Prepare Your Boat for High-Altitude Performance

There is something about the air at high altitudes. It's fresher, colder and thinner. The sights are also breathtaking, and anyone would love a piece of watching the world from elevated ground. That is reason enough to tow your boat to a mountain lake and cruise on the chilly lake water. The only problem for any boat lover is that you will notice reduced performance from your boat engine when you turn it on and start cruising. It feels slower and less potent because the air up there is thin and has little oxygen for your marine engine. How do you overcome this challenge and get better performance from your boat's engine? Read on for a couple of secrets: 

Install Superchargers and Turbochargers

Boat engines use an internal combustion system similar to the one installed on modern vehicles. Therefore, they generate horsepower by burning a mixture of air and fuel in the right proportion and under immense compression. Power comes from having a generous supply of oxygen to enhance the combustion process and maintain a desired amount of fuel. At high altitudes, the air is thin and doesn't have lots of oxygen for the internal combustion process. 

It would help to have accessories that maximise air intake, ensuring that your boat's engine makes the most of the little that is available.  Superchargers and turbochargers are great options. These two accessories force more air into the engine, availing a high volume of oxygen for combustion. You need them to enhance the manufacturer's air intake systems. 

Get Jets for Carbureted Engines

Most modern engines use fuel-injected systems for their internal combustion. For those with older marine engines, your boat will have a carbureted system. The carburettors encounter difficulty creating the right air-fuel mixture for internal combustion at high altitudes, hindering efficient performance. You need to introduce jets to get the right air-fuel mixture. These jets are small fittings made from brass with holes in the middle section. The holes vary in size to alternate the incoming air and fuel volume because excessive air intake will make your engine run lean. Too much fuel will also kill the engine. 

Picking the Right Jet

Picking the right jet is a difficult job even for seasoned boat owners. You can consult a marine engineer to point you in the right direction. You can also start with the most expensive jet models and work your way down in subsequent replacements. Eventually, you will find something that works for you without denting your wallet.


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