FAQ

# 1 Q: Where is your new location? A We are now located just west of Interlochen Corner's on U.S. 31 S. The Dollar General Store is across the street. # 2 Q: What Fuel-oil ratio do I use in my outboard motor? A. Pretty much all engines from the late 60's on up use 50:1 mix*. Example- one pint (16 oz.) of oil to 6 gallons of gas. *Some Yamaha engines are 100:1 mix- consult your owners manual or our service department. # 3 Q: I have heard that after 2006 all 2-stroke engines will be banned is this true? A. NO! The U.S. E.P.A. has imposed emission regulations for marine engine families. They have regulated technology, not engine type. In fact, the Evinrude E-TEC engine family (2 stroke direct injection), was awarded the clean air excellence award from the EPA! No current 4-stroke engine can say this. # 4 Q: What is the difference between two and four stroke engines. A. The main difference is in how they are lubricated. Four stroke engines have a crankcase filled with oil that requires periodic changes ( like the engine in your car or truck). Two stroke engines either mix gas and oil or inject oil from a tank and burn this oil with combustion. A four stroke engine makes power once every four strokes of the crankshaft. A two stroke engine makes power every stroke of the crankshaft. # 5 Q: Should I fill my fuel tank before winter storage? A. Ideally, yes, to prevent water condensation. However, if you have at least a half tank you are ok. # 6 Q: What are the safety requirements for my boat? A. While you are best to check with your local government and the U.S. Coast Guard, here are the basics. One life jacket for every person on board (small children need special life jackets). Life jackets should be readily available (not in bags). A throwable device with at least 25' of rope attached. A fire extinguisher. Flares, whistle or horn. An anchor, line, dock lines, ship to shore radio or cell phone, GPS device are very good items not required by law. # 7 Q: How do I keep ducks or seagulls of of my dock? A. The only sure fire way is to use it frequently! You can also try running fish line attached to the dock by poles, plastic pinwheels, and plastic owls have varying success. # 8 Q: I hear so much about low lake levels- is there enough water to boat? A. YES! While there may be issues with large keeled sail boats, and some launch ramps, our Northern Michigan lakes are deep and have ample depth for recreational boating- ENJOY! # 9 Q: I have a warning horn or buzzer that is sounding, but my engine is still running fine, should I bring my boat in for service? A. YES! Warning horns are telling you something really bad is about to happen. No engine oil pressure, overheating, and loss of critical fluids could be the culprit. Servicing now could prevent more costly damage from occurring! # 10 Q: Should I attend a training course before operating my boat? A. A safety course is always recommended. Children should attend the Sheriff Department's boating safety course. Adults should attend the Coast Guard Auxiliary course.