MOTORBOAT TRAINING, TESTING AND LICENSING Presenter: Title:

MOTORBOAT TRAINING, TESTING AND LICENSING Presenter: Title: Boats/Personal Watercraft and Boat Maintenance Manual – TAB 2 Date: “The views, opinions and findings contained in this report are those of the authors(s) and should not be construed as an official Department of the Army position, policy or decision, unless so designated by other official documentation.”

2 Boats and Boat Maintenance 2 Objectives: Understand the proper terminology for a boat Understand hull types and their characteristics Understand the Capacity Plate List normal maintenance procedures for the boat and motor List common problems associated with outboard motors and typical troubleshooting procedures

3 Length Classes Class Class feet Class feet Class 3 A - Less than 16 feet 1 - 16 feet to less than 26 2 - 26 feet to less than 40 3 - 40 feet to less than 65

4 Length of a Vessel Vessel’s overall length determines the equipment required to comply with federal and state laws. 4

5 Introduction to Boats 5

6 Introduction to Boats 6

7 Personal Watercraft 7

8 8 Hull Types Flat bottom boats are typically small open boats such as johnboats. Flatbottomed boats can easily get "on plane" or ride on top of the water at high speeds. Flat bottom do not handle well in choppy or rough water, especially at planing speeds. Flat-bottomed Round bottom boats almost "glide" through the water. Because roundbottomed boats are very efficient at moving through water, most cruising sail and powerboats have rounded hulls. Typically, round- "V-hulls" are designed to operate at high speeds and to "cut" through rough water. V-hulls are not as efficient as flat or round-bottomed boats, and need larger engines to move at similar speeds. Cathedral or multi-hulls, are two or more hulls attached together. This combination of hulls allows for much more stability than what is found in other hull forms. The air pocket that is formed between the hulls may also provide lift, helping the boat get on

9 Engine Types Inboard Outboard Inboard/Outboard Jet Drive 9

10 Capacity Plate 1 0 * If no Capacity Plate use: length x width 15 to calculate the number of 150 lb. people the vessel can carry Federal law requires capacity plates on boats lesssafely than 20’

11 Propeller Types 1 1 Plastic – used in low horsepower situations, blades tend to cup Aluminum – good strength, corrosion resistant, can chip and bend Stainless Steel – strong, expensive but strikes may transfer damage to other parts of engine

12 Diameter and Pitch 1 2 The number stamped on the prop refers to the prop’s diameter and pitch. Example: 10x15 mean the prop has a 10-inch diameter and a 15-inch pitch. (typically marked on the prop tube or within the hub) a. Diameter is the distance across the circle described by the blade. As a rule, a slower turning, larger diameter propeller is more efficient than a faster turning, small diameter propeller. b. Pitch is a product of the propeller’s diameter and the rake of its blades and is the distance in inches the prop should travel forward in one revolution.

13 Boat/Prop Match Up 1 3 Find the recommended wide-open throttle (WOT) rpm in the owner’s manual Make test runs If WOT is too high, install larger pitch If WOT is too low, install smaller pitch

14 Routine Motor Maintenance Lubricate fittings and drive parts Change lower unit lubricants and impeller every 100 hours or once per season Inspect spark plugs Check motor for loose connections, leaks, or loose parts Examine propeller 1 4

15 Trouble Shooting: 1 5 Engine fails to start, loses power, or stops while under way. Check gas Check fuel tank valves and fuel line connections Check battery connections Loose wire in the ignition circuit Fuel not reaching cylinders Overheated engine (check tell-tale for water stream) Fouled spark plug Carburetor needs adjustment Improper oil/fuel mixture Kill switch disengaged

16 Trouble Shooting: 1 6 Engine seems to run well but lacks power while under way Improper mounting Incorrect tilt angle or improper load distribution Fouled propeller or lower unit Damaged prop blades or bushing assembly Engine knock – loose prop, loose flywheel nut, worn pistons Excessive water in bilge – check for leak/drain plugs

17 Review 1 7 What are the different HULL shapes and their characteristics? What does the Capacity Plate on a boat tell you? What are the names of the front, back, left and right sides of a boat? What is freeboard? The width of a boat is called what? What are the pros and cons of different propeller types? T/F - An outboard motor is included on the overall length of a boat. What would a stamped “14X21” indicate on a boat propeller? T/F - Troubleshooting and maintenance should only be performed by a qualified mechanic.