Should I flush my outboard with fresh water after every use?

Your owners manual will always recommend that you do. The truth is…unless you keep the motor for over five years, you will probably never notice any difference. Over the years though, the walls of your engine cooling passages will begin to corrode and water will eventually get into your crankcase and quickly ruin your engine. The number of years this will take depends on the salinity of the water and the frequency you use the motor. Believe it or not, a frequently used motor will typically corrode less because the water passages rarely completely dry out and begin corroding.

On a different note, our service department recently found a salty buildup in a year old outboard that completely stopped up the water pump passages and caused overheating. This is a rare case, but another one that could have been prevented with flushing, and unfortunately for our customer, was not covered by his warranty.

So…It’s your choice.

How important is a 20 hour initial service?

The 20 hour service is the MOST important service for your motor. It can be performed after between 10 to 30 hours of initial use.

The reason it is so important is that the metal surfaces throughout your motor are meshing and making contact for the first time, much like breaking in a pair of new shoes. This contact creates metal particles that circulate throughout the lubrication system. This metal will begin to have a sandpaper effect once it builds up enough, causing excess wear and tear.

A boat motor is under a load that is much like taking your car up an endless mountain. It never gets to coast or glide along at cruising speed. This extra stress is why the clean oil is so important.

How will the mandatory switch to grain based E10 Ethanol gas affect my boat?

There are many articles on the subject, but this one was very informative.  Let me know your thoughts.
 

http://www.boatus.com/news/e10_0706.htm
 

What are the rules for my children having to wear life jackets in NC?

Children under 13 must wear a PFD whenever they are on a recreational vessel.  The exceptions are if the vessel is anchored or tied to shore, the children are in an enclosed cabin or below deck, or aboard a commercial vessel. 

Every year, thousands of boating enthusiasts take to the waterways of North Carolina to fish, sail, water ski, and pursue other vessel-based recreation. To make certain that the public is safe, responsible, and free to enjoy boating activities throughout the state, the Wildlife Resources Commission enforces laws and regulations that all should observe. Please visit www.ncwildlife.com/fs_index_05_boating.htm

To find the weight of your catch:
 

(Girth inches x Girth Inches) x (Length Inches)
Divided by 800 = Weight in Pounds
 

Example: If the fish's girth is 18 inches and the length is 30 inches (length is measured from nose or tip to fork or end of straight tail). 

Therefore: 18 x 18 x 30 divided by 800 = 12.15

.15 is converted to ounces (multiply by 16)

.15 x 16 = 2.4 or 2 ounces.

So the fish is 12 lbs 2 ounces!