Boat Parts: Engine Overview

If you own a boat then understanding the various boat parts will help you to know what to do if anything goes wrong. It's important that you are able to fix anything that is wrong with your boat as quickly as possible. There are many important boat parts. Some of the most important are the propeller, fuel system, cooling system, cables, electrical systems and the ignition system.

Electrical

The electrical systems are important because without them your boat will not be able to start properly. The electronics on your boat will also probably fail to work. Electrical systems on boats are very important, as they include radio transmitters, radar, and GPS systems.

Electrical systems tend to become damaged very quickly. This is because they are exposed to all the elements when on a boat. It's important to understand that even when your boat is just a couple of years old you will need to replace various electrical systems.

It's very important to ensure that all of the electrical systems in your boat are fully waterproofed. Salt water is a very good conductor of electricity. This can also corrode electrical contacts, which is why regular electrical maintenance is essential.

Propeller

The propeller connects onto the engine shaft and rotates. This spins and forces the boat through the water. If the propeller is damaged it will prevent your boat from travelling as quickly. There will also be problems if anything gets twisted around the propeller. This includes string, fishing twine or anything else that is found in the ocean.

The boat propeller can considerably affect the efficiency and speed of your boat. You can test the propeller out by opening the throttle up to full power in open water. Listen for any noises. If the propeller or boat rattles it suggests that the propeller is not balanced correctly.

Depending on the type of propeller the lifespan will vary. Aluminum propellers, for example, can only be used in fresh water, and if used in salt water will corrode. Stainless steel offers a much better protection from corrosion, although are much more expensive.

Fuel System

The fuel system should be carefully maintained because this is essential for the daily running of your boat. You should replace the fuel filter every 200 hours. When doing this make sure you turn off the fuel valve to stop any fuel from coming out of the tank.

You will need to check for collected water throughout the season, and will need to drain this occasionally. To do this, hold a bowl under the valve and open it. When the water has left you will then see a clear stream of fuel, meaning there is no water in the tank.

The seals of the fuel system need to be checked regularly to ensure that oil or diesel aren't leaking into the water.

Ignition System

The ignition system includes everything used to start your boat's engine. This includes the ignition switch itself and the electrical ignition systems. It's important to maintain the ignition system carefully to keep it reliable.