Importance of Engine Checks
Conducting engine checks before setting off on a yacht delivery is crucial, engine failure can range from being inconvenient to hazardous.
It is also important to perform regular checks while underway to identify potential issues before they escalate. The last thing you want is to be stranded at sea due to a problem that could have been easily avoided.
Performing simple and regular checks will help detect problems early and minimize the risk of engine failure when you need it most.
Shown below is two examples of installations found in leisure vessels from a sailing vessel to a large motor boat. Regardless of the size and type of vessel the engine installation and basic checks are very similar.
Before Leaving the Marina
When undertaking a yacht delivery, you're likely stepping onto a vessel unfamiliar to you, making it crucial to perform a comprehensive engine inspection.
However even if it's your own regularly used yacht, conducting some basic checks remains essential.
Fuel system
Check fuel lines for leaks.
Check the primary filter for signs of water or sediment in the clear glass section
Check fuel level.
Locate the position of the emergency fuel cut off.
Water system
Check the water cooling lines, look for any salt deposits around hose clamps or on the impellor housing as this is an indication of leaks.
Lose fittings can cause issues with cooling by letting air in to the system. This tends to happen on the low pressure side of the pump, between the seacock and the pump. After the pump lose fittings tend to leak as they are under high pressure causing salty deposits.
Check the coolant water level.
Check the sea strainer for blockages.
Engine checks
Check the oil level and for any signs of oil leaks.
Check the belts for heavy deposits of black dust, this indicates a slipping belt and belt wear.
Look for any wear of hoses and electrical wires, ensure they are not rubbing on any moving parts.
Check engine mounts, on older boats mounts can become worn or broken. We have even seen new boats with lose mounts from the factory which can cause vibration or possible engine damage.
Often overlooked and not strictly part of the engine but while in the engine bay it is a good idea to check the gearbox oil level.
Locate all engine seacocks and ensure they are in the correct position for engine operation.
Lastly, inspect the bilge for any oil or water, and strive to keep it clean so that leaks are detected promptly. If the space beneath the engine is particularly dirty or difficult to view, consider placing some cardboard underneath to reveal any drips.
Engine Start Up
Now you are ready for engine start up. Ensure the throttle position is neutral and start the engine, there should be no warning lights or buzzers once the engine is running. If a warning light or sound is still on after starting sometimes a quick blip of the throttle will clear it by raising the oil pressure or alternator output voltage.
If this is not the case it will need further investigation.
Running Engine Checks
Ensure there is a flow of water through your cooling system. If your exhaust ports are above the water line then you should be able to visibly see the water discharge with the exhaust gasses.
If your water strainer in the engine room has a transparent top you maybe able to see water flow although it can be hard to see, to make it easier you can add a floating object such as a ping pong ball to check for water flow.
With the engine now running check all hoses again for signs of leaks as they will now be under pressure.
Carry out occasional checks on the gauges when underway, although there is no set limits and different engines will vary, as a guide oil pressure should sit at around 20-30psi at idle to around 60psi at cruising rpm. Volts should be around 13 volts and engine temperature at around 80-85'c. If on a twin engine power boat it is not uncommon to see slight variations on these values between engines, unless there is a big difference this is no need for concern.
When underway listen or any out of the ordinary noises. Squealing can be a result of belt slipping, whirring noises can indicate bearing wear, vibrations can be a wide range of conditions from engine mounts to something wrapped around the propellor or shaft.
Look for any smoke discharges from the exhaust. It is not uncommon for some smoke after start up when the engine is still cold, however once up to operating temperature this should stop.
As a rough rule, white smoke indicates cooling issues such as head gasket, blue/grey smoke indicates oil burning and possible worn engine internals and dark smoke indicates unburnt fuel and possible injector issues.
After setting off, I tend to conduct another quick visual inspection after approximately 10-15 minutes. By then, any leaks or other problems should be evident, and there is still an opportunity to return to the marina before they escalate into significant issues.
Lastly, make sure you have the necessary engine spares on board, including a spare impeller, belts, and fuel/oil filters, and verify that you have the tools needed to replace them.