Lesson 2 - Using the engine.
Good Point has a BUKH 20HP diesel marine engine fitted.
When an engine is preferred over sailing:
The engine is used only on a yacht when sailing will not achieve the course or maneuver required efficiently, here are some example situations where you may decide the engine is the better option.
- Berthing the yacht
- Picking up a mooring
- MOB
- Heading to wind
- Changing / hoisting sails
- Negotiating restricted channel
- Approaching a port entrance
- Single handed yacht operation
- Short trips
- No wind!!
- Strong tides
- When reefing (as an aid to keep in to the wind)
- Charging batteries / keep fridge cool
- Towing another vessel
Important considerations when using an engine
- Check coolant is flowing through the engine
- Record fuel level and engine hours in your log
- Regular use increased reliability (charges batteries, circulates oil, stops impellers seizing)
- Any loose deck ropes will get sucked in to the prop seizing the gearbox
- Work out your prop-wash directions
- Perform tight circles in each direction under power to work out your turning distance
- Replace or use up old fuel - see diesel bug
Engine maintenance - the facts
- Replace or use up old fuel every 12 months - see diesel bug
- Inspect INSIDE your fuel tanks, often they will have sediment in them that block your fuel system
- Look for condensation in your fuel tank, it common and water mixes with the fuel
- Look for evidence of water ingress or excessive condensation at the water trap
- Keep the tank full, Less air = less condensation
- Replace anodes inside the engine regularly
- Check for water in the oil (oil turns grey or water is visible on dip stick (may come beck through exhaust)
- If engine does not start TURN OFF THE WATER. Engine may back flood
- Keep spares, fan belts, impeller, gaskets, oil
- Make sure oil and temp alarms work
- If you run out of fuel then you may have to 'bleed' the air out the engine in order to re-start it
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