3 Common Problems with Used or Salvage Boats A used or salvage boat comes with an affordable price tag, but the buyer also needs to make a few improvements, repairs and replacements in the vessel to bring it back in the water. Let's look at the three common problems the vessel recently bought from San Diego, Florida or any other boat auctions might have:
1. Sputtering and losing power If the boat feels like its running out of strength, it is most likely to have a filter or fouled plugs problem. The easiest way to overcome the problem is to replace the in-line fuel filter. Those who are not interested in spending on new equipment can remove and clear any debris in the filter and drain the accumulated water. The next step consists of venting the engine box before restarting the boat. If the used or salvage boat is an old one, it is advisable to add a larger aftermarket fuel filter to increase filtration.
2. Overheating engine If the engine overheats, it means there's a lack of water flow in the cooling loop. Most of the small boats don't come with radiators present in the car. The boats use the water they are floating on to keep the engine cool and the moment water stops flowing, the engine heats up. An obstruction to the fresh water intake, such as weed, mud or plastic
bag is the problem in most of the cases. Clean it out and check the engine for overheating. If the problem is not resolved, see if the host clamp is loose or there's a split - as it might spray damaging moisture around the engine. The situation is easy to avoid by replacing the impeller and ensuring that there's sufficient coolant in the reservoir.
3. Vibration and imbalance If the boat vibrates at high speed and engine races while boat loses its speed, there's some problem with the propeller. A gouged blade could be the reason for vibration and imbalance. There are times when even a propeller that looks in good shape has an unseen distortion. Change the propeller and make sure to choose the one that fits well. Fixing a wrong propeller may also cause a noticeable decrease in the performance of the boat and lead to permanent damage in the long run.
Last Few Words It is always better to call a mechanic for inspection, especially when someone buys a used or salvage boat. Check the vessel thoroughly and replace the faulty parts and make necessary repairs so that the boat is ready to sail and doesn’t go bad at the wrong time.