Summer Boating Advice and Safety Tips

By now, most boaters have hit the water, two or three times. Maybe you were out for a holiday party, or a short day trip, but no boater could resist the beautiful warm days of July. Regardless, your group or family can have a world of fun on your boat. 

Obviously, safety is king, but fun is important too. Create a custom set of rules based on our advice below, and you'll have a safe, wonderful time out on the water.

• Take an extra boating safety course, beyond the required minimum. A skill or tip you pick up in class could save your life, and it will surely lower your insurance costs.
• Check the boat to confirm that all components are working properly and in good health.
• Fill up on fuel, and determine when you'll need to re-up.
• Check all weather reports for deplorable weather like high winds and storms
• Technology is only as good as its battery power; bring along some of the classics like a map or compass, just in case.
• You'll always need a high-quality anchor and anchoring equipment, even if you plan to use docks.
• Always bring along a new, fully packed, first-aid kit and extra life vests, because life is very unpredictable.
• You also want USCG approved safety equipment like oars, lifesavers, and fire extinguishers

Whatever fun you decide to have this summer, just remember to be safe, responsible, and polite. If you’re going out with family, remember your precious cargo. Similarly, if you’re going out with friends, remember that even though your boat feels like a private party, you’re still in public.

How to Determine The Age of Your Volvo Engine

Volvo Penta engines for speed and leisure boats are surely the best on the market, and they last for a long time, but how can you be sure what year yours was built?

When you examine the engine cloesely, you can pinpoint the time period to when Volvo built the engine. This is usually a close approximation, so it can save you a lot of money if you're buying one from an unfamiliar source.

Look for numbers on the decal, this way, you can determine the year at least. You can also look at lettering sequences to determine the year, for example, AQ and BB sequences ceased in the nineties.

The engine's color tells you a lot about it. A good example is an early red volvo engine, which is sign that its from the eighties. If the boat has a dark chocolate or charcoal color, you should be able to look up the information easily. 

The current red engines are from 2000 and later. The decals on these don't give an exact year or date, but you can use the number sequence on the engine to find out.

Great Reasons to Choose a Volvo Penta Engine For Your Boat

Whether you are in the market for a brand new boat or your current one just needs some fine tuning, there’s a very big factor you should consider in terms of parts and engines. Volvo Penta has become a leader in the boating world and for good reason. Here are a few reasons why Volvo Penta is the best marine engine from which to choose: 

• Volvo Penta is always discovering new ways to reduce noise and vibration. Their latest marine system is fuel-efficient, lighter and quieter with a propulsion system that is extremely durable.
  
• Another great feature of the Volvo Penta is their innovative cooling system. The engineers have created a completely closed freshwater system that protects the engine from corrosion.
  
• Volvo also has added a high-flow aluminum exhaust system that utilizes the latest catalyst technology. This ultimately optimizes the torque and power over different fuel grades resulting in low emissions.
  
• Volvo has surpassed other competition by using modern technology as well as hiring innovative workers that are continuously exploring new ways to benefit the consumer as well as the environment.

Advice & FAQ about Volvo Penta Marine Engines

FAQ for Volvo Boat Parts 

At Power House Marina, we strive to bring you the best Volvo products as well as the most in-depth and informative answers to any question you may have. Keeping your boat's engine in great condition is our goal. In keeping with this, you will find many frequently asked questions regarding the equipment we have for sell below: 

What is the difference between Diesel and Gas engines? 

Gasoline engines are usually cheaper while still offering high performance power. Gasoline engines also produce low emissions. Diesel, many times, provides a greater performance than that of gasoline engines. 

Do you have any advice for buying a new boat engine? 

When buying a new engine for your boat, you'll want to keep a few things in mind. You'll want to pick something that has improved comfort for you and your passengers who will be experiencing the power of the engine. You'll also want to be aware of improved safety and reliability issues. A better fuel economy will help your decision making as well. 

Is there a large performance difference between bigger and smaller engines? 

The difference in engines all depends on what models you are considering. We are more than happy to answer any specific questions you may have regarding this aspect once you know what model you are considering. 



Information & Photo Source: http://www.volvopenta.com/VOLVOPENTA/NA/EN-US/MARINE_LEISURE_ENGINES/FAQ/Pages/faq_main.aspx