Outboard engines

The third great dinghy sin is to leave a boat in a crowded park or alongside a yacht with her outboard ‘up’. It may guard against marine growth, but a sharp prop will wreak destruction on any neighbouring boats. I’ve seen a prop munch through a rubber dinghy in a night. If you’re bothered by growth, either rig a soft plastic bucket over the prop so it can’t do any damage, or buy a smaller outboard, carry it home and frustrate the burglars into the bargain.