How do you check plugs/pistons ON THE WATER?

[Techno]

I understand the procedure for readint them. Just how do you do this on the water and nothing to stand on?

Although I been known to walk on water it was always in the winter.

[woodco]

It's not really that bad ...... jus sucks when ya drop yur plug
or any tools in da water :(

[DaveR]

I took the boat out and killed motor clean a couple of times to get used to the boats reaction and how far it went before it settled down and stoped. I make a relatively long run that ends up pointing to shallow water - with the wind at my back - and kill the motor and let it coast into shallow water, say waist deep. If I've guessed wrong I just let the wind blow me in, jump out, walk it in shallower and do the plug / piston check. As I've said before the fishermen watching the nut making a bonzi run toward shore at 90 mph probably gives them a heart attack.

Obviuosly this could be dangerous, so I'm not recommending it. I'm just saying what I do.

[dangerousd]

It's actually not too bad to do. I just stand on the transom and jackplate and am able to easily reach down and loosen the plug of choice and hang onto the motor while leaning down over it to look into the plug hole. It's easier than it sounds, really ;)

You can even lay your belly on the flywheel and bend over to look in. If you're just looking at the plugs only, then that's real simple. If you're looking into number five it takes a little more coordination, but can be done.

[steve]

Kill switch , whatever you do.

[Rodney Nance]

If you are checking in deep water be sure you have a extra spark plug and something else to tighten one up with. The amount of distance you are from the bank times 10 equals the probability you will drop something.

[Jay Smith]

Make your pass , kill the motor, have a buddy in another boat throw you a tow line and pull you to the shallows and do your readings!
Jay @ JSRE

[Markus]

I trim up the engine approximately half-way to max. tilt and stand on the set-back. I have my brother in the boat to hand me tools.

I even re-jet and ream jets on the water, but you do need to have spare plugs, tools and jets in the boat. Haven't lost anything more important than a 12 mm wrench, though.