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Let the buyer beware: Boat Bangers are not easily swapped out

By Miguel Martin

Just as in cars, boat owners are constantly looking for more power and want to swap out their boat bangers for higher-torque models. The newer boat models have the engines tied into the computer system and you could end up spending a lot more than you anticipated unless you really know what you’re doing. With older boats, exchanging the boat bangers can be just as easy as it was when you worked with your old vehicles. 

Do you favor American over European or the Japanese V4 boat bangers? American manufacturers favor iron for sea-going dependability; while the Japanese models are aluminum and shouldn’t stay in the water 24/7. If you’re trailering your boat to the water, this isn’t that important and you’ll be in the company of thousands of other satisfied boat owners.

But, if you’re hooked up to a pier, plan on plenty of maintenance.  If you’re going American, Chrysler hasn’t made a marine engine for some time, so finding parts for boat banger repairs will be more difficult than going with, say, a Chevy motor. In addition, the Chevy will get better fuel economy, and the parts are readily available and cheaper.  

You might think about replacing your 4-liter boat bangers with 4.3-liter V6s.  There’s plenty of power, as well as reduced fuel consumption. Your cruising speed will determine the actual consumption but Chevy 350s burn about 7 or 8 gallons per hour each.  

Swapping out your boat bangers means you will have to pay attention to the size of your fuel tank and whether or not it can handle the larger fuel flow. Another consideration is the shaft size.  The V8 shaft size is 1-1/4” compared to the smaller size of the V4 engines.  Be prepared. The newer engine will be a bit larger, too, so be sure you’ve considered room for future  maintenance.  There’s nothing more irritating after installation than finding out you can’t access your engine. If you’ve had the work done by someone else, check this out in dry dock before you find yourself with a stopped engine when you’re out to sea! 

For the ultimate in power and economy, you can’t beat the Japanese diesel-fueled boat bangers.  But, if cost is a factor, you could probably buy two gas-powered engines for the price of one diesel, which leaves plenty of money for gas and cruising.  Maintenance is about 1/3 the price, as well. 

No matter what you decide, diesel or gas-powered, your choice of boat bangers will always have pros and cons.  It is up to you to determine which features you can live without and which will make everything all worthwhile. 

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Boat Covers Offer the Best Protection From the Elements.

By Miguel Martin

Protecting your boat from the elements means finding boat covers that will not only do the job but will be strong enough to last for many seasons.  Traditionally, boat covers were made from heavy canvas.  Today, along with canvas, you can select the new PVC coated polyester covers or a breathable acrylic fabric that feels like natural cotton.  Both the polyester and acrylic fabrics are UV stabilized for protection from the sun.   

Not only does your boat need protection from the sun, wind and rain, but bird droppings and other foreign materials can cause serious pitting problems.  Boat covers that are not chemically treated to withstand fungus and rotting from bird droppings will require frequent replacement. 

Breathable boat covers allow moisture that has been absorbed during sailing to escape.  The newer boats constructed using polyester resin and older wooden boats that have not been epoxy coated will become heavy with absorbed water. You can choose from a variety of materials to select the one best suited for your boat cover.  Stratus,Tyvek,Sandpiper, Greystone, Legend, Trailblazer, Sunbrella, Sundura and Magnum are the most popular.   

One of the most versatile boat covers is one that will lie flat over your dinghy with openings for the mast, shrouds and forestay, with a main halyard tie to reduce water collection and sagging. 

The overboom boat covers are best suited if you plan on leaving your boat in one place for most of the season.  This type of cover reduces water collection and has openings for the mast, shrouds, for state and end of boom vent to aid ventilation. 

It is important to make sure that the boat covers you choose are double reinforced at the vulnerable wear and stress points.  Top-of-the-line ones will have a draw rope sewn within the perimeter hem for tight cinching.  There should also be either large grommets or poly loops sewn around the perimeter of the cover for tie downs or bungee cords. 

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