Turning A Boat Engine Manually: A Step-By-Step Guide

Learning how to manually turn a boat engine is a valuable skill for any boating enthusiast. While newer boat engines can be started simply by turning a key, older engines may require a more intricate process. Inboard-outboard boats, for example, may require manual adjustment of the shaft and propeller if the power trim malfunctions. Carbureted two-stroke engines, on the other hand, can be temperamental, especially in cold temperatures. Understanding the basics of manual engine operation is essential for boating safety and can help you troubleshoot common issues. With the right knowledge and practice, you can confidently manoeuvre your boat and even perform impressive pirouettes!

How to Manually Turn a Boat Engine

Tilt the motor into the water

To start a boat engine, you must first tilt the motor into the water. This is an essential step to ensure the safety of everyone on board in case the motor starts unexpectedly.

To tilt the motor, begin by opening the ventilation cap on the fuel tank. This will allow air into the tank and prevent a vacuum from forming inside as the fuel drains. Remember to double-check that you have enough fuel and check for any debris in the fuel tank. Keep the ventilation cap closed when the boat is not in use.

Next, locate the motor bracket and pull the pin to tilt the motor manually. On smaller boats, you can do this by pulling a pin in the motor bracket. Many boats also have an up/down switch on the gear shift that allows you to tilt the motor mechanically. Ensure that you lower the motor until the propellers are entirely submerged.

Tilting the motor also makes it easier for fuel to reach the carburetors. Once the motor is tilted, you can proceed to the next steps of starting the engine, such as engaging the kill switch and squeezing the primer bulb.

Check the throttle and ensure it's in neutral

Checking the throttle and ensuring it is in neutral is a crucial step when manually turning a boat engine. This step is important because it ensures the boat does not lurch forward or backward when you turn on the engine.

The throttle control, or gear shift lever, is usually located at the helm and advances the throttle lever on the engine from stop to stop. The design of the throttle control varies by boat. Many are vertical, with neutral being the straight-up position. Some are handles on the tiller that twist to forward, neutral, or backward.

To check the throttle and ensure it is in neutral, first locate the throttle control. Identify the neutral position by observing the gear shift lever. On a vertical throttle control, the neutral position is typically straight up. On a tiller, the throttle may twist to the neutral position. Once you have identified the neutral position, move the throttle control to that position.

It is important to verify that the throttle is securely in the neutral position before proceeding. This can be done by gently attempting to move the throttle control out of the neutral position. If it is secure, it should not move easily. Additionally, you can visually inspect the throttle lever on the engine to confirm that it is in the neutral position.

Ensuring the throttle is in neutral is a critical safety measure. It prevents the boat from unexpectedly moving forward or backward when the engine is turned on. This step helps to avoid accidents and injuries that could occur if the boat suddenly lurches in either direction.

Engage the kill switch

The kill switch is an essential safety feature on any boat and often doubles as the ignition on a personal watercraft. It is designed to stop the engine in emergencies, preventing the propeller from turning and causing harm. The kill switch is typically located near the ignition and has a lanyard attached to it. This lanyard is usually red and coiled, with a 2-pronged metal clip on one end that connects to the kill switch knob. The other end of the lanyard is worn by the boat operator, attached to their wrist, belt loop, or life jacket.

The kill switch is engaged by connecting the lanyard to the kill switch knob. This completes the electrical circuit needed for the engine to run. If the operator falls overboard, the lanyard will disconnect from the knob, immediately stopping the engine. This safety feature ensures that the boat does not continue moving without a driver, reducing the risk of harm to the operator and others in the water.

It is important to note that as per a federal law imposed in 2021, the operator of a motorized recreational vessel with three or more horsepower and less than 26 feet in length is required to attach the kill switch lanyard to their person while the vessel is in motion. This law highlights the critical nature of the kill switch in ensuring the safety of both the boat operator and others.

To engage the kill switch, follow these steps:

• Ensure the lanyard is securely attached to your wrist, belt loop, or life jacket.
• Connect the other end of the lanyard to the kill switch knob, typically located on the front of the motor's outer casing.
• Verify that the connection is secure and the lanyard is not tangled.
• Once the lanyard is attached, the kill switch is engaged, and you can proceed with starting the engine.

Remember, the kill switch is a vital safety measure, and it is essential to follow the proper procedures to ensure its effectiveness. By engaging the kill switch correctly, you can help protect yourself and others in the event of an emergency.

Prime the motor

To prime the motor of your boat, you need to squeeze and release the primer bulb several times. This is an essential step to take before starting a boat engine, especially if it is cold.

First, locate the primer bulb. It is usually found near the fuel filter or along the hose. Attach the bulb to the fuel line and test if there are any leaks.

Then, with the fuel supply tank valve open and the bulb positioned between the fuel lines, squeeze the primer bulb several times until fuel starts to flow through the line. Continue squeezing until the fuel line is primed, which you can determine by the hose getting hard to compress.

Now your engine is ready to be started.

Turn the key to the 'on' position

To manually turn on a boat engine, you must first turn the key to the 'on' position. This is the first step to starting the ignition.

On an outboard motor, the engine is started in a similar way to a car. You simply tilt the engine down and turn the key. However, older outboard motors may require a few extra steps. For carbureted two-stroke engines, you must first tilt the engine fully down to allow fuel to reach the carburetors. Next, squeeze the primer bulb until it is firm. Then, advance the throttle in neutral to 2/3. After that, you can turn the key and push to choke, or pull out the choke, while cranking the engine. Finally, release the choke and return the throttle to neutral.

Inboard-outboard boats (I/O) are slightly different. The engine is housed in the rear of the boat under a cowling, and the propeller and prop shaft are attached to a power trim that raises and lowers the engine. If the power trim malfunctions, you will need to manually raise the shaft and propeller. To do this, first turn off the engine and ensure the throttle is in neutral. Then, open the engine cowling and locate the two metal pins connecting the shaft to the trim motor. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the pins, preparing the shaft-propeller to be raised manually. Leave the cowling open and stand at the back of the boat, with an assistant standing on the other side. Both of you should reach down and grip the shaft handle, which is typically found at the waterline. Then, coordinate a slow lift of the shaft.

Once you have turned the key to the 'on' position, you can start the ignition.

Frequently asked questions