We address common marine associated myths on a daily basis.  Here are a few of the most common myths we hear.

Myth: “The guys in the coffee shop told me I have to buy a 4 stroke engine, 2 stroke engines are going to be obsolete soon.”

Fact: Modern Direct Injected 2 stroke engines like the Mercury Optimax and Evinrude Etec are here to stay.  They have better emission ratings, better fuel economy, weigh less, perform better, have far less moving pieces, require less maintenance and have better fuel economy when compared head to head with most equivalent 4 stroke engines.  A 150 Hp Mercury Pro XS and an Evinrude Etec 150 Hp are 3 Star rated engines while the Mercury Verado 4 stroke engine is only a 2 Star (more stars for cleaner engines).  Currently, Clear Lake is the only body of water in Canada that has emission regulations.  Engines used on that lake have to be Direct Injected 2 Strokes or 4 Strokes.

Myth: “Aluminum boats that are riveted are as strong and as durable as a welded boat.  They still rivet airplanes.”

Fact: 1.  A uni-welded hull that Crestliner uses is far stronger than a riveted boat and most other welded boats.  Crestliner’s unique process allows them to provide a lifetime hull warranty that is not prorated and is transferable.  Most lifetime hull warranties offered by competitors are pro-rated or are only “Leak Proof” which don’t cover structural issues.

Fact: 2. Recently, a few companies that  rivet their hulls have began welding the keel and other load bearing seams but still primarily use rivets when constructing their hulls.  Every rivet is plugging a whole which is a potential leak.

Fact: 3 They rivet commercial airliners as it is more cost affective than welding, most jet fighters are welded.  To put this to rest once and for all, have you ever seen a tanker truck hauling dangerous fluids like fertilizer or gasoline that was riveted?