Tag Archives: Suzuki 4

Two-stroke engines

Posted on September 27, 2007 | Comments Off on Two-stroke engines

Fighting the outboard battle with the family sloop. Can’t even leave the dock until the wind is blowing 5 to 10 mph for fear I won’t be able to make a timely return. Because the ten-year-old Suzuki 4 outboard has turned cranky and unreliable. I think it needs a carburetor rebuild, and am reading up on that on the Internet. While trying not to stare too longingly at a new 3.5 hp Tohatsu four-stroke, or a far more pricey Torqeedo 801 electric, with a built-in, rechargable battery, that’s said to be the equivalent of a two horse gas engine. Prudence says to do the carb work. But a little voice says get a new motor and spend more time sailing. Decisions, decisions.

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Posted in Sailing

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It’s a boat, 4

Posted on June 16, 2007 | Comments Off on It’s a boat, 4

Sloop.JPG

It was in the inviting 70s this afternoon so I went out and continued working on the sloop. Decided to stick with the old cabin lights, aged-looking as they are, until they quit, before using the new ones. Hooked up the new gel battery with the trickle-charge from the solar panel on the top of the boom there, but left the new charger installation to another time. The tuned-up Suzuki 4 started on the second pull. Next is the dreaded cleaning and painting of the teak, seen here in all its decrepitude. But if overnight rains don’t cause flooding, I believe I’ll motor out into the channel tomorrow. See if I can shed some of the marine life I can see on the rudder, and can’t see but can assume is on the keel and the bottom of the hull. Want to hold off sailing until the rerigging is done on the 25th.

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Posted in Rancho Roly Poly, Sailing

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