A very DUMB question

[zodiac340m]

So how do you turn on an outboard engine? you pull the plug thing, then you bring some choke out and slowly put the choke back right? Then what? you put the boat in neutral before you pull the cord to start it? Or you pull choke first, then cord then put in neutral? Once the engine is started, and its in neutral is the boat moving yet? Then what about reverse, if you put it in reverse but do not rotate the trottle for gas is it moving or just the prop buzzing in the water? Once you are done with all this and you are say coming to the beach area to get out of water, you move forward then to neutral then to reverse? How do you stop the engine completely? And how do you bring the engine up from the water but still stay attached to the transom? Are all engines giving this option to raise the prop from the water?
There are very serious questions ok. thanks

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: A very DUMB question

you really need to find someone near you who has used an outboard before and would be willing to take you out for a instruction boat ride..you seem to have absolutely no idea of what you are doing and that makes it very hard to help you in a forum environment.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: A very DUMB question

Before you even think about operating this boat, you need to take a boater safety course or at least have someone who has owned a boat educate you. Based on your apparent lack of knowledge you will hurt yourself, others in the boat, or those on shore/dock. This is serious business. All we know is you have a rope start Mercury outboard. Knowing what year and model would certainly be helpful but here are the basics.

1) Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil branded TCW-3 on the label. Assuming this is indeed a two stroke engine.
2) Connect the fuel line to the engine.
3) Squeeze the primer bulb to force fuel from the tank to the engine.
4) Place the gear shift in NEUTRAL.
5) If this is a tiller steered engine, twist the throttle to START
6) Pull the choke out and leave it out.
7) If there is an ignition switch, button, lever, turn it ON. Connect safety lanyard if there is one.
8) Pull the cord, once, twice, three times or more until the engine fires then push the choke to off.
9) Put gearshift FORWARD to move the boat forward, or REVERSE to go backward.
NOTE: when the prop is spinning the boat will be moving.
When docking or beaching, approach slowly paying attention to water depth. Dragging the motor will cause prop or possible engine damage if you should strike a rock. As you approach the beach or dock, reduce speed to idle and shift to NEUTRAL. To stop the engine turn of the switch, twist the throttle to off, or use whatever method kills that particular engine.

 

[Rellik546]

Re: A very DUMB question

make sure the TRANSOM PLUG is in BEFORE you put the boat in the water. otherwise you will sink to the bottom, no good

 

[robert graham]

Re: A very DUMB question

About an hour crash course on "how to operate an outboard motor" from anyone willing to take some time will save you a lot of trouble. It's not all that complex, but there are things to learn and know about so you don't get hurt or tear up equipment,boat, motor, docks, etc. Good Luck!

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: A very DUMB question

make sure the TRANSOM PLUG is in BEFORE you put the boat in the water. otherwise you will sink to the bottom, no good

ROFL....good advice

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: A very DUMB question

I'd suggest maybe watching some videos of folks operating boats and starting tiller motors to get an idea of what is involved. Silvertip's advice is good to follow.

Guten tag

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: A very DUMB question

i looked on youtube for a good video but failed to find one..... then thought a bit....and decided that i had better advice.
When you purchase your zodiac, and the engine, it will be from a dealer correct?
if so then be very sure to ask the dealer to show you how to start,operate and shutdown the engine, you should be able to have them put it in a test tank for you and you should be able to operate the engine until you are comfortable with it. A good dealer may even be willing to show you the basic ropes of boat operation, if not they almost certainly will be able to recommend someone who can,will, or gives classes in that subject. You may be able to get one of the employees to show you how to operate the boat on their off time for some compensation. I know it is not unheard of for boat dealers to send out someone with the purchaser of a new boat, to show them the operation and make sure that everything works well.
So i would recommend that you 1st ask the dealer, they would know the engine and boat the best.
As for the boater safety course, absolutely....a good idea, and one you will gain much knowledge from, and considering your desire to learn and apparent lack of exposure, a very very very very very good idea.

Sean

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: A very DUMB question

Before you even think about operating this boat, you need to take a boater safety course or at least have someone who has owned a boat educate you. Based on your apparent lack of knowledge you will hurt yourself, others in the boat, or those on shore/dock. This is serious business. All we know is you have a rope start Mercury outboard. Knowing what year and model would certainly be helpful but here are the basics.

1) Use fresh gasoline mixed with 2-cycle oil branded TCW-3 on the label. Assuming this is indeed a two stroke engine.
2) Connect the fuel line to the engine.
3) Squeeze the primer bulb to force fuel from the tank to the engine.
4) Place the gear shift in NEUTRAL.
5) If this is a tiller steered engine, twist the throttle to START
6) Pull the choke out and leave it out.
7) If there is an ignition switch, button, lever, turn it ON. Connect safety lanyard if there is one.
8) Pull the cord, once, twice, three times or more until the engine fires then push the choke to off.
9) Put gearshift FORWARD to move the boat forward, or REVERSE to go backward.
NOTE: when the prop is spinning the boat will be moving.
When docking or beaching, approach slowly paying attention to water depth. Dragging the motor will cause prop or possible engine damage if you should strike a rock. As you approach the beach or dock, reduce speed to idle and shift to NEUTRAL. To stop the engine turn of the switch, twist the throttle to off, or use whatever method kills that particular engine.

I have driven a boat with inboard engine so I dont know outboard engines at all. Its a brand new 2010 or 2011 Merc 5hp I will be getting 4 stroke gasoline engine.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: A very DUMB question

About an hour crash course on "how to operate an outboard motor" from anyone willing to take some time will save you a lot of trouble. It's not all that complex, but there are things to learn and know about so you don't get hurt or tear up equipment,boat, motor, docks, etc. Good Luck!

Our Finnish friend will help me but I just wanted to know so I would have a little knoweldge before the lesson. thanks

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: A very DUMB question

make sure the TRANSOM PLUG is in BEFORE you put the boat in the water. otherwise you will sink to the bottom, no good

I want to see an inflatable full inflated sink

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: A very DUMB question

I'd suggest maybe watching some videos of folks operating boats and starting tiller motors to get an idea of what is involved. Silvertip's advice is good to follow.

Guten tag

GUten Tag, I looked on youtube but I only find guys driving these things but not demonstrating from scratch. I have an idea but not quite confident. I have driven Inboards where you only turn a key and you are good to go but this is a bit differnt.

 

[zodiac340m]

Re: A very DUMB question

i looked on youtube for a good video but failed to find one..... then thought a bit....and decided that i had better advice.
When you purchase your zodiac, and the engine, it will be from a dealer correct?
if so then be very sure to ask the dealer to show you how to start,operate and shutdown the engine, you should be able to have them put it in a test tank for you and you should be able to operate the engine until you are comfortable with it. A good dealer may even be willing to show you the basic ropes of boat operation, if not they almost certainly will be able to recommend someone who can,will, or gives classes in that subject. You may be able to get one of the employees to show you how to operate the boat on their off time for some compensation. I know it is not unheard of for boat dealers to send out someone with the purchaser of a new boat, to show them the operation and make sure that everything works well.
So i would recommend that you 1st ask the dealer, they would know the engine and boat the best.
As for the boater safety course, absolutely....a good idea, and one you will gain much knowledge from, and considering your desire to learn and apparent lack of exposure, a very very very very very good idea.

Sean

Hi ya, thanks for coming no this thread. Yes, I will ask the guy but really I doubt they can show me they are 4 hours up north from me. Our Finnish friend has offerd to show us all we need to know he is a regular boater and can teach me the tricks. The boater safety course he can also do this I believe. He is a dear friend of ours and he will do it willingly he said last Sunday. I just asked these silly Q's cuz i wanted some insight beforehand. I spend numerous hours on youtube searching videos of all kinds to see performance of the boat, the engine and everything to do with the boat I will buy. I have also driven jet skis NO license mind you and have had no problems but they are quite different to an outboard and is run by the impeller system which shuts off if there is not power. this is different. I just dont want to hurt myself or others, that is why I ask questions. I dont know why I am so nervous. I never used to be this paranoid when boating on the Lakes back home. I just dont konw why i am this nervous I guess cuz there is much more at stake on the sea than on a lake.