For many, boating is the activity of the summer. Owning a boat opens a whole world of outdoor recreation including fishing, water sports, swimming, and more. Not to mention, spending a day out on the water is a great way to relax, disconnect from the busyness of day-to-day life, and spend time in nature.
While having fun on the water, it’s important to stay safe. Operating a boat is very different from other vehicles, and with it comes specific terminology that can be confusing to a novice boater. The terms “port” and “starboard” are thrown around a lot if you’ve spent any time on the water. You‘ve also probably heard these terms in movies. But what do they mean? In this article, we are going to explain what port and starboard mean, their history, and why it’s important to know them when you are out on the water.
History and Meaning of the Term Port
Port side refers to the left-hand side of a boat when you are looking toward the bow (front).
Since boats at the time had their steering ore on the starboard side, the left side was typically where people and goods were unloaded and loaded. Originally, the term used for the left side was larboard, which is a derivative of the word ladeboard. Lade is a middle english word which means “load”. Larboard and starboard sounded very similar, so the term port was eventually adopted, first by the Royal Navy in 1844, then the US navy in 1846 to avoid confusion.
History and Meaning of the Term Starboard
Starboard is the right-hand side of the boat when looking toward the bow. Starboard is an evolution of old English words steor and bord combined to steorbord, which means steering side. Boats from this time period were steered by an oar which was situated on the right side of the boat. Overtime, these phrases morphed into starboard, and even when boat steering systems changed, they still referred to the right-hand side.
Why Not Use “Left” and “Right”?
You might be wondering, why don’t mariners just use right and left when referring to the sides of their boat? There’s a logical explanation for this. Left and right are subjective depending on where you are standing or looking. By using specific terms for each side of the vessel, it’s always clear what someone is referring to regardless of the boat’s orientation on the water or the direction someone is facing.
Conclusion
Remembering your portside from your starboard side is easy once you know what they mean. Next time you get out on the water, you’ll never forget the meaning of port and starboard. You’ll also have a bit of nautical history to share with your passengers.
Marine Services at Matson Point S in Riverton
Having trouble with your boat? Matson Point S Auto and Marine is Riverton’s premiere marine service center. Our experienced marine techs can handle everything from seasonal maintenance and winterization to in-depth mechanical repairs and diagnostics. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!
At its core, boat propulsion is simple. Whether a boat is propelled by a water jet or a propeller, a pressure difference is created, providing the required thrust to move the boat through the water.
There are a wide range of propulsion systems on modern watercraft, incorporating different technologies and layouts to achieve optimal performance. Inboard, outboard, and sterndrive are the most commonly seen designs.
The sterndrive, also known as an inboard/outboard, incorporates elements of both inboard drives and outboard drives, and relies on a component called the lower unit to transfer the engine’s power into the thrust needed for the boat to move.
Like any component, the lower unit requires upkeep and maintenance to avoid issues. In this article, we will dive into what a lower unit is, how it works, and some maintenance tips to keep your boat issue-free all summer.
What is a Lower Unit?
The lower unit (sometimes called a gear case) is not limited to boats with a sterndrive engine setup. Outboard engines have a lower unit as well, which is part of the entire outboard engine assembly. When looking at an outboard engine, the long extension with the propeller on the end is considered the lower unit.
Sterndrive boats, which utilize a larger engine onboard, rely on a separate piece of machinery called an outdrive to power the propeller. If you look at a stern drive boat out of the water, you will see something similar to an outboard engine hanging off the back. the outdrive connects to the engine, which is located on the boat. In a sterndrive application, the lower unit is at the bottom of the outdrive, just behind the propeller.
What Does a Lower Unit Do On a Boat?
The lower unit allows for power transfer from the engine to the propeller, similar to a transmission on a car. A major difference here though is the lack of differing gear ratios. Typically, boats have a single forward gear, single reverse gear, and neutral. The outdrive also pivots in response to steering inputs, and the lower unit usually has a rudder below the propeller, allowing the boat to steer.
The outdrive receives power from the engine via an input shaft where the unit connects to the boat. Power is sent through the top of the outdrive and down to the lower unit through gears and drive shafts, eventually turning the propeller.
On some boats, the lower unit supplies the engine with cold water to keep it at a safe operating temperature. An impeller draws in water from the lake or river, pumping it through the engine (in the same way coolant is cycled through the engine of a car).
Lower Unit Common Problems
Keeping up on regular maintenance and following proper winterization steps will help prevent lower unit damage, but issues can arise for even the most diligent boat owners.
Water in the Gear Case
If the oil in your lower unit appears milky, water has made it into the gear case. Usually, a bad seal is to blame. Water can wreak havoc on the internals of a lower unit if it’s present when the temperature gets below freezing since it will expand as it freezes.
Impact Damage
The lower unit typically sits below the bottom (keel) of a boat, increasing the chance of hitting hazards in shallow water. A low-speed impact can result in damage to the propeller, while a more severe collision can damage or destroy the lower unit
Worn Out Impeller
On some sterndrive boats, the impeller is housed in the lower unit. The impeller pumps cold water through the engine, keeping it cool while running. Since the impeller is made out of rubber it will eventually wear out and fail, potentially leading to severe engine damage.You can read our article on impeller replacements here.
Lower Unit Maintenance
The lower unit, like any mechanical component, requires regular maintenance to work right. With only one drive gear, the rotating mechanism inside the lower unit is subjected to lots of stress, and the lubricating oil inside needs to be changed regularly.
At the end of every boating season, you have the lower unit gear oil changed and add new grease to all grease fittings.
If you dock your boat on the water during the summer, you may have accumulated buildup on the lower unit. Winterization is the perfect time to remove buildup and clean the lower unit.
Lower Unit Services at Matson Point S
Whether you are experiencing problems with the lower unit on your boat or need help with winterization, the expert marine technicians at Matson Point S in Riverton Utah are here to help. Give us a call or schedule an appointment online today!
When your car struggles to start up, your first thought is probably “What could this be?” followed by “How much is this going to cost?”. Pinpointing exactly what is causing a no-start condition is tricky. Turning your key to the “on” position begins a complex process behind the scenes, with various components working to instantly provide your vehicle with the necessary fuel, air, and power to begin and sustain combustion.
While each component has the potential to fail, there are a few that are more likely to cause trouble than the others. One of these is the starter, which as the name implies, is vital to the initial process of starting the car. In this article, we’ll cover what the starter does, the symptoms of starter failure, and what causes one to fail.
What Does The Starter Do?
Before the engine can begin to create its self-sustaining cycle of combustion, it first has to create the necessary suction to begin pulling in air. Without a consistent flow of air, the fuel will be unable to combust and the engine will not start.
This is the responsibility of the starter, a small electric motor used to spin the flywheel, “turning over” the engine and allowing the intake of air and fuel within the cylinders. Once the engine has begun this process, the starter motor will disengage and let the engine take it from there.
Symptoms of a Bad Starter
While the obvious symptom of a bad starter is, well, the car not starting, there are some more specific signs of impending starter failure that you should be aware of.
Unusual Sounds
One of the most common symptoms of a failing starter motor is a clicking noise while attempting to start the vehicle. However, it’s important to note that even if there is no noticeable sound when turning the key, it could still be an issue with the starter.
Alternatively, a starter on the verge of failure may produce a worrying grinding noise when starting the vehicle. This likely means your starter is on its way out, and should be inspected by a trusted automotive professional to see if replacement is necessary.
Engine Won’t Crank
Of course, without a working starter motor to crank the engine, the vehicle will be unable to fire up even with the assistance of a jumpstart. If a jumpstart does not solve your issue, the issue likely goes beyond a simple dead battery.
Lights Turn On, But The Car Won’t
Another sign that your issue stems from something like a starter or ignition switch, as opposed to your electrical system, is all of the lights on your dash turning on properly when starting the vehicle despite the engine not turning over. If it were to be something like a dead battery, the vehicle would most likely not be able to power the lights completely, causing them to be dim or inoperable.
Smoke From The Vehicle
As you attempt to turn on the vehicle with a failed starter many times, the starter could potentially overheat and cause or worsen electrical failures around it. In serious cases, it could cause a shorted fuse or wire to smoke.
If you see or smell smoke anywhere from your vehicle, avoid attempting to turn the key again and instead have your vehicle towed to an automotive professional for inspection and service. Desperately turning the key over and over is only more likely to lead to these electrical issues.
Your Starter is Oil Soaked
While many starter problems are caused by their internal failures, another issue can damage your starter, such as an oil leak.
If your starter is caked in oil, your vehicle likely has an active leak that is allowing oil to drip onto or around the starter. This oil can leak into the sensitive internals of the starter and cause a component to fail, leading to a faulty starter motor. What might have started as a slow and unnoticeable leak can quickly turn into some bad news if given time to cause damage.
It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your oil levels, as leaks can cause major problems that go beyond a simple starter failure.
Starter & Electrical Services in Riverton, Utah
If you’re experiencing trouble starting your vehicle, or any other signs of a failing starter, trust the experts at Matson Point S in Riverton to square your issue away and get your vehicle starting like new! Our experienced technicians have decades of experience working on electrical systems in all makes and models. Give Riverton’s trusted option for auto repair a try and give us a call or schedule online today!
We’ve all been there before. You’re in a rush to get to your destination, trying to get out the door while you still have a shot to make it. And then it hits you… “where are my keys?”
Now in many cases, they’ll turn up within minutes to hours in the most obvious spot possible like always. But what if they don’t? Not having your keys isn’t just an annoyance, it directly interrupts many of your important daily tasks and sidelines you from conveniently getting to most places. What’s the next step?
Type of Keys
The path to getting a replacement depends on the type of key it is. Modern vehicles often use key fobs, which allow you to control certain functions, like locks, windows, trunk/hatch, or even starting the car. Compare this to traditional mechanically cut car keys used in older vehicles, and you can see how the difference in keys and technology may affect the difficulty of replacing them.
Traditional/Mechanically Cut Keys
Mechanically cut keys are the simplest to replace, as they lack the technology and security measures used in fobs. Since these don’t require any programming or proprietary transponders or sensors, they can be easily replicated by a locksmith or dealer.
Transponder Keys
Transponder keys look nearly the same as mechanically cut keys and operate similarly too. The only difference, albeit a major one, between the two, is the transponder security chip in the key. This is called the immobilizer chip and prevents the vehicle from being started without it being present.
Now in most cases, this is a great feature as it requires the key to have been programmed to start the vehicle. This is huge for the security of your vehicle, as it’s much harder for someone to get their hands on a programmed transponder key rather than replicating a mechanically cut key.
For our purposes though, this transponder only makes replacing your key that much more difficult. Fortunately, most automotive-specific locksmiths can both replicate the key and program a new transponder for the majority of vehicles with a basic transponder system. Other transponder keys may need proprietary programming at a dealership, particularly on higher-end vehicles.
Key + Fob
If your car key includes a fob with an attached key (such as a switchblade key), having it replaced may be more difficult and expensive than replacing a transponder or mechanically cut key.
An automotive locksmith may have the ability to recut and program your new key and fob in more basic systems. Depending on the transponder and functionality of the fob, a dealership replacement may be your only option. The added complexity of both the transponder and fob functionality makes some keys impossible to replicate outside of a dealership.
Keyless Fob
It’s not uncommon to see cars nowadays ditch a physical key completely and rely on wireless fobs. Since there’s no mechanical key to replicate, locksmiths won’t be of any help in this situation.
For most smart keys, you’ll need to have a replacement made at the dealership. They also might require proof of ownership to provide you with one.
This process could take 1-2 days, in which you might need to leave the vehicle at the dealership for programming.
Cost of Replacement Key
The cost of having your key replaced depends considerably on the type of key and the make and model of the vehicle. Simple mechanically cut keys for older vehicles without transponders can cost as little as $15-$50 for a copy. Compare this to a transponder key that requires chip programming, as these services can range anywhere between $100 to $250.
Fobs are where it can become complicated, as different fobs require different procedures for programming. For a switchblade key replacement, the extra programming required from a locksmith or dealership could cost around $150-$200.
In general, keyless ignition fobs or smart fobs will be the most expensive of these to replace. Certain vehicles might require dealership programming, whereas others may be able to be replaced by an automotive locksmith. The cost of a new smart fob can run you anywhere from $200-$600.
Electrical Diagnostics in Riverton, Utah
If you’re experiencing issues with your car’s ignition system or wireless key, trust the experts at Matson Point S to diagnose the source of your issue and bring your car back to life! Give us a call or schedule online today.
For many vehicle owners, the various numbers and terms used when referring to different vehicles and the engines in them can become overwhelming. To mechanics and enthusiasts, these terms tell you loads of important information on the mechanical makeup of a vehicle.
One of the most telling descriptors of a car is the engine configuration, which you have most likely heard or seen before. Configurations like the I4, V6, and V8 dominate the consumer automotive market, each with its unique characteristics and strengths.
We’ll cover what these terms mean, the benefits of each, and why some of these configurations are more common than others.
How to Read An Engine Configuration
The Letter
The system in which we refer to engine layouts is fairly simple, most often consisting of a single letter and a single number.
The letters are used to indicate how the pistons are laid out within the engine. For instance, the “V” that comes before V6, V8, etc. actually signifies that the pistons are arranged in two rows angeled away from each other creating a V-like shape.
On the other hand, “I” refers to an inline engine, where the pistons are instead arranged in a single straight line and facing directly upwards. These inline engines are also commonly referred to as “straight” engines, so you may hear “straight-six” rather than inline-six or I6 for example.
The exception to this naming convention would be “flat” engines, which are essentially V-shaped engines except the pistons lie flat horizontally rather than at the 60-degree angle of a V. These are less common, but still widely available in vehicles from brands like Subaru and Porsche. This layout is occasionally referred to as “H” engines.
Other piston layouts exist, such as “W” engines which resemble two V-shaped engines side-by-side (similar to the letters themselves). However, these unorthodox engine layouts are rarely used due to manufacturing and maintenance costs as well as their large size and low efficiency.
The Number
While the letter gives you information on the shape in which the pistons are laid out, the number instead tells you the number of pistons in the engine.
So in an I4 engine, one of the most common out there, there are a total of four cylinders sitting in an inline formation. Compare this to a V8 engine, where a total of eight cylinders are split into two rows (or banks) of four and angled away from each other; creating the V-shape that it derives its name from.
Most Common Engine Configurations
While manufacturers have experimented since the early 1900s with various unique engine configurations, there are a select few that have stuck around over the years for good reason.
Due to the size of engines and limited space in engine bays, some piston layout and cylinder count combinations are simply impractical for consumer vehicles.
For example, an extremely long engine configuration such as an inline-eight (I8) would be nearly impossible to fit in most vehicle engine bays. Instead, a V8 configuration has a more compact footprint with the same amount of cylinders.
Due to the unique size constraints and use-case of each vehicle, manufacturers must choose the engine configuration that best fits the specific needs of that model. For this reason, the vast majority of modern cars come equipped with one of the following engine layouts.
Inline-four
The inline-four (I4, straight-four, four-banger) engine is the most common configuration among modern consumer vehicles. As of 2021, over 59% of new light-duty vehicles sold are equipped with a four-cylinder configuration. The compact design and low number of engine components make it one of the most practical for commuter cars and compacts.
Inline-fours are well known for their reliability, as the inline configuration only requires a single cylinder head; reducing complexity and repair costs.
Their small size also contributes to the other major benefit of an I4, fuel economy. The smaller displacement of a four-cylinder, which typically falls between 1.3-2.5 liters in modern cars, allows the engine to use a relatively low amount of fuel compared to larger-displacement motors.
Four-cylinders are perfect for most general applications but fall short in more specialized and performance-focused vehicles. While the small displacement means less fuel usage, it usually means less power and torque. Vehicles that require power outputs or towing capability will often opt for a beefier engine, such as a V6 or V8.
Four-cylinders also suffer from pulsations in power delivery, as having only four cylinders means the next combustion stroke cannot begin until the previous cylinder has completed its combustion cycle. These pulsations cause noticeable vibrations through the chassis. This is a non-issue in an engine with five or more cylinders since there will always be another cylinder’s combustion overlapping as one cylinder completes its power stroke.
Even with these drawbacks, the I4 configuration has cemented its spot as the perfect choice for the majority of cars on the road. Modern developments in engines have also mitigated some of the power concerns, as the advent of turbocharging in commuter vehicles allows for both increased horsepower and efficiency.
As larger engines continue to be phased out due to environmental concerns, expect the four-cylinder to stick around and find its way into more performance vehicles as manufacturers squeeze even more power from these small motors.
Inline-six
The inline-six (straight-six, I6) has long been a preferred choice of manufacturers looking for a powerful and balanced engine. Straight-sixes have lost some of their market share over time with the improvements of V6 and I4 designs, however, the simple single-head design and superior balancing have allowed it to stay a common choice in some commuter vehicles as well as performance and luxury options.
The largest benefit of a straight-six is its perfect engine balance. Other engine configurations like the I4 and V6 lack this feature and have significant imbalances, leading to vibrations through the chassis.
The straight-six’s smooth feel and balance is a result of its configuration and firing order, as with six cylinders the front and rear trios of pistons will move in pairs. Since each side is experiencing a cylinder combusting, the rocking effects of both are canceled out.
Compare this to a less common configuration like an inline-three, which is not able to cancel out its rocking motion due to the uneven firing order. This issue holds in V6 motors as well, since they essentially act as two inline-threes connected.
While they have become a less common choice over the last few decades, some brands still value the refined feel and sound of an I6. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis (GM, Alfa Romeo), and Jaguar/Land Rover all have new vehicles equipped with inline-six engines.
V6
The other common configuration for six-cylinder engines is the V6, which consists of two banks of three cylinders. V6 engines bring a few improvements over their inline counterparts, such as the double bank design that shortens the length and allows it to fit in vehicles that otherwise could not fit an I6.
While their lower size footprint is a large benefit over the inline layout, the double-banked design also comes with a major tradeoff; balance. As stated earlier, the V6 configuration is essentially two I3 engines conjoined, meaning they suffer from the same balance issue as the three-cylinder due to an odd number of cylinders in each bank.
This imbalance issue stunted the adoption of V6 engines in the early days, but with the development of harmonic balancers and changes to the firing order, the balance of V6 motors has drastically improved and made them a practical choice in many types of vehicles.
Due to their size and fuel consumption, six-cylinders (both inline and V) have begun to lose market share to the improved four-cylinder options of modern cars. However, these engines still fill an important role in the automotive market and remain commonly used by various brands with the addition of forced induction.
V8
The V8 has long been one of the most recognizable types of engines, largely due to its constant presence in the American muscle scene. Since the introduction of the original “pony car”, the 1964½ series Ford Mustang, the V8 has been a defining feature of American performance vehicles.
That isn’t to say the V8 isn’t used elsewhere, as European brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche have all produced or still actively offer V8 options in their vehicles.
V8 motors are renowned for their power, as the larger displacement of the extra cylinders allows for increased combustion and increased horsepower and torque outputs. This makes the V8 a prime choice for larger luxury or performance vehicles that need a little more punch to their motors.
Despite it being one of the V8’s primary benefits, the larger displacement and extra cylinders are also the cause of one of its largest shortfalls. V8 motors are notoriously bad on fuel, as they sacrifice efficiency for power. Improvements have been made over time, aided by the use of efficient forced induction and hybrid systems, however, the industry trends point towards the V8 falling out of favor with manufacturers due to increased environmental regulations.
Even American vehicles whose identity was largely related to their V8 power and grunty sound have begun to transition to more fuel-friendly options. Dodge, known for their large and powerful V8s, has announced the end of their V8 muscle car production and will instead use straight-sixes and electrified powertrains for future performance vehicles.
Flat Engines (Flat-four, Boxer-four, Flat-six)
A less common, yet still very notable engine configuration is the flat design. Flat engines are essentially V engines that sit horizontally rather than at an angle.
The most common type of flat engine is the four-cylinder boxer, which derives its name from the two pairs of pistons mounted at 180 degrees that create an outward “punching” motion. Subaru is famous for its boxer-four, which has found its way into nearly every Subaru platform at some point. The WRX, WRX STi, Legacy, Forester, Outback, and BRZ have all shipped with a boxer option at one point or another. Subaru isn’t alone in the boxer world though, as Porsche’s 718 platform comes standard with a flat-four rather than their traditional flat-six.
The flat-six is a mainstay in Porsche’s lineup, coming as the only engine choice for their flagship 911 since its introduction in 1964. As of this article being written, the Porsche flat-six is the only engine of its kind available in a new vehicle.
Flat engines provide some considerable improvements over V-shaped engines, as the 180-degree angle mitigates the balance issue of other options that use two banks of cylinders. Flat engines also sit slightly lower and contribute a lower center of gravity, improving the handling of the vehicle.
Having two cylinder heads means that flat engines experience the same increase in production and maintenance costs as a regular V-shaped engine. The lack of angeled pistons also means that these cylinder banks take up more width, and may not fit well in some smaller engine bays.
Engine Diagnostics & Repair in Riverton
No matter what type of engine you have, trust the experienced technicians at Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah for any engine diagnostics or repairs! Our team has extensive training and the proper equipment to service any make and model. Give us a call today to speak with our friendly service advisors or schedule online!
