the DC area with a Seahorse Outboard that was for sale last spring. Red hull. Is she now yours?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2002
    Location
    Lutherville, Maryland (near Baltimore)
    Posts
    197
    It's a Commander.
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