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Boat engine fuel system

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

If engines are installed and serviced correctly then most marine engines are very reliable, but they are not infallible and problems are more likely to occur if an engine is not taken care of and inspected from time to time, in addition to carrying out the all...

Diesel engine winterisation

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Why is engine winterisation so important? The answer is because an inactive boat engine needs to be protected from corrosion during the winter, caused by the rising humidity levels through the cold months and the salty coastal air. This applies whether the boat is...

How diesel engines work

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

The basic principle of a diesel engine is less complex than that of a petrol engine. No spark plug or ignition system is needed, making the basic diesel engine a comparatively straightforward system that results in fewer faults and has lower maintenance costs than a...

Understanding boat engines

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Boat engines come in all shapes and sizes and include inboards, outboards, petrol, diesel, electric and hybrid systems. Some engines are far more complex than others and should only be looked after by qualified engineers while others can be maintained fairly easily by...

Sail care and maintenance – Part 2

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

At the end of the sailing season sails should be washed and inspected carefully for damage, including small tears, stitching failure, ultraviolet damage, stains and mildew. Sail checks: Check the sails for tears, cracks or signs of chafing, especially where they may...

Sail care and maintenance – Part 1

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

When thinking about the care, maintenance and repair of sails it helps to have some understanding of the properties of the ever growing range of modern sailcloth and the fibres they are made from, as opposed to the traditional canvas sails of the past. Many boat...

Sailing Boat Rig Care

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

The rig of a sailing boat is put under huge stresses and strains so it is important for inspections of a yacht’s spars and rigging to be carried out at regular intervals. All the elements of a sailing rig – the mast, spreaders, boom, kicker, stays and the...

Seized fixings and fastenings

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Maintaining a boat can be a rewarding experience but at times it can also be frustrating. A prime example of this is when you come across a seized fixing or fastening that refuses to budge. Before you damage a screw head or bolt slot of a fixing that refuses to move,...

Stress cracks on GRP boats

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

It is quite common to find cracks in the gelcoat when inspecting the deck and superstructure of a GRP boat. A trained eye will be able to inspect these and know whether they are purely cosmetic or of structural concern. It is important to differentiate between a...

Leaking decks

by Simon Jollands | Boat Maintenance, Preparation, Yacht ownership

Leaking decks are perceived as a nuisance by some boat owners, who are often prepared to put up with them and turn a blind eye – “That’s boats for you!”. The reason for this might simply be explained because many boats are only used when the weather...