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Technical Articles

Below are various articles that our technical department have written over the years

With spring upon us and Easter only around the corner, its time to start preparing your boat for the season ahead.  Whether your boat has been winterised or stored throughout the winter months, there are a few things that you should ensure you do prior to using the boat once again. The Top Tips for […]

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When the nights are drawing in and the temperature is cooling off, it is time to start thinking about preparing your boat for storage during the winter months. ‘Winterising’ an engine is a key maintenance task for any boat owner.  Failure to do so could mean more work in the Spring and more expense. Your local engineer will […]

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Temperature Gauge Problems Initially it is important to establish whether you have an overheating problem or a temperature gauge fault.  If you suspect a problem then it is a good idea to check the gauge against a thermometer that is known to be accurate.  The majority of marine thermostats open at 71°C and will be fully […]

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With the introduction of higher output alternators and electronic  charge Xsplitters charging systems on boats have vastly improved.  To benefit fully from a decrease in recharge time and longer runtime the correct battery choice should be made.  When making a battery purchase you need to consider – Battery life expectancy (how often is it to […]

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Turn your engine’s waste heat into useful domestic hot water with a C-Warm Calorifier.  Made in the UK and fitted as standard by leading UK and European boat builders, C-Warm heaters are designed for use at system pressure up to 3 bar (44 psi).  Maximum recommended pump cut-out pressure in 2.5 bar (36 psi). Heating […]

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Liquid flow rate and pressure are the basic measures of pump performance.  Flow rate is commonly measured in litres per second, per minute or per hour  or sometimes in cubic metres per hour.  Pressure is commonly measured in bar (1 bar is equal to standard atmospheric pressure at sea level, or 1kg per square centimetre, or 14.6lb per square inch (psi). Head is sometimes used as a convenient alternative to pressure.  Commonly expressed in metres or feet, head is the vertical […]

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The circulation of the lubricating oil around the engine has quite rightly been likened to the human blood circulation system.  The oil is pumped from the sump through the filter and into the bore holes leading to the main bearings on the crankshaft.  After leaving these main bearings, the oil flow is divided.  Part of […]

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Why is there a lot of noise and vibration coming though the boat, particularly from the stern end? A common cause of noise and vibration through the boat from the stern is a worn cutlass bearing.   The cutlass bearing, which supports the shaft, can be found inside the p-bracket or stern tube, depending on design.  […]

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Undoubtedly some of you will have old, tired engines that need some attention and often it comes down to a choice between rebuilding the existing unit or replacing it altogether. In these situations it can be very easy to be tempted in to re-building an engine as this appears to be a cheaper/easier option than […]

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As we look forward to the new season and begin the usual preparations, this is an ideal time to perhaps consider the new EC Directive applicable to Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (USLD) fuel which came into effect from 1st January 2011 and how it will affect us boat owners. The Directive sets the environmental specifications […]

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Inspecting and maintaining your engine’s system is vital. Here’s how to do it! Starting at the engine end, it may not be absolutely clear which is the last part of the engine and the first part of the exhaust system. So the best thing is to start with the water injection elbow and pipe, usually […]

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Understanding Your Bow Thruster in the Inland Waterways Market Tunnel systems provide a simple cost-effective solution and can be installed at two thirds their diameter below water level.  To achieve optimum performance and reduce the risk of damage from surface debris, an immersion depth of one complete tunnel diameter is advised.  The longer your tunnel, the […]

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If you haven’t done before, now is an ideal time to start thinking about your boat fuel efficiency.  Not only because of the current economic climate and rising fuel prices but also because it can go a small way into helping the environment too. There are a few things that can be done to help […]

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Alarms instantly if the Sea Strainer blocks….. Why? Marine engines are cooled by raw sea water, drawn in through the bottom of the hull and pumped through the heat exchanger.  Block this vital supply and problems follow immediately.  The water pump impeller fails almost instantly and engine overheating follows.  In extreme situations really serious damage […]

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The Nanni Diesel models, the T4.165, T4.180 & T4.200hp are based on common rail Toyota blocks from their rugged 4×4 automotive sector. The common rail system uses high-pressurised fuel for improved fuel economy and provides robust engine power, while reducing noise and vibration. The system stores fuel in the common rail, which has been pressurised and […]

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After experiencing a very cold snap in winter, it will be necessary to pay extra attention to your boat, in particular the engine when preparing for the new season. Firstly check the water level in the header tank.  It should be 3/4 inch from the top.  If it isn’t, replenish the tank with water (50% water and 50% […]

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Regular maintenance of engines and following service schedules are of paramount importance on any craft, wherever you sail.  When you head out to sea it’s even more important as a breakdown may well not just endanger your own life but risk the lives of your rescuers. Planning the trip Voyage planning is basically common sense.  As […]

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When thoughts turn to winter maintenance and servicing, correct preparation will ensure a successful boating season the following year.  Several different areas are involved:- Hull Condition If your boat is out of the water, it is an ideal to check and repair any hull damage, look out for scratches, blisters and abrasions to the hull.  Check […]

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