How To Get the Most Out of Your Outboard Motor
Kevin VanDam 05.24.11
That high performance outboard hanging on the back of my bass boat isn’t the same two-stroke engine my grandfather used to putt around his favorite fishin’ hole.
My Nitro z9 powered by a Mercury Pro XS 250 is a far more sophisticated piece of equipment. It’s instrumental to my success as a touring bass professional, and I keep it running at optimum performance by following these 10 critical measures that I’ve learned over the years:
- Distribute weight properly: You’ll get more bow lift and better handling in big waves by keeping heavier gear in the rear portion of the boat. That’s where I store soft plastic baits, tools and spare equipment. Lighter items, such as rods, rainsuits and crankbaits are stored up front.
- Trust a reputable dealer: He knows exactly how to set up a boat to achieve proper RPMs and performance. Each boat manufacturer is different, so call upon those who sell and specialize in your boat/motor combination for advice.
- Prop for safety: Choose a propeller that gives you a good hole-shot, bow lift and optimum speed without sacrificing handling. You want a prop that allows the boat to steer easily so you can dodge unexpected obstructions and still maintain control, even if it requires some sacrifice in top-end speed. I run a high performance Mercury Fury, and most of the guys on tour run outboard manufacturer’s props, too.
- Add a hydraulic jackplate: It enhances overall performance; you get on plane easier in shallow water, idle through no wake zones more efficiently, and can adjust engine height to compensate for weight changes with the flip of a switch. When in big water, you can lower the engine to give you a better bite.
- Use premium engine oil: Service techs at tournaments tell me it’s critical to choose one type – preferably a manufacturer’s oil – and run it consistently. If you buy whatever is on sale, it could cost you dearly in the long run. Some dealers sell premium oil in bulk; take in your old oil jugs and refill them for considerable savings.
- Follow service schedule: Don’t procrastinate dealer recommendations. Break in a new engine by the book, follow-up with 20-hour check and change lower unit lube every 20 hours. During the check-up, dealers can detect potential problems by hooking your outboard to a laptop computer. Changing lube regularly is inexpensive insurance to know the seals are good and you won’t have problems.
- Be cautious with fuel: Today’s engines are designed to run on 87 octane. Premium fuels aren’t necessary, but I do avoid gasoline that contains ethanol when possible. Always buy from reputable stations; I buy Shell when it’s available because it is consistently better quality.
- Avoid buying gas on the water: unless it’s an established marina that sells a lot of gas. I also avoid gas stations off the beaten path that may not replenish their fuel tanks as often as those that get a steady stream of business. Stale fuel builds up unwanted deposits and moisture. If that finds its way into your boat tank, you’ve got problems.
- Slow down for fuel economy: Instead of running wide open at 5,800 rpms, back down to 4,800-5,000. You won’t lose that much speed but you will save on gas and oil.
- Run a fuel system cleaner: I run Mercury’s “Quickleen” through a tank of fuel about four times a year. It cleans out any deposits, extends spark plug life and maximizes my fuel economy.
In the world of professional bass fishing, Kevin VanDam is at the pinnacle and arguably the best in the world.
He's the complete package – fierce competitor with multiple championships, ambassador to the sport, and family man.
Professional bass fishing has risen to a major sports level in recent years with regular season and national championships televised on ESPN2.
"When it comes to professional bass fishing, Kevin VanDam is as close to perfection as I've ever seen," says ESPN Outdoors Commentator Mark Zona. "in my mind, he is the best of this era and will be the best I cover as long as I am a commentator."
In fact, VanDam was honored with the first-ever Outdoorsman of the Year ESPY trophy at ESPN's televised awards program in 2002.
As the all-time money winner on the Bassmaster Tournament trail, VanDam has earned more than $5 million through February, 2011, captured four Bassmaster Classic titles (2001,2005, 2010, 2011) and six Toyota Tundra Angler of Year titles (1992, '96, '99, '08, '09 and '10).
Kevin's first AOY championship in 1991
The Bassmaster Classic title is the most coveted in bass fishing, attracting the best anglers in the world who qualify for it through a regular season schedule. VanDam has earned berths in 21 consecutive Classics since he turned full-time pro in 1992, the longest running Classic qualification streak of any active pro.
In 223 career Bassmaster events, he's won 20, finished second 11 times and landed in the top 10 an amazing 91 times!
The 43-year-old pro honed his angling skills while growing up in Michigan where he had the opportunity to fish for a variety of fish species, including trout, salmon, muskies, walleyes and northern pike. "You can learn a lot by fishing different species in the diverse variety of lakes and rivers we have in Michigan," he offered. "But bass is my first love."
As a teenager, VanDam dominated tournament circuits around his Kalamazoo home, winning The Michigan BASS Federation Angler of Year twice before turning pro. At age 23, he became the youngest to win the Toyota Tundra Angler of the Year title, collected an unprecedented 23 consecutive in-the-money finishes and shattered tournament records.
VanDam and his wife Sherry have two twin boys, Jackson and Nicholas.
When he's not touring, you'll find him spending with time with his boys – fishing during the summer and deer hunting in the off-season.
