Removing the old cover screws — slow, and three tools required in this case.

Every few years we mention a product called the Speedseal, because, well, every few years we’re reminded why we need one. Most inboard engines that are cooled by water pumped from outside the boat have seawater (aka raw water) pumps with nitrile or neoprene rubber impellers. The Speedseal is a replacement for the cover of that raw water pump.

Consider the following scenario: You’re cruising along and your raw water intake sucks up a plastic bag up against itself, and within a few seconds your engine is no longer being cooled. If you were to look over the stern, you’d see no water coming out the exhaust. But you don’t…