Boating Discussions

                Mercruiser makes one heck of an engine or at least adapts accordingly. The retail business for Mercruiser Parts does very well and many who own them agree they are tough motors. These engines resemble an automotive engine but are not the same.

                I guess I can start with the mechanical. Have you ever heard of a four bolt main? Yes a four bolt main bearing is the standard for a Mercruiser engine and if purchasing Mercruiser parts this should be taken into account. Boat engines are built to be under a load continually unlike a car engine that will need less torque.

                The ignition system on a Mercruiser motor is different as well and if purchasing ignition parts do not substitute automotive parts as this could cause a fire. Mercruiser parts are manufactured to meet the ignition protection requirements suitable for use on a boat meaning they will be non sparking. This is important as the bilge area can easily become saturated with flammable fumes with even the smallest leak causing a fire hazard. Ever heard of a boatbecue? Funny to say but serious, fires are a real problem that is why all the regulations.

                The fuel system is completely different as well. All systems are designed to retard any kind of flame that could cause any problems. This is serious business and if an auto carburetor with all the emissions and non flame arrestor components were used it could be catastrophic.

                Finally as a general rule of thumb think before sparing the cost. If you don’t use the correct parts the safety and functionality will not be the same. Don’t kid yourself into thinking you can outsmart the engineer that originally designed it. Things are made a certain way for a reason not just because they wanted to.