Over the years we’ve owned a lot of outboards. Most have given us good service-we’ve never actually had one deteriorate to the point where it had to be replaced. Our current outboard is sixteen years old, and still running strong. As a year of outboard life is generally reckoned to be the equivalent of 12 human years, this makes it 192 years old.

In all of this time we’ve replaced two water pump impellers (one failed, the other was changed on a preventative basis), one shaft seal, and one electronic coil.

The outboard is a 30HP Yamaha, made in Japan and sold under the Mariner label in the US up through 1986 or thereabouts. It weighs just 109 pounds, is manual start, and even after it has been stored for six months will fire on the second pull.

Why such a big outboard? Two reasons: first, we like to water ski and, believe it or not, this 30HP has enough gumption to drag Steve out on a slalom (single ski). Linda pops up so fast on doubles that you don’t even know she is behind the boat. Second, we wanted something with power to use alongside our various boats as a tug, in case the engine was out (something we tested, but never had to use in earnest).

Of course the frequency of using the full power is very rare-over the years probably not more than three or four times per year on average. The rest of the time we’re running at 1/4 throttle, and going plenty fast enough in the inflatable. Fuel consumption does not seem to be a problem either. Under normal (non skiing) use, a six gallon tank of gas will last us several weeks when we’re cruising full time. Skiing, of course, is a different story.

What is the secret to this magical longevity? There are several things. First, to last this long in the marine environment, this is obviously a well engineered piece of equipment. Next, the fact that the engine has loafed at low power settings for most of its life is probably a major benefit.

Third, we’ve made it a habit to have the outboard serviced on an annual basis. This included changing the plugs, lubing the various grease nipples, changing lower unit oil, and fresh water flush.

Fourth, when we’re onboard using the engine, it gets a monthly douche of anti-corrosion spray on all external and internal parts.

Fifth, we try to keep the gas fresh. If we’re going to lay up for a while, we give away any left over outboard fuel, and start with new fuel when we recommission.

But the real secret? It’s the paint job. Seven years ago we repainted the cowling a totally cool reddish purple. Immediately after applying this paint job the engine began to run with a new vigor, and start more easily. It also makes the dinghy stand out on the dinghy docks of the world, and (hopefully) deters theft.