ON BOARD WITH OUTBOARD

TROUBLE-SHOOTING HINTS FROM JOHN REEVES (INCLUDING TRUNKS...)

- JOHN REEVES

Many of the craft on our rivers have outboards, and there are plenty on the cut too. I have experienced problems and can share solutions as even fairly new outboards can have issues sometimes. I am not an engine person but have learned a lot by necessity, and I would guess that many boaters share my inexperience. I started with a 1998 Honda 9.9 four-stroke electric button start and now have a relatively new Honda BF10 remote key electric start.

While I would still prefer to have an experienced engineer do even a simple service, I can fit and remove an engine and Morse control unit, including cables and steering arm. A few pointers might help engine novices.

When for some reason it is stuck in reverse or forward gear