Systems+Engines

Ask Sail: Smoking Like a Hippie

by Nigel Calder, Posted February 25, 2013

"Can you give me some ideas on what might cause excessive white smoke in the exhaust of a 2-year-old Yanmar diesel?" Nigel Calder replies.

Evolution of an Anchor Handling System

by Peter Nielsen, Posted February 20, 2013

Fifteen years of sailing around the English Channel, North Sea, Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean taught me many things, not the least of which was the importance of good ground tackle and a means to handle it.

Upgrade: Installing a Bow Thruster

by Roger Marshall, Posted December 3, 2012

Installing a bow thruster is not an inexpensive upgrade, so it pays to do your homework before deciding on a type and make. The problem is that there are so many types of thrusters to choose from.

Ask Sail: Straight and True

by Don Casey, Posted December 2, 2012

Before I re-launch the boat should I also have the shop check and true the transmission output shaft to its flange? This is a lot more work, but I’m prepared to do it to get things lined up properly.

Installing a Fire Suppression System

by Mark Corke, Posted October 26, 2012

Of all the things that scare boat owners the most, sinking is probably at the top of the list. But fire is no less of a threat. Indeed, a fire, even if you manage to put it out, can easily lead to a sinking.

Impeller Etiquette

by Peter Nielsen, Posted November 16, 2011

Get to grips with an often over-looked but vital part of an engine cooling system in this step by step procedure

Smart Regulators and Happy Engines

by Sail Staff, Posted August 16, 2011

A smart regulator can boost your alternator’s charging performance, which means you don’t need to run your engine as long to keep your batteries happy. Sterling Marine Power’s ProRegD digital alternator regulator can be tailored to your battery type—flooded, gel, or AGM—to ensure the most efficient four-step charging schedule. It assesses battery bank size, state of charge and current output, and

My Private War Against In-line Fuses

by Clark Beek, Posted May 11, 2011

As a marine electrician I’ve found that in-line fuse holders are the most common cause of problems I encounter with modern electronics equipment. Quality marine electronics are generally very reliable, as long as their electrical connections are sound and there is no voltage drop in the ship’s power supply. Unfortunately, all electronic devices come from the factory with in-line fuse holders on

Quality Impellers Increase Engine Efficiency

by Adam Cort, Posted April 12, 2011

High-quality, long-lasting impellers from JMP are manufactured from a mix of different rubbers and include a surface coating that decreases wear and tear for longer use.Tested by the U.S. Navy, the impellers help keep marine engines working at their highest efficiency, even in harsh operating conditions, by ensuring that their pumps are operating correctly.JMP offers flexible

Filter Your Fuel Off-line

by Chuck Husick, Posted June 15, 2010

It’s essentially true that if you give a marine diesel engine clean oil, clean air and clean fuel, it will run, if not forever, then certainly for longer than you are likely to own your boat. Using good-quality diesel oil and changing out the oil and oil filter at the manufacturer-recommended time intervals—typically every 200 hours—is a good first step. Similarly, if the air intake is correctly