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February 12, 2024

Watch Out for These Boat Engine Issues Before Setting Off!

Engine problems can be major headaches for boat owners, especially when they occur during a trip. Being stranded on the water due to a sudden engine stall can be extremely distressing.

To prevent these common engine problems, it’s crucial to inspect your boat before setting off. Here are some issues to watch out for:

  1. Low fuel

Ensure that your boat has sufficient fuel before embarking on your trip. If you’re an experienced boater, you’re likely familiar with the typical fuel consumption and operational range of your boat. To be on the safe side, fill up your tank to avoid the need for a rescue call.

  1. Loss of power

If your engine suddenly loses power and starts sputtering, there may be issues with the spark plugs or fuel filter. A quick fix could involve replacing the in-line fuel filter or removing any debris from the filter element and draining accumulated water.

  1. Engine not starting

When your engine fails to start, it’s often an electrical issue, such as a dead battery or problems with the ignition circuit. As a first step, check if the lanyard in your kill switch is securely attached. Also, inspect for loose connections in the ignition system.

  1. Overheating

Engine overheating indicates inadequate water flow in the cooling system. If the water flow stops, the engine can overheat and shut down. Check for any blockages in the water flow path and remove obstructions like weeds, mud, or plastic bags. Damaged or worn-out hoses can also cause overheating.

  1. Gear shifting problems

If your engine refuses to accelerate or decelerate, the issue may lie with the transmission not engaging properly. Check the gearbox to ensure that the cable is attached to the transmission housing’s shift lever. If corrosion has caused the cable to stick, try gently moving it. If the problem persists, it might require professional attention.

 

Spare Yourself the Hassles of Owning a Defective Boat

If you consistently face engine problems during boating trips, it may be time to consider retiring your boat and avoiding the headaches and expenses associated with repairs.

What better way to retire your old boating companion than by using it to support our former servicemen and servicewomen? Sadly, many of these veterans are living miserable lives. Some struggle to find decent jobs to support themselves and their families. Others suffer from service-connected disabilities and illnesses, including mental health disorders. Some are even homeless, forced to beg for food and money on our streets and sidewalks for survival.

It’s heartbreaking to see their lives taking such a turn for the worse after all the sacrifices they made while serving our nation.

You can make a difference and help them rebuild their lives by simply donating your unwanted boat to Veteran Car Donations. By auctioning your vessel, we’ll transform it into a life-changing instrument for the struggling veterans in your area.

The proceeds from the boat’s sale will go directly to our nonprofit partners. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are committed to helping disadvantaged veterans, providing them with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, and other services meant to improve their living conditions.

As a token of appreciation for your generous contribution, we’ll promptly mail you the 100% tax-deductible sales receipt of your boat after its auction sale, allowing you to claim the maximum tax deduction based on your boat’s selling price or value.

Furthermore, we provide free pickup and towing services to our donors across the United States. Wherever your boat is moored or stored in the country, we’ll take it at no cost to you.

However, the best reward you’ll get is the joy and satisfaction you’ll feel for doing something that can transform the lives of the suffering veterans in your area.

We accept not just boats but almost all other types of vehicles, including those that are damaged and no longer running.

For more information about our donation program, including our simple and hassle-free donation process, head over to our FAQs page. If you have any questions or concerns, call anytime through our toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or leave us a message here.

Give Hope to Our Hurting Heroes Today!

Touch the lives of our former servicemen and servicewomen. By donating your used boat, you’re giving them the chance to live the dignified and decent lives they deserve. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!

Veteran Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

Donate Now

Or call (877) 594-5822!