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deTHE HEART OF THE YACHT - THE ENGINE. HOW TO TAKE CARE OF IT?
The engine of the boat or a yacht is a part which requires special attention and the dedication of a considerable amount of time. This is the heart of the yacht, without which it is unable to properly function. This is why it is imperative to take care of it both before and after high season.
When is the best time to take care of the engine of your yacht?
Most engine maintenance is best carried out at the end of the season i.e. in the autumn. After regular operation in summer, the engine needs to be thoroughly checked and protected against frost, potentially lasting several months, so that it can safely wait for the subsequent season.
During winter, the engine of the boat/yacht should be covered with a special preservative. This is a very important aspect of proper maintenance. It should be remembered, however, that after winter ’dormancy’, it is advisable to warm up the engine a little before sailing out at full speed in the new season so that the aforementioned agent has a chance to burn out.
Cleaning the engine interior
In addition, both before and after the season, the focus should be placed on the thorough cleaning of the engine interior. This is all the more important as when using the yacht, impurities caused by heavy oil and fuel decomposition as well as organic and inorganic dust, sucked in by the carburetor inlet, are deposited in the engine. Such preventative measures will help to avoid unwanted faults and increased costs.
For this reason, remember to change the oil - not only in the engine but also in the gearbox. A very important aspect is principally to do this in the autumn as sulphur-containing oil left in the engine during winter can cause considerable problems in the subsequent season.
Motor inspection
The yacht's engine must be inspected at least once per year. The inspection time with a professional depends on the size of the engine, however, it takes about 4 hours on average. During this time, the following are checked: spark plugs, compression pressure in cylinders, the tightness of the gearbox and all engine components requiring lubrication.
Although some of the activities listed in this article can be done on your own, it is advisable to seek the help of a specialist. This ensures that the inspection and maintenance of the engine has been carried out correctly and that our journeys are not threatened by unwanted breakdowns or unexpected financial and safety issues.