Let boat idle when stopped?

[sleitman]

Am new to boating and was wondering whether I should let my 1988 twin engine 30' Cruisers Yacht idle when I am stopped in the middle of the lake, or should I shut it off and hope it starts again. I have never had a problem restarting it, but what do others do?

 

[salty87]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

i prefer to shut mine down. i've had starting problems in the past and left it idling but that was only out of necessity. you'll run up the hours on your gauges, have to deal with exhaust fumes, use a bit more gas, and be even harder on the environment leaving it at an idle.<br /><br />if you want some peace of mind, you can buy a jumper pack so you'll have a jump if you ever need it. a tow service membership is a good idea if you go offshore or are on a large lake.<br /><br />do you run accessories while you're stopped? do you have your starting battery(s) isolated from the house battery(s)?

 

[Mahoney]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

I have also heard just idleing for extended periods of tie can build up carbon and foul plugs, the engine is running richer at idle. I hear you on the "hope it starts" I am guilty too, but the prefered method would be to shut down, just make sure you run the blower for a good while before restarting, or better yet get a fumes detector and put it in the bilge for added security.

 

[jlinder]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Also consider swimmers. If you have anyone in the water definatly shut it down.

 

[WSUDERMAN]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Also depends if those are Gas or diesel. Not sure on this but i think that some older diesels are a bit harder to start and leaving them running is actualy better. I am not a diesel guy though...<br /><br />After a long run, i like to let ours idle for a couple of min. just to let it all cool down a bit. If i shut it off right away the temp will climb pretty high right after shutdown.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Idle isn't good for gas or diesel past cool down period. If you want to idle for whatever reason, run it up a 200 or so above dead low idle.

 

[swist]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

I guess this thread surprises me a bit. Why wouldn't you stop your engines if you are "parked" and don't intend to move for a while?<br /><br />If there is some reason your engines won't restart, then you should fix that problem before you take the boat anywhere. There is no reason a properly maintained engine and proper battery protocol won't allow a restart - particularly if it was just running....

 

[milkyway]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Those who are fishing prefer to idle especially if they do not anchor on busy spots and the current is strong. Logical coz the boat is constantly moving. I always turn off the engine if I am staying for at least 20 minutes. Can't stand the fumes. I trust that my engine would start. Another reason why I have a second battery.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Agree completely with Swist.<br /><br />I'm surprised at the comments about hard-to-start engines. <br /><br />We could all get caught out by a fresh problem - that's engines for you - but to leave shore knowing beforehand that your motor might not restart if you stop it is just short-sighted. <br /><br />If there's a known problem, why not fix it first?

 

[Big-E]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

With twin engines i dont think you would have a time when neither one would start. Since you have 2 motor's you have 2 batteris anyway. Id shut them down and only fire them up when you need to go somewhere. I prolly shut down and restart my motor 20 times a trip. <br /><br />later, <br /><br />Big-E

 

[Bondo]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Originally posted by Stillfishing:<br /> Agree completely with Swist.<br /><br />I'm surprised at the comments about hard-to-start engines. <br /><br />We could all get caught out by a fresh problem - that's engines for you - but to leave shore knowing beforehand that your motor might not restart if you stop it is just short-sighted. <br /><br />If there's a known problem, why not fix it first?

I'm with swist,+ Stillfishing,..............<br /><br />Maybe some of you fellows should consider a Different Hobby,..........Other than Boating.............

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Different hobby?<br /><br />Skydiving perhaps?<br /><br />If at first you don't succeed - then skydiving's not for you!

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Just idle them for some time to let them cool down,mine takes about 10 mins,I have FWC engines,running them in 80 to as much as 87 drg water temp mid summer,till I head in up the mississippi river which runs in the 60's to low 70's mid summer,or low 40's winters.Idling gas engines do load them up,not good!

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Be sure to toss in a can of ether (starting fluid). Always good to have just in case.

 

[DJ]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Two words why they should be shut down.<br /><br />Carbon Monoxide.

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

All of know that they should always be shut down unless you have a AC onboard and need it on. Then 1 engine is used.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

NO, NO, NO...this is why...<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=012396

 

[Richard Petersen]

Re: Let boat idle when stopped?

Do you have ANY idea how long and how many boats leave 1 engine running? For centuries. And how many people are eaten by the props?