Category Archives: Boat Mechanical

Boating Lessons Learned: DC Water Pump Loses its Prime

Posted on December 3, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

BLUF: Air trapped in a pump housing can prevent it from being primed even if a solid column of water is supplied to the pump. It is not uncommon for the water storage tank to run low and the water … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Engine Won’t Start

Posted on October 16, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

BLUF: This is a quick post to share with you a good website addressing one of the most common marine engine problems, the engine won’t start. The Family Handyman does a good job of showing us how to check the … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Got to have a Back-up

Posted on October 8, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

BLUF:  It is good to have a back-up, and maybe even a back-up for my back-up. I never know when a mechanical or electrical failure will leave me dead in the water. That is why I find myself buying two … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Women Taking the Wheel, Muscle Memory

Posted on October 2, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

BLUF: A new boat pilot who is learning the skills required to safely operate a boat benefits significantly from the development of muscle memory that allows them to subconsciously operate the boat’s controls. I recall one night back in the … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Rebuilding a Carburetor

Posted on October 1, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

BLUF:  I need to be more observant and pay closer attention to the small details if I expect to improve my carburetor troubleshooting skills. I enjoy working on carburetors.  They are engineering and manufacturing works of art.  No other engine … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: The Best Anchor Line

Posted on August 21, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

Buccaneer Rope has a new product that I am very excited about. It is a 12-strand braided line and it comes in nylon, polyester, and aramid fiber. The nylon is especially good for use in anchor line applications. CLICK HERE … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Testing the Ignition Switch

Posted on August 8, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

Testing an ignition switch is pretty straight forward.   In a previous post I showed the test I used with the switch wired into the circuit.  Since the switch was soldered into the circuit I questioned whether I was reading … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Troubleshooting Requires Attention to Detail

Posted on August 4, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

BLUF:  I need to be more observant and pay closer attention to the small details. I enjoy working on carburetors.  They are engineering and manufacturing works of art.  No other engine part has more effect on how well an engine … Continue reading →

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