Browse Articles

More on Performance Diesels
And How Money Grows Wings

This article is written with several ideas in mind. Foremost is to provide you with some insight into some of the problems and real costs of owning a high performance diesel powered boat. Secondly, to give some insight and tips on what you face when purchasing a used boat with  high performance diesel engines. Entire Article

Comparing Diesel Types
Two Cycle, Four Cycle

Check out the Internet forums and you will see these questions asked over and over again: What is the best diesel engine choice for a boat. In a way, that is sort of like asking what woman you should marry, since the question is posed without any parameters. Or at least parameters that questioners are capable of defining. Entire Article

Diesel Engines
Report on Aluminum Cooling System Component Failures

Two years ago, in response to a question about the longevity of Yanmar diesel engines, I wrote that I had serious reservations about the extensive use of cast aluminum components on those engines. Up to that time, we hadn't heard of any serious problems with the engines, but then, they were fairly new on the market at that time. Entire Article

Power Options : Gas Versus Diesel

Most people make choices based on popular beliefs, without any real understanding of the nature of this rather complex subject. In this essay I will attempt to dispel some of the myths, and give a brief discussion of the basis by which one should consider the pros and cons of each choice.  Entire Article

Gas -vs- Diesel - Part II

"Which is best?" they ask, as if one form of power were universally better than the other. Like most things in life, each type of engine is better suited for some applications than others. It all depends on your needs, the type of boat you own, and how you use it. Entire Article

Gas Engines
4 Gold Stars to Crusader

Of all the questions we are asked, one of the most frequent is which gas engine is best.
I have some very definite opinions about that because I perform a lot of gas engine surveys, as well as engine failure analysis for insurance companies, meaning that my perspective is not based on the "virtual reality" of dockside chat, but what happens to this vital machinery in the real world based on thousands of surveys. So let's get to it. Entire Article

Drive System Alignment

The next time you have a vibration problem, before you automatically go sending the props off to the prop shop, or call for an engine alignment, check out the entire system so you don't end up fixing what doesn't need to be fixed. Entire Article

Problems with Engine and Shaft Alignment 

When it comes to yacht maintenance, one of the least understood and most overlooked systems that require maintenance, engine and shaft alignment probably heads the list. Here's a short list of the problems associated with incorrect alignment and poor or worn out engine mounts: Entire Article

Exhaust Risers
Whether you're a stinkpotter or rag boater, this arcane and disinteresting subject is of major importance to your wallet.

All marine inboard engines have exhaust risers. The exhaust riser has two functions: (1)  to keep water from backing up into the engine through the exhaust piping and, (2) it serves as the device that introduces cooling water into the exhaust exit piping system. If the riser fails to accomplish either of those jobs successfully, the end result is the arrival of Uncle Big Bill on the scene. Entire Article

It's Got Recent Overhauls! - Dealing with Engines Part I

Typical Situation: After signing a contract, a client arrives in town from out of state for a survey.  He was told by the buyer that the engines were recently overhauled. Upon completion of the survey, the buyer is told by the surveyor that there is no evidence of recent overhauls. The engines are rusty, there's no sign of a bolt having been turned. Maybe there's some sign of recent spray paint activity of the hit and miss variety. Entire Article

What Does an Overhaul Entail?- Dealing with Engines Part II

In the first part of this series, we discussed how to view the claim that a used boat has overhauled or rebuilt engines. The bottom line is to view such claims with suspicion until the claim can be proven. In this part we discuss in greater detail why that is so, and just how complex the issue can be. Entire Article