Motor Overload Rating

It is a story that is repeated too frequently. A boater jumps aboard their craft, immediately cranks the starter and then boom, the vessel explodes in a ball of fire. Transport Canada has documented the explosion of a gasoline powered boat in Halifax harbor during the summer of 2004 in an informational video. Investigators were able to determine that old automotive ignition parts had been used on the boat. Their video clip titled, “Boom! Up She Went” is available from Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety.

There are many safety systems built into place on a government approved vessel. Improper substitution of the components within these systems can cause trouble. Boat engine parts are designed to survive and function in the harsh marine environment. While similar in appearance to their automotive cousins, marine parts must be designed and approved for use on boats. There are important differences between them.