How to Start a Sailboat Engine

Many people are surprised to learn that some sailboats have motors. These motors are incredibly important, especially while docking. Knowing how to properly start your sailboat's engine is just as important as knowing how to work the sails themselves. Luckily, the engine is a simple machine that is easy to understand.

Instructions

1. Check that your transmission is working. Transmissions work differently on different boats but generally come as one lever next to the wheel or two levers, one for transmission and one for throttle.

2. Pull the transmission down to ensure that reverse is working. Push the lever up to make sure forward will engage. If you are using a single lever transmission, test the button at the base of the control to test that you can engage the throttle.

3. Locate the engine's starter. This will look much like the starter on an automobile. Turn the key clockwise until the motor starts up.

4. Turn the key counter clockwise first, if you are operating an older engine. This is known as the glow plug. Turning the key and holding it for 20 to 30 seconds warms up the engine's cylinders and allows for a smooth start. Newer motors might not need this step.

5. Inspect the rear of the boat once the motor engages. There should be discharge of water. If there is not a small amount of water coming out of the back of the boat, this could be a sign of a plug somewhere in the system. If this is the case, turn the motor off and troubleshoot this plug.