inboard engine smoke

[robbo1973]

is it natural for the engine to throw alot of steam out of the exhaust. i have noticed that some people add pipes to the end of the exhaust to semmerse in the water. is that a good idea. it just looks quite bad, when i am going up the river and it looks like smoke bellowing out the exhaust.

 

[oldharry]

Some do (my old Bukh for example), some dont. It depends whether there is enough water coming through to cool the exhaust sufficiently to stop it boiling off some of the water.

If the engine tends to overheat on a hard run, then there is likely a problem or blockage somewhere reducing the flow through to the exhaust.