I have some bad news to share…
“Dear Zero To Cruising blog readers
I’m afraid I have some very bad news to share. Sadly, Mike is no longer with us to write this blog. Yesterday, while I sat on the stern of our boat, watching him try over and over to return the carburetor drain screw to the hole that it came out of, I saw his head explode!“
The above text is the beginning of the post that my dear wife confessed to me that she was writing in her head as I struggled to return our Yamaha 9.9 to its past 100%-reliable glory.
Seriously though, are you familiar with the children’s game Operation? If not, the basic idea of it is to remove tiny body parts from a game-board with an electrically-connected surgical tool without getting “zapped” by touching the edges of the body cavity. Well, that game is child’s play (duh)! For a real test of dexterity, and patience, try working with tiny, expensive, IRREPLACEABLE engine parts while sitting in a dinghy that is bobbing up and down in nowhere-near-smooth waters, without dropping said parts into the deep aqua-colored sea. That was my morning yesterday, or at least a portion of it.
Unfortunately, it appears that something is still not quite right with Yama-Sama, our previously flawlessly-performing outboard engine, even after Brother’s repair job back in Cumberland Bay. I suspect that I’m just about to experience the joys of carburetor disassembly.
I vote pull it off and work on it in the cockpit.. You can always start it in a bucket of water.
I will definitely be bringing the engine into the cockpit to remove the carb. No question.
We used to live on a lake and I remember the number of my dad’s tools which hit the bottom of the lake while my brothers worked on the outboards. I can’t imagine doing it with the waves of the ocean! Good luck with the repair!
W
Thanks Wendy. I haven’t dropped anything YET but I fear my luck may be running out.
It’s actually quite rewarding to take all the little pieces apart, clean every tiny orifice, reassemble and install, as long as the problem gets fixed… if not your head WILL explode. Good Luck!
And you would hear the explosion from where you are, believe me!
Too bad you don’t get $$$ if you replace the part successfully like you would in the game!
Wouldn’t that be nice!
Easy job. Flat water. Sun out.
Too much rum I reckon!
🙂
Mike
To be honest that pic was taken the previous day, when I was also messing with the outboard. At the time the post is referring to, there were serious squalls approaching and we were supposed to be on our way to the customs office to clear out of Union Island. As it turns out, the engine-repair delayed us just enough so that we ended up getting caught in the squalls as we transited to Carriacou.
As for rum, I generally avoid that before noon. 🙂
I have never come across an outboard engine problem that couldn’t be solved with one pound of thermite and one pound of $20 bills.
Sadly, the second half of this very effective remedy is rather hard to come by aboard ship.
True dat.
I’d definitely recommend the in-cockpit work as well. Last Fall in the Sea of Cortez, we had to disassemble (and reassemble about 4 different times) the pull cord assembly on the Tohatsu. We did it over the water, and each part that we dropped to the bottom of the ocean got progressively smaller. Thanks to some great dive work, and tremendous luck, we found all the pieces, but it was not a situation I’d like to repeat again. Good luck.
Definitely!
Except for your recent problem has the Yamaha been a good outboard for you? Is there a particular outboard that seems to be more popular than others for the salt water? Presently looking to purchase a dinghy and outboard and weighing our options before purchasing.
Without question, a Yamaha 2-stroke. If you’re in the US and you can’t find a 2-stroke there, wait until you get to the Bahamas to buy one. This is the engine that 90% of the people, cruisers and locals, use. Ours has been PERFECT. This minor hiccup with soon be repaired and all will be well again, I know it.
Read this…
http://www.zerotocruising.com/the-perfect-dinghy/
I was just about to go on expedia and make my flight arrangements and come console Rebecca….Dammmmm!!!!
I am sure there would have been a lineup of guys here who would have beat you to it.
I with John above….if you wife needs anything I could fly out tonight…..my wife would understand just lending another boater a hand…. 🙂
Good luck with the motor, the key is tools and knowledge…google the carb or whatever you need and you tube it, be surprised what help it could be…good luck.
Good advice. Consult the Oracle. 🙂
Hi guys, maybe ,in the future, it would be worth considering, a rigid dinghy such as a Fatty Knees, or a Portland Pudgy, you could rely on muscle power and sail power,as your primary energy! and the outboard as an option, Happy carburation!
I know others have different opinions but as an everyday go-fast, go-far transport, a Hypalon RIB with a 9.9+ HP outboard is hard to beat.
http://www.zerotocruising.com/the-perfect-dinghy/
Ok, this goes with the bad day fishing. YOU ARE REPAIRING A SMALL ENGINE IN THE CARRIBIAN come on man, I’ll trade you my “home repairs” for yours!
Is there really such a thing as a bad day out there?
Are there bad days? Most definitely!
As an example…
http://www.zerotocruising.com/lets-talk-about-those-downsides/
Everything on a boat has multiple purposes. A working outboard is propulsion. A non-working outboard is an anchor.
Best wishes on the repair.
🙂
It seems to be working!