There are fuel/water filters on your Yamaha Outboard motor that need to be check and changed every 50 hours. Filtering out water and stopping debris from entering your engine in the first place will always be better for the life and performance of your outboard.

Why?

It is no secret concerning all the issues that surround ethanol fuel blends and so because of these problems, Yamaha Motors strongly recommends using a 10-micron fuel/water separator filter,  especially for all EFI or HPDI model engines. They also recommend to check and change your filters more frequently. Because we are seeing so many fuel related issues, we decided to make a video on how you can check and change your fuel water separator.

So watch it and let us know what you think?

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

How to Change A Yamaha Fuel/ Water Separator

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

How to Change A Yamaha Fuel/ Water Separator

Finally! The winter chills we’ve experienced for the past two months are beginning to fade and when they do, we boaters begin to feel the call of the water. It’s time to begin the annual spring ritual of cleaning, polishing, swabbing decks, having our motors serviced and making sure we comply with all state and federal boating regulations.

For 2010, there are a few changes to laws regarding the requirements for operating boats in Florida. Specifically, they are:

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The following operators are exempt:

•    A person licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel.

•    A person operating on a private lake or pond.

•    An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is at least 18 years old and possesses the required Boating Safety Education Identification Card, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

•    An operator who is accompanied onboard by a person who is exempt from the educational requirements, provided that person is attendant to and responsible for the safe operation of the vessel.

•    A non-resident who has in his or her possession proof that he or she has completed a NASBLA-approved boater safety course or equivalency examination from another state.

•    A person who is operating a vessel within 90 days after the purchase of that vessel, provided they have available for inspection aboard that vessel, a bill of sale meeting all the requirements as established in Chapter 328.46(1), Florida Statutes.

For detailed regulations affecting the operation of your boat, Cannons Marina encourages you to visit the Florida Boating Rules.

Happy boating everyone!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

New Florida Boat Laws for 2010

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

New Florida Boat Laws for 2010

Yamaha Motor battery service and maintenance is simple but keep in mind that different motors require different batteries and this blog is specific to Yamaha Outboard Motors.

If you have another brand of motor I recommend consulting your local certified dealer for help and advice.

The main thing that we want to address is your battery’s size, type and the general maintenance will vary and that Yamaha Motor’s recommends a very specific size and type of battery based on the size of your motor.

The manufacture’s  recommendations can be found in the owner’s manual. If you do not have an owner’s manual,  you can try to find one online or just call the marina we will be pleased to help locate the information that is specific to your motor.

Yamaha Motors are sensitive to the following:

Note Yamaha does not recommend using deep cycle batteries, maintenance free batteries or gel cell batteries. These batteries are not designed for a high starter current or continuous charging.

• Keep battery terminals completely clean of any corrosion.
• All wing type or regular nut fittings must be tightened using a wrench.
• Check fluid levels monthly and fill to indicated level on battery.
• For batteries that are not used frequently, consider purchasing a slow charger for your battery and convenience.

Cannons Marina is proud to offer an award winning maintenance and a service department that is a Certified Yamaha Five-Star Service Center. Whether or not you purchased your Grady White, Scout or Yamaha motor from Cannons, if you demand quality maintenance for your boat and motor, come see us at Cannons Marina for your next service.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Battery Service Maintenance Tips

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Battery Service Maintenance Tips

Over time, carbon and impurities can build up in your engine, causing premature wear and avoidable maintenance costs.

Yamaha recommends adding two fuel additives that can actually
protect your engine and save you money in the long run.

Ring Free is recommended to clean away the build-up of carbon and fuel impurities that can affect ring lands, pistons, combustion chambers, manifolds, ports, valves, the vapor separator and carburetors in either two- or four-stroke engines.

These deposits can cause the moveable parts of your engine to stick and may eventually lead to a breakdown. You can prevent most of these issues by adding Ring Free to your tank each time you fuel-up.

Yamaha recommends adding one ounce of Ring Free to every 10 gallons of fuel each time you refuel. If you have neverused fuel additives, consider an initial “shock treatment” of two ounces of Ring Free to every 10 gallons of fuel and then follow-up with a continuous program of one ounce per 10
gallons thereafter.

Fuel Conditioner/Stabilizer is another excellent product to use on a continual basis and during long periods of boat storage.Your Yamaha engine is a high-performance motor that isextremely sensitive to different blends of fuel. Not all fuelblends are the same and the type of additives used dependson the brand of fuel you pump. Fuel is blended by each manufacturer and is made primarily for automobiles. However, your car’s engine is very different than your outboard motor.

Fuel can burn “dirty” and may cause performance and other issues with your engine. To eliminate these issues, Yamaha created and recommends the use of Yamaha Fuel Conditioner/Stabilizer, which was specifically created for your Yamaha engine and keeps fuel from breaking down during periods of continuous use and or prolonged storage.

For long periods of storage or non-use, Yamaha recommends toping off your tank and adding one ounce of Yamaha Fuel Conditioner/Stabilizer to each gallon of fuel. This should significantly decrease fuel breakdown and water build up in your tank. For continuous use, Yamaha recommends Yamaha Fuel Conditioner – Stabilizer in a ratio of one ounce per every two gallons of fuel.

We are a 5-star certified Yamaha service dealer, call us today at 941.383.1311 and book your Yamaha motor service.

by: Eric Eric Snode, Master Mechanic, Cannons Marina

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Fuel Additives, Long Term Money & Engine Savers

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Yamaha Motor Fuel Additives, Long Term Money & Engine Savers

While heading out  to fish or simply to take a relaxing cruise, here are a few basic things we feel every boater needs to do before leaving the dock:

• Weather Check the weather conditions thoroughly for the full time you’ll be on the water and remember, storms can and do come from out of nowhere and can be potentially dangerous.

• Make a Float Plan and leave it with a friend you can trust to call the authorities if you’re overdue.  A float plans specifies who is on board, what type of boat you’re in and its identifying markings, when your expected departure and return times are and where you’re planning to go. I’ve included a copy of the USCG Float Plan for your convenience.

• Complete a vessel safety equipment check. Assure that your boat has all the required Coast Guard regulated safety equipment, like a floatation device for each person on the boat and a working mobile phone or VHF radio. Remember – if you are offshore, there is no cell phone service; therefore a VHF radio is a must.

• Check your fuel, oil, battery and gauges. Make sure you have plenty of fuel on board for the trip you’re taking.

• Check that you have extra lines and that your anchor is securely connected to the boat.

• Bring plenty of extra water, food and sunscreen.

• Have an EPIRB

• Take along up to date charts and a GPS if heading offshore.

• Make certain that your boat is NOT overloaded with people and weight. A vessel that is overloaded has a real potential to capsize or even sink.

• Follow these simple yet important safety tips, be prepared for any contingency, use your head and enjoy your time on the water.

Happy boating!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safety

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safety

Did you know that the cause of death in over 70% of all boating accidents each year is drowning and that 85% of those drownings involve men, women and children who were not wearing life jackets or PFDs?

Sobering thought.

U.S. Coast Guard regulations require that each recreational boat be equipped with an appropriate life jacket (PFD) for each person on board.

Many states require that children, water skiers, persons being towed behind recreational vessels and riders on personal watercraft wear appropriate life jackets. We suggest that you check your state laws before boating.

But just what is “appropriate?”

Type I PFDs, or Offshore Life Jackets, provide the most substantial life saving potential with a minimum of 22 lbs of buoyancy for adults and 11 lbs for children. They turn most unconscious wearers face up and are recommended for off shore recreation, rough water and any weather situation.

Type II PFDs, or Near Shore Life Jackets, are slightly less buoyant than Offshore and are recommended if you boat in calm, protected waters or for children in supervised pools.

Type III PFDs, or Flotation Aids, while more lightweight, do not provide adequate flotation for many overboard situations and should not be relied upon for life saving performance.

If you’re a parent, a proper fit for your children is very important. Check out this video for helpful and informative tips on choosing the right life jacket.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safety 101: Life Jackets – Save Lives.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Boating Safety 101: Life Jackets – Save Lives.

Damn it hurt!

It was in past the barb, so firmly stuck, and I wasn’t sure how to get it out. So I stowed my gear and motored over to an “old salt” friend of mine who, I hoped, would surely have the answer.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here’s what “we” did. “We” really means “him,” as I couldn’t look.He looped a long piece of heavy fishing line around the hook’s bend.

Then he pushed down on the end of the hook, the end where you normally tie your line, so it touched my skin. And then, and here’s the part I couldn’t watch, he jerked the line and the hook straight out. It actually hurt more than it did getting stuck, but it was out.
Now he mentioned that if I every get one stuck in my head beyond the barb, there may not be enough room between your scalp and skull to do what I just described.

Go and have it removed by a professional. Here’s another method…if you have room, push the barb end all the way through your skin so it actually comes out, use wire cutters to cut the shank just behind the barb and then back it out. Don’t use this method if you have to push the barb through veins or tendons.
No matter how you do it, it’s going to hurt.

Oh, be sure to wash the wound thoroughly, apply an anti-bacterial ointment and, if you haven’t had one in awhile, go get a tetanus shot immediately. If your tackle box is at all like mine, there’s probably some nasty rust and who knows what else on that hook dangling from your body.
Here’s a useful link from a nurse explaining how to deal with fish hooks in your hand. Good luck.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Help. I have a hook in my hand!

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Help. I have a hook in my hand!

Constructed to provide Fido with buoyancy, along with a cozy, secure fit, the jackets feature an advanced breathable mesh underbelly for proper draining and drying, which gives your little buddy both comfort and a sporty appearance on the bow of your new Grady White Boat. Safety features include reflective strips for maximum visibility, a bright neon-yellow color and a handle on top for sure and easy grabbing.

Other features include adjustable nylon straps, quick-release buckles, and a heavy-duty Velcro® fastening system around the belly and neck to keep your dog secure. Selecting an appropriate size of jacket depends on the weight of your dog. Come in to Cannons Marina and Angela Pluff will be happy to assist you in your selection. MSRP $23.99 to $49.99, depending on size.

While we’re talking about keeping your pet safe on the water, remember that dogs are more sensitive to the heat than we humans and they too can suffer from cramps, heat exhaustion, dehydration and sun stroke, often much more quickly than we do. Be sure to provide your dog with a protected, shady place to rest and make sure he slurps up plenty of water. And don’t forget to make sure to teach him where on the boat to get rid of all that water later on (find a spot that’s easy to clean), especially if you’re on an overnight cruise.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Dog Gone? Dogs on Board Boating Safety Tips.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Dog Gone? Dogs on Board Boating Safety Tips.

As someone who has been in the marina business for over 50 years, here’s some “inside” advice we’d like to share with you, the first time boat buyer.

Boats will boost your opportunities for fun and add an entirely new aspect to your recreational activities. They’ll also rev up your social life. Just buy a boat and you’ll have at lest 20 new best friends!

But remember, buying a boat takes time, research and a clear understanding of how you want to use it. For now, forget all the great deals out there, and they are there, and step away from the emotional side of becoming a boat owner. Abide by the guiding principles that follow and you’re well on your way to finding exactly what you need and becoming a happy boater.

Suggested Guidelines for Buying a Boat
•    Do you have navigation experience? If not, head out right now and get some at your local Coast Guard Auxillary (see link below).
•    How much time will you use your boat? Remember, boats are made to run and they need their owner’s time to exercise and maintain them.
•    How many people will you have in the boat at any given time? (The Coast Guard limits the number of people allowed onboard, and that includes kids, too).
•    Where will you keep your new boat? Do you have a dock with a hoist, a local marina with available dockage, or will you trailer your boat to and from the water and home?
•    Will your primary activity be fishing? Inshore or offshore? Waterskiing? Or cruising with your friends?
•    Do you like taking sunset cruises with family and friends?
•    Will you travel far in your boat or possibly live aboard?
•    Where will you do your boating? Will it be on a river, a lake or on the ocean? I live on the Gulf of Mexico but the boating here is very different then in Newport Beach, California.
•    How will you pay for your boat, its maintenance and insurance costs? Will you need financing?
•    Who will use the boat? Just you? Your kids? Your uncle from Idaho that no one really likes? Will the family dog be coming along? Remember, kids need Coast Guard boating safety classes too. Please visit http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/courses.htm
•    Set your budget and stick to it.

Personally, I like a boat that has many uses. I fish, but I also like to take friends on quiet sunset cruises, so comfortable seating is important. So are the water conditions in your area. All boats are not designed equally; there are different hull designs for different environments and knowing the difference will make your boating experience more enjoyable.

If you’re considering trailering your boat, make a realistic assessment about how easy (or difficult) it will be to tow, launch and haul it out. Can your car handle the weight or will you have to buy a new truck to tow your boat?

I belong to a Grady White Boat club and together we enjoy exploring new locations that take us away from home for a day or sometimes even a few weeks. But I must admit, when I’m away from home I still prefer solid land on which to sleep, so a boat’s beds are not too important to me. Are they to you?

Providing realistic answers to the above list will help you identify your wants, needs, expectations and what it is you’re really looking for in a boat. Follow these guidelines and you’ll be on your way to owning the right boat for you.

The Next Step
Once you know the type and size boat you’ll be buying, check resources on the Internet, boating magazine reviews, boat shows and JD Powers for honest reviews. Check with friends and neighboring boat owners. Stop by your local boat dealers and check out their new and used boats. Talk may be cheap, but by talking with other boaters you’ll learn a lot about what to do and what not to do.

While we’re on the subject of dealers, one of your biggest considerations will be the service they provide and the type of relationship you’re likely to have. If you don’t feel comfortable or you don’t feel a dealer is working in your best interest, walk away. There are plenty of others out there. Dealer relationships and service are two of the most important factors aside from the quality and type of boat you’re interested in.

Dealerships can make or break a great boating experience. People who love their dealer have a great experience owning a boat and those who don’t, well, they usually don’t.

Find a dealership that prides themselves on building customer service relationships with their buyers and with their community.

Typically, a dealer with a proven record of satisfactory customer service will be your best bet and may eventually become your friend.

Regarding cost; be honest with yourself. What can you truly afford? Your deliberations should include all the additional and sometimes hidden costs such as life jackets, docking equipment, electronics, insurance, a trailer and your annual maintenance costs, to name but a few.

Owning a boat is really fun. The water is magical, relaxing and will provide you, your family and friends with special times and fabulous memories.

So get out your pencil, follow my guidelines and do yourself a big favor before you buy!

Happy Boating.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Looking To Buy A New Boat? Guidelines To Help You With Your Purchase.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Looking To Buy A New Boat? Guidelines To Help You With Your Purchase.

Let’s get one thing clear here, I love to fish and I am a non-professional fisher-lady, actually somewhat of a novice at the sport.  Although a novice I was taught some basic fishing rules and etiquette, as I fish with a well known local guide by the name of Captain Scott Moore.

During our trip I personally hooked the tarpon of  my lifetime! I fought the huge fish for more than 30 minutes when another angler cast into the pod that I was fishing, crossing my line. Thinking he had a fish on, he attempted to set the hook, and cut my line, I lost my tarpon. I was not happy.

I wanted to scream profanities but knowing my Captain would have not tolerated any aggression -  I actually just sat down and had a bottle of cold water. Captain Scott handled the situation with Captain grace and aplomb. It was his gentleness that made me think that perhaps the angler had no idea of what he was doing, or maybe he just didn’t care, but it made me aware that there are a few things that anyone attempting to catch a tarpon should know.

These are a few basic rules of etiquette that will increase everyone’s odds of actually catching a tarpon and keep everyone happy.

1) Running an outboard motor close to a school of tarpon will spook them and cause them to leave the area.

2) When making a presentation to the fish,  TURN OFF your motor well away from the school. Make the final approach with an electric trolling motor of just drift into the casting range of the fish.

3) When another boat is working a school of tarpon,  don’t approach them. Wait your turn, and consider that it might be a Captain who makes his living fishing.

4) If another boat hooks a tarpon close to you, give them room to fight the fish. Motor in the opposite direction slowly, or just sit still and let them move away from you. They will have a better chance of landing their fish and it may prevent a tarpon from jumping in your boat and smacking you in the head!

5) If you are just cruising an area where other anglers are fishing be mindful that it is tarpon season and give them a wide berth.

Tarpon season can be fun for everyone if we just show some simple kindness to our fellow fishers and other boaters.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Tarpon Fishing Boca Grande. Basic Etiquette.

This post originated at Cannons Marina which offers used boats, and more!

Tarpon Fishing Boca Grande. Basic Etiquette.