Engineers
Before splashing after refit, check on documents, spares
As a yard period comes to a close, everyone is eager to wrap up and splash. But before leaving, there are crucial items that should be considered that will give…
Onboard fuel polishing serves as dialysis for your diesel
The cornerstone of a diesel fuel maintenance program aboard a yacht is installing an onboard system that will polish the fuel and clean all the tanks. Fuel polishing systems can…
Think of hull, running gear, mounts in spring yard time
All too often, the yachting industry can be too focused on keeping up appearances. That’s not to say that some of the more cosmetic maintenance of a yacht isn’t important,…
Tier 4 diesel engines require cleaner fuel
If you have been to any major boat shows in the past few years, and lurked around the tents and booths of companies that make the engines for yachts, you…
Even well maintained fuel tanks have microbial growth
Microbial contamination of diesel fuel is a fact of life. It is not a matter of “if”; it is just a matter of “when”. As a general rule, whenever diesel…
Catch leaky seal problem before it gets too big
As part of a mechanical engineering services company, we get a lot of common service calls. One of the most popular has to do with leaking seals. Water coming into…
Biodiesel and petrodiesel may be in your yacht’s future
“I have never had a large yacht request biodiesel,” Larry Lawrence said. “Most yachts would not want to use straight biodiesel due to microbe and water issues.” Lawrence should know.…
Distillation, flash point, sediment tests key to diesel health
Most diesel engine failures start in the fuel tank. If all the mechanical parts are in good condition and the cooling, air intake and lubrication systems are all working properly,…
Diesel fuel’s perilous journey from refinery to yacht
In 1859, when crude oil was discovered in Pennsylvania, the only product that oil refineries made from it was kerosene. That became the inexpensive alternative to whale oil, which lit…
Meticulous captain, engineer can face diesel issues onboard
Nigel Calder, the dean of do-it-yourself yacht maintenance, in his “Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual” puts it very succinctly: “It is … of vital importance to be absolutely fanatical about…
