Dinghy Outboards are Tricky Little Beasts | Sailing Soulianis - Ep. 16

Back in our homeport of Racine, we start tackling the long list of projects we want to finish before leaving for our journey down “The Ditch.”
Kirk researches the heck out of LED bulbs. He determines the warm Kakanuo bulb amzn.to/2JX40fS to be the best option - based on color cast, energy consumption and brightness level - to replace all of our energy-sucking tungsten lights throughout the boat.
And then, the dinghy motor. Our friends in Charlevoix so kindly gave us their old dinghy and a Nissan 2.5hp outboard, with a couple catches: the dinghy oarlocks were falling off, and the outboard didn’t start. Kirk glued the oarlocks back on in Charlevoix, but the motor still needed attention. He tackles it in this episode, starting off with a fresh tank of gasoline, then a new spark plug, and when it still doesn’t start he decided to take apart and clean the carburetor. Once he gets it running, we go for an afternoon cruise on the Root River.
Amongst the chores, our boat neighbor Bruce shows us the charts of all the rivers we will be traveling on, and our friends Devon and Jess bring their son Cato by to check out Soulianis and play in the dinghy.
Hope you enjoy!
Lauren & Kirk
P.S. If you’d like more Sailing Soulianis content or would like to support our video production, consider becoming a patron here: / sailingsoulianis
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[@jimmysjamin1]

Im enjoying your series so much your so young it is absolutely the greatest you are both realizing your dreams of sailing while in your youth. Im getting to be an old timer and will be doing this in my retirement and Im very happy to say that thanks to you two caps of the fresh and briney deep Im learning tons ! like I said Ive only light experience sailing and you two are so fun to watch and have such a great way of explaining I'll have no choice but to be ready. Thanks so much for the time and care you took to prepare these videos 🤗❤️

[@joshua3113]

I love you have the choice between taking "the ditch" or "the dismal swamp". lol

[@SailingSoulianis]

😂

[@tomf3969]

Fun young couple with a good sense of humor.... and nice. I enjoy your videos.

[@irench]

It's awesome seeing Lake Michigan and Racine again. Been near on 20 years since I last was in the water there and live in the Desert now. It sucks. Your channel and adventures are making me desire to attempt the same.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Glad to provide a little inspiration! If a new adventure is your true desire, all you need is a plan of action. 👊

[@davidinafrica8898]

Some people forget that there is always a first time for every task. Well done on tackling that outboard! I had one similar and it worked fine, though it was a happy day when I traded up to something that had neutral and reverse 😀

[@billderinbaja3883]

OK you guys, I just binge watched episodes #7-#16, time for bed.... I really like Tartan boats, saw you were buying one which brought me to #7... what a fun series of adventures, and fantastic documentation... excellent videography, sound, editing, the full production. Looking forward to watching more... buenos suenos (sweet dreams).

[@SailingSoulianis]

Glad to hear you’re enjoying the videos :)

[@meestahwah]

That little guy's laugh; I'm still smiling.

[@PetOasisGrooming]

Jacket, Dinghy, Crown, Sailing, Fun stuff!

[@spinnaker5514]

Can't wait for you guys to start the "Ditch". I hope one day to do "The Great Loop" myself. Was hoping to head south for this winter, but the diesel blew up this week so those plans are off for at least a year or maybe more. At least I can see it through your eyes. I wonder if people really understand what KZbin can mean to some people. So thanks for what you are doing for us! I especially appreciate it now that I have been delayed.....again!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Sorry to hear about the engine! Glad to hear we can help keep the motivation up! 👍 Means a lot to us. ☺️

[@steveangell4426]

Nice info on the LED bulbs, and it was fun watching your dinghy test runs.

[@billfournier6114]

That was a hoot to watch you guys with that dinghy and motor! Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@SailingSoulianis]

So glad you enjoyed it!!

[@rundown48]

To the ditch...... I think that will be so cool, cant wait to follow along ... ;)

[@logangraff2734]

You guys are adorable together

[@drwindsurf]

West Marine should have given you an additional discount - you will be advertising for them every time you wear the jacket. Thank you for another excellent video :)

[@johnnyhag675]

You guys are so much fun. Nice job on the dinghy engine. Looking forward to your trip down the ditch. Thanks for sharing.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Johnny! It felt pretty good to get the old engine working again.

[@mikew.5991]

Awww, you guys with the dingy....magic!

[@DaleRISmith]

gr8 to have you back

[@jb-737]

Binge watched all of your videos yesterday and today. I sailed for the first time two weeks ago with my grandfather out of Grand Haven, MI and loved it. After watching your videos, I am determined to one day sail the loop myself. Good luck to you both, cant wait for future videos!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey Jordan, that's so awesome; we love hearing stories like yours! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@28cruzin]

You have the best dinghy motor you could have. Why? It is the lightest, about 24 lbs, also the simplest, and most dependable and cheap to service. That motor is found all over the world. Parts fit from Tohatsu, Nissan, Mercury, Mariner, and even Johnson and Evinrude. Before you travel get the service manual, make up a spare parts kit, take all the bolts out and put grease on them before putting them back in. Most of the bolts are 6mm and can snap off from salt build up and grease prevents that. Ebay is a great source for parts for this motor. Look up the factory part numbers on line and use them when searching ebay to find them. I service and sell outboard motors under 25hp and I avoid 4-stroke motors. They are heavy, slow and subject to more service issues than 2-strokes. Parts from China for these motors are excellent. Head gaskets run $5 to $10 delivered and about $30 from a local dealer. The waterpump impeller is about $5 delivered not $20 at the dealer. The impeller is behind the prop and takes less than 10 minutes to change, remember to grease those bolts. These motors are basically unchanged since the 80's and making it a 3.5 hp is easy. Sorry to be so long winded. BTW these motors are so good they often sell used for more than they were new.

[@clifflong1203]

Thank you for sharing your new adventure! I am WAY behind you as I am already 62 years old and JUST bought my first boat!! A Hunter 40 Legend :)....Hope the old saying "yer never to old!" holds true!! See you out there!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Yeahyah! Congrats on the boat! Who cares when you do it - you’re doing it!!

[@stevenwatterson3932]

Your living your dreams while young. Can't beat that!!!!!

[@iangarforth]

Another fabulous video. Great stuff, folks. Can't wait for the next one!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks so much, Ian ☺️

[@andybarnes8320]

Love the videos. Superb. Don’t forget your safety retainer line for the engine (to stop it being lost to the seabed should clamps come loose) and your kill cord (which could save you horrible injury). Keep it going 👍👍

[@joefernandez4193]

Love that you used Pusherman in your soundtrack! 🤣

[@tolstory]

I like the ac over there. You are living now!

[@TG-cp9jw]

Very nice, I enjoyed the video.

[@cfirelite1]

You guys are so adorable. My new fave channel on KZbin.

[@gpk7683]

Man, I’m loving your videos. More please

[@rachelkane2287]

This was GREAT!!! We've been experiencing the same thing all week. Had to totally disassemble the outboard to get the dinghy back in shape😉

[@SailingSoulianis]

How'd it go? Did you get it back up and running?

[@rachelkane2287]

Yep, it turns out we had 4 pieces of impeller stuck in the water cooling system along with a bunch of mud and barnacle bits. Running like a champ now!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Awesome! Good work.

[@curacao11]

awesome video guys

[@jethrob2830]

Looking forward to the ditch trip, and your joys "ditch trippin" ;)

[@sm6wet]

Good idea on.checking the different LED lamps. Quality can be so different. One thing really important to check though is how it affects your coms. Many LEDs of cheaper quality emit RF which means its basically transmitting which in a real bad case can cause noise on your radio communications. Especially on your shortwave SSB but can also cause you problems on your VHF FM. I seen worst cases where it blocked out the ability to listen to FM radio and causing interference with sound on digital video cameras. Just an advice.

[@mr.smiley4263]

You guys are so awesome you are truly soulmates

[@johnkaveski7953]

got to love that crown

[@davidmilitz2275]

We just visited Racine (from Grand Haven MI)..and stayed at Reef Pointe Marina! Our second visit to this great port of call! We love Racine....and a must stop..The Hobnob Restaurant!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Racine’s got it going on!

[@Chainsawklr]

Awesome videos great editing and content! Starting my own plans now to set sail so inspirational!

[@SailingSoulianis]

🙌

[@johnkaveski7953]

great job young lady

[@RobertPowell3]

When I tell you “eh can you still grab me “ is the funniest 💩 I’ve seen in a long time .

[@johnmarshall8171]

Admitted DUI and no PFDs on board the dinghy. Really cool.

[@MrHaiopei]

He's riding the tender like a BOSS! :)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Getting the engine up and running made me feel like a BOSS! -Kirk

[@ryfish5]

Looks to me like the handle flips around and you can steer in reverse with the handle facing you.

[@user-tz8oj2cc4k]

楽しいね♪ Thank You

[@GrinsInc]

Thanks for posting. Congratulations... Progress!!! Come all the way down "Big Muddy" instead of through "The Ditch"... Tom and Huck came down "Big Muddy". Cheers.

[@matthewcrosby9278]

The handle on the outboard flips over when you have it in reverse :)

[@bigglyguy8429]

Sssh ;)

[@wildaltarose]

Thanks for the laugh...I have never seen anyone have so much fun in a dinghy.

[@timothyanderson976]

I love that place.

[@johnkaveski7953]

that is a great jacket

[@davisdonnell55]

Another great episode! Thanks for the led recommendation. In the process of changing out all of my incandescent bulbs and the 'marine' leds sold in stores are crazy expensive.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Absolutely! Glad we could help.

[@sartorst3376]

The dependability of any outboard new or used depends entirely on how fastidious you are with your fuel and how long it sits

[@SailingSoulianis]

We have learned this quickly!

[@alan6832]

Most common small engine problem by far is clogged carburetor jets from old fuel and/or inadequate fuel detergent or preservative.

[@terrypennell416]

I want to ride after two doubles!!!!!

[@CheersWarren]

Great job with the Nissan/Suzuki outboard. They are one of my favorite outboards , half the weight of the 4- stroke motors , much simpler , only 3 moving parts in the engine ,without any electronic , safety stuff, auto chokes and other crap that is forever failing on the modern engines. The base engine in that was used by many different manufacturers , except Yamaha. I hope you stick with it . Same motor was used for the 3.5 hp too. It will even push your yacht along as a hip tow in emergency. Cheers Warren

[@montymontano8618]

Spinning in the dingy. First sailing video to make me seasick😄

[@brewz1000]

I don't know about that little motor, but if are going to rely on Lauren getting you somewhere in reverse, you're going to need more Crown !! It may take awhile, but it'll get you where you want to go....eventually! I can't wait for the ditch!

[@SailingSoulianis]

😂

[@waynedoeblin6801]

Nice episode Lauren and Kirk,I'm not sure I'd have the patience with that"no frills" outboard,but hey,it works👍 Does that handle flip over to make it easier to steer when you are reversing?Just looks like it might. Some new goodies coming up,will have to wait and see what brand anchor you have chosen. See you next time 😊

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Wayne, someone else suggested flipping the handle. I think you're both correct, though it may make it a bit awkward. In reality we've had very little need for reverse, and it hasn't been an issue so far. -Kirk

[@Captain10Star]

That's so cool. I love watching people eat. Yummy

[@larrykramer6057]

In Illinois we used to deride the Cheezeheads and Hosiers, but now Wisconsin and Indiana are doing well while Illinois is in a financial death spiral. Let's all move to Racine and live happily ever after.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Sounds like a plan. 😉 We lived in Chicago for three years after college and still own property there, but we love Racine, there’s a lot of fun stuff going on.

[@larrykramer6057]

I was in Lincoln Park for 14 years until I got priced out needing a bigger place and had to move back to the suburbs, which place is about as exciting as living in a cemetery. The problem with Chicago is that everyone wants to live in a very small part of it, and that makes that part kind of pricey. You know that.

[@alan6832]

Try soaking the exposed LED in armor all, tire shine, or other heavy, silicone spray to seal out moisture and oxygen.

[@nealsnapp7730]

Hey guys! Awesome video, yet again! I'm so much looking forward to watching you guys to go down the Ditch! Two questions: 1) Do you ever feel cramped on the boat...like, do you ever feel like there's just no good place to stretch out? 2) What software and camera do you use for your videos? Thanks guys! Always looking forward to your next videos. I hope you increase your following!!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Neal! 1) We absolutely feel cramped at times. Not so much physically as mentally. We've been able to get off the boat and go for a run or do yoga quite frequently so far. There are times when Kirk (he's 6'3"ish) feels cramped. He doesn't quite have enough headroom. But our cockpit is quite large, and luckily the v-berth and the settees are all long enough for him to relax comfortably. 2) We use Adobe Premier and our primary camera is a Canon 80d. But we have a host of other equipment that makes it's way into each edit as well: Our camera gear:Canon 80D - amzn.to/2D6T6kO Canon M6 - amzn.to/2Dyzya0 DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2FEiQGT RODE VideoMic GO - amzn.to/2FEfOSZ GoPro Hero 6 Black - amzn.to/2G3ZCtk FeiyuTech G6 - amzn.to/2NPEwUP Note: if you end up clicking any of those links and purchasing ANYTHING (doesn't have to even be one of those items), Amazon will give us a very small cut of the profits - at no cost to you! It's an easy way to help out our productions :)

[@scottiedoesit9480]

Mmmm marina basil - almost as good as Kiwi basil! Greetings from NZ ;)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Lol. Thanks for watching, Scottie!

[@johnnyBeBad1234]

a good reliable small engine for your dinghy: Gamefisher, they're made in japan and always start

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

This going to sound really crazy, but one of the things you should have in your tool box is silicon dielectric grease. Use it to grease the ends of those light bulbs and you will never have any corrosion issue. Something else for the tools box is Fluid Film spray. Not only is it a good general light oil for lubrication, you can spray it on electrical connections to prevent corrosion.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Jack, We have both! Kirk did a big electrical project which we will share details on coming up, and we also used the spray film to coat the engine before putting her up for the summer.

[@Keil253]

Nice

[@outabeat]

I think you'll find that those little outboards are very finicky. My experience has been that having a larger 2-cylynder outboard (8 hp or so) is far more friendly and reliable. Its heavier, but if you use the halyard to lift it, it's pretty easy to load and unload.

[@phildean1059]

fyi the tether on the stop switch should be attached to you so if you go overboard the motor will stop for obvious reasons

[@miguelgtz2739]

greetings from mexico!

[@jigway]

Cool videos guys! now you have a subscriber from Russia:) Happiness to you!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hey thanks for watching!

[@oh-brothers]

I think the handle flips over when you go in reverse... I second getting another backup outboard. You guys are totally new at this... maybe get an identical motor for a backup and spare parts... or a new more powerful outboard.

[@symphonyfarm2009]

Oh man! Our little 22ft lake boat is dependent on an 8hp outboard. I swear to god, everytime we go up to the lake, there is a giant question mark of weather we are even going to get out of the marina. And for the most part we get pushed to the edge of giving up, and going home, and then the engine magically starts. And we go out! Then there is a giant question mark to whether we will get it started to go back in!!! Looking to win the lottery, and buy a Torqueedo.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Haha always a gamble, isn't it! Ya we'd love to get a Torqueedo, too. ;D

[@jeffbazor5286]

Great video guys! Sounds like you are going to be sailing (motoring) by my home town of Metropolis IL. (Home of Superman) It is a small town on the Ohio River very close to Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley. If you have any questions about that area or anything involving the locks and Dams, let me know and I’ll try to help if I can. My best friend is the lockmaster @ Smithland Dam, just northeast of the entrance of the Tennessee River. Fair winds, JB

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Jeff, thanks for the offer!

[@nielsjohannsen2854]

Great vid you definately married up. I enjoy the local as Im from ontario,

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

You goofy kids. May the wind be to your back and the beers be to your front. Arrrgh!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Cheers Gary!

[@julietraub2792]

You guys are cute together!

[@marty0715yt]

That is one sweet little motor there Cartman!! nIssan (Datsun to me)

[@ziparis]

- It's got "Turtle" mode and "Rabbit" mode - Lol

[@donbisesi3567]

Just in Racine last week taking ASA 103 & 104 out of Riverside Marina. Stood on the State Street bridges looking for your boat at the West Side Marina but it looks like you guys have already shoved off. Not To many boats at West Side, kinda looked deserted.

[@donbisesi3567]

Ah, I get it now. These videos are at least 1year old before getting posted. The next video just posted 8/16/18 shows the cardboard boat race that appears to happen in Sept. in Racine.

[@kevinfisher1345]

Kids with a new toy .. err new car lol. Also nice jacket, but in carribean, wonder if you will even use it half dozen times, but meh you have one if you need it I guess which is certainly better than being cold :D

[@SailingSoulianis]

We also needed it to get through the cold fall and winter to GET to the Caribbean ;)

[@kevinfisher1345]

Ah, Nice! But as it is summer there now, mind letting me borrow for it couple mo's, bit chilly here :p

[@mikestanden2442]

Best wishes from England, loving your videos, just a little concerned that your using the outboard without a kill switch, just a thought., Mike.

[@friarfox]

In French there is an expression " Plus c'est petite ... plus c'est mignon ". The smaller the cuter essentially. You should find a cute name for the dinghy.

[@sailingvesselsouthernlady447]

I'm surprised the outboard doesn't have a centrifugal clutch. My Honda 2HP is similar (no reverse). But at idle, the prop does not spin. Nice video!

[@Tanrestednready]

I’m pretty sure only the little Honda 4 strokes do, they are the best because they don’t foul plugs when going slow all the time.

[@tna2me197]

Thanks for the bulb info. I've been trying to find the right bulbs for my cabin lights and couldn't find the right socket fittings. I was able to change some, but not the ones with double connections and even socket tangs. (don't know if they're called socket tangs ... I'm just figuring that it's what they're called on a boat since everything has to be named something else.)

[@SailingSoulianis]

Awesome! Glad we could help. I believe those "tangs" are called bayonets in the lightbulb world :)

[@tna2me197]

Sailing Soulianis but of course they are! And I’m the gun world it’s a knife at the end of a barrel. Who knew!?

[@ourv9603]

GUYS, Best Practice is to carry 1 or 2 spare props for your Nissan outboard. PLUS, A handful of the pins Nissan uses to hold the prop to the shaft. These parts take FOREVER to be delivered to a foreign backwater port somewheres in the Caribbean sea or elsewheres... !

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks for the tips! Good ideas. If the motor is still kicking by the time we're ready to make the crossing to the Bahamas we'll make sure to stock up.

[@mikeevans3023]

Love your blog. I'm at a marina at mile marker 450 (very beginning of the Tenn-Tom), headed south toward Bahamas in Oct. If you need any local knowledge or supplies, give me a shout. Good markets and supplies before you head down a long section with limited provisions. Mike

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks Mike!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Thanks, Mike!

[@peterengel7885]

That out board is almost identical to the Evinrude motor.

[@richardnwilson]

How about a new KZbin channel; Fun in the dinghy with Kirk and Lauren! Great video thank you!

[@SailingSoulianis]

Lol it could be like Seinfeld’s show ‘Comedians Getting Coffee in Cars’ mixed with ‘Drunk History.’ Maybe ‘Drunk Sailors Telling Stories in Dinghies.’ You might be onto something...

[@mysurlytrucker7510]

Hay nice to see you letting your hair down

[@Tanrestednready]

Good Tube! I want to say that little 2 Stroke motors don’t like being run at idle or low speed for very long. To keep it starting reliably, it should be run at half throttle or above for several minutes every time it starts, if possible. This gets the plug hot and keeps the electrode clean and prevents fouling. Always try starting without choke first, then if needed, choke on, but turn off choke right after it starts. As long as I’m at it, I’ll also say that mixing the oil and gas should be as precise as possible and when in doubt a little less oil is better than a too much. People will disagree, but they will be wrong. I have been working on engines of all types professionally longer than they have. I only ad the bragging bit because everyone thinks they are experts, nearly all are not. If you ever have any questions, I’d be happy to assist.

[@SailingSoulianis]

Awesome, thank you for the tips. Very helpful! We do have a few spare plugs but have not paid especially close attention to the mix. Good to know. -Kirk

[@jefferylynn8848]

How was your time to Florida you in Bahamas yet

[@shawneegrove]

don't know if I'd trust that dinghy motor enough to explore a deserted Caribbean island

[@neilbob7706]

lights running cheap now ,how's the ac unit burning power? 1;17 pause and see the ac

[@dodgeracin22]

Do you need any type of converter for those light bulbs? Do you do anything special for them.

[@SailingSoulianis]

As long as you buy the right socket type and you have a 12v system there is nothing else that is needed. The LED bulbs have their own "driver/power" supply built in that will take the 12v and send the appropriate voltage to each of the LEDs in the bulb.

[@1werewolf]

Imagine it to be a big step to go offshore........

[@ryannieleotigbao7600]

Hi guys. I love your videos. Do you use the canon 80d or the m6 on those videos while cruising on a dingy?

[@SailingSoulianis]

I think this was all 80d footage.

[@ryannieleotigbao7600]

Nice footage, i really admire how vivid the colors of your videos

[@jastark22181]

I notice myself looking forward to your videos more and more lately... I'm just not sure if it's because you two are from the great lakes like me and are living my dream or it's because your getting closer and closer to bikini weather! 😋😉😂😂😂 lol

[@timothyanderson976]

where did you get a turtle kraals coosie in WI.?

[@alan6832]

why would it be any harder to leave the kayak pumped up than to leave the dingy pumped up? UV resistance? you could probably find UV resistant coatings or waxes.

[@rootvalley2]

Johns dock is now closed 😓

[@haanity]

The tender and engine are hilarious ! You need new ones. the video is top quality, the images crystal clear, sharp! Keep it up guys. Regards from Greece!

[@riverwizard22]

PAPER CHARTS. DO YOU HAVE PAPER CHARTS ?????

[@chandlermckinney9938]

Hey Soulianis, I won’t be cruising for 4-5 years. Is there anything I can do now to get ready for the cruising life?

[@SailingSoulianis]

Hi Chandler, that's a big hairy question to answer. Where are you in the process of being financially ready? What about your sailing experience? Kids? Solo? There's a lot of details to sort out first. We're about to post a blog about our decision-making process for purchasing our boat. Keep an eye out, maybe that will help.

[@chandlermckinney9938]

I just graduated college and have started working full-time. Have to pay off some student debt before I start saving for a boat. No kids and about 80 hours of sailing experience! It’s not much but I’ll keep an eye out for the blog post! Keep it up guys