Outboard won't start on way to mo0ring

[NineIron]

Any advice on what to do when you've got your sails down on the way to mooring, and the outboard won't start? Sail to mooring? throw out an anchor?

[Steve Laume]

Prevention first.

Never take your sails down until the motor is providing power. Better yet, at least leave the main up until you are safely fastened to the mooring pendant. The same goes for leaving your mooring. Even if you plan to motor out through the mooring field it is a good idea to have some sails up; just in case.

It is also great fun to practice sailing onto your mooring, Steve.

[mgphl52]

Prevention first.
It is also great fun to practice sailing onto your mooring, Steve.

Very true! For several years I sailed my CD25 in and out of my slip at the marina.
Once in the general area, I would drop my jib, uncleat the main halyard (leaving
1 wrap on the winch) and take to the cockpit. When I felt I was close enough and
had enough momentum to make the slip, I'd drop the main from the cockpit.
As usual, I didn't always time it right so out came a paddle...

[NineIron]

So, use the main instead of the jib? I just got the CD Typhoon this spring and have sailed about 5 times. My mooring is at the far end of the field so, I guess that's a good thing, if I'm coming in without a motor.

[Sea Hunt Video]

As for the cause of your O/B motor issue(s) I would first check the fuel. If you are using (or the prior owner was using) ethanol fuel from a regular gas station it is very possible that is the cause of your O/B motor stalling or won't start issue. Ethanol gums up the fuel lines and blocks the injector(s).

Replace all fuel lines, clean carburetor, etc. and then use only non-ethanol fuel.

[mgphl52]

So, use the main instead of the jib?

Yes, practice with main only as it is easier to tack and sail closer to the wind than jib only.
If you have a weekender, the halyards are already at the cockpit to make dropping the main very easy.
And if you miss terribly or the winds die, a Ty can be paddled from bow quite easily with the tiller tied. just sit behind the head stay and cross your legs around the bow. Been there, done that for over a mile...

[Oswego John]

Here is a little trick I used to do with my Ty. As far as I know, the trick will only work on a boat with a tiller.

When I was approaching my mooring or slip, sometimes I would misjudge my momentum. As I was moving in the proper direction, I would move my tiller back and forth which would wig-wag the rudder. and it acted as if I was sculling the hull.

Good luck,
O J

[NineIron]

Wonderful advice. Thank you all.

[Markst95]

Wish I could find non ethanol fuel at a decent price in Ct. Defender sells it by the quart. $8 bucks a quart! Tried the non ethanol online list but its mostly racing fuel.

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?pa ... id=3149960

[mgphl52]

Wow! And I thought the marinas around here were high... most all of the local marinas only pump non-ethanol fuel, but none of them charge $32/gal... at least not yet...

[Joe CD MS 300]

Wish I could find non ethanol fuel at a decent price in Ct. Defender sells it by the quart. $8 bucks a quart! Tried the non ethanol online list but its mostly racing fuel.

http://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?pa ... id=3149960

http://www.valvtect.com/marina_search.asp

The link is to a list of CT marinas sell ValvTech gas and or diesel. Ever since I stopped using the external tank and using the internal outboard tank and using ValvTech gas I have had no outboard starting issues. I keep a small 1 gal. can in the dinghy. I have had zero starting issues with the outboard. I keep the internal tanked topped off. Don't let the tank run dry. That was the only time I had a problem starting. Often the dinghy sits for two weeks with out being used. Before the week of the Fourth it was three weeks siting. Started on the first pull.

Watch. I'll pull my arm out of the socket in two weeks trying to start it.

[Jim Davis]

I can't vouch for its accuracy but here is a start if Valv Tech isn't available in your area, it isn't in Maryland for example. It lists places that sell primarily to agricultural and other small engine users. Also you can check small airports for non ethanol aviation gas.

http://pure-gas.org/

With my dinghy fuel tank I treat it with a stabilizer and run the engine dry if it won't be used within a day or so. I also try to get rid of it every two months, even if it is giving it away to someone to burn in their car, truck, whatever. I know this last measure is a bit extreme but I adopted it after having to row my inflatable for several weeks on a Maine cruise and having the OB spend a month back and forth to the shop after I got home and spending way too much money.

[Markst95]

Yes Jim thats the site I checked. There is a place that sells near where I keep my boat but its Still $12/gallon. I do the same as you- run the gas out of the outboard and try and use it up within a couple of months. so far so good this season.

[Sea Hunt Video]

I know Miami (more accurately South Florida) is a little different than other parts of the country in some respects. That said, it has been my learning experience that almost all Miami marinas sell non-ethanol gas. I would think this would be true of Conn. and other states as well.

I would call around to marinas and ask. If you get a youngster on the phone who says "na, they're all the same" ask to talk to the manager. Some marinas have employees that do not know there is actually a different holding tank for the non-ethanol diesel they sell.

At some marinas the price is equal to what you pay per gallon for gas with ethanol at a local gas station. At other marinas the price for non-ethanol gas is slightly higher. $32/gallon is an absurd price. Something is wrong somewhere.

[Markst95]

Thanks- Hadn't seen the valvtect site.