Sandbar parties are fun, but they pose a hidden potential danger to your boat: sand intrusion into the cooling system. This can lead to restricted water flow and, eventually, engine overheating. Here’s what to watch for and the maintenance issues that can arise:

⚠️ Signs Sand May Be Causing Overheating:

  1. High Engine Temperature Gauge
    • First and most obvious indicator — keep an eye on your temp gauge.
  2. Reduced Water Flow from the Tell-Tale (“Pee Hole”)
    • On outboards, a weak or erratic stream suggests a clogged water passage.
  3. Steam or Smoke from Exhaust
    • This usually means the engine is not cooling properly.
  4. Warning Alarms or Limp Mode
    • Many modern engines will sound an alert or limit power if overheating is detected.
  5. Performance Loss
    • An overheating engine might bog down, especially at higher RPMs.

🔧 Common Maintenance Issues from Sand Intrusion:

  1. Clogged Water Intake Screens
    • Sand can block screens on the lower unit or intake ports.
  2. Worn or Damaged Impeller
    • Sand is abrasive and can wear down the impeller blades faster than normal.
  3. Clogged Thermostat Housing
    • Fine sand can get stuck around the thermostat, causing it to stick open or closed.
  4. Restricted Water Jackets
    • Over time, sand buildup in the internal cooling passages reduces water flow.
  5. Damaged Water Pump Housing
    • The sand wears down the housing and impeller plate, reducing pump efficiency.

🧰 Preventative Tips and Maintenance:

  • Flush the engine thoroughly after every sandbar trip, especially in shallow or silty water.
  • Inspect the tell-tale stream before and after every outing.
  • Change the water pump impeller annually or as recommended — sooner if you boat in sandy areas.
  • Use a flushing kit (muffs for outboards, in-hull flush system for inboards) after use.
  • Have the cooling system inspected regularly — a mechanic can check for internal blockages with a borescope or pressure test.

🚨 Bonus Tip:

If you’re idling in shallow water at a sandbar, trim your motor up slightly to reduce the chance of sucking sand — but not so much that the intakes are out of the water.