It can be much more than just inconvenient when an engine fails at sea. There are a number of common causes of failure, and those circumstances can be avoided with some planned maintenance and preventative work.
Electrical system issues are by far the most frequent. It may seem obvious, but it is rarely done, to simply check that there are no loose wires before leaving. Water in the bilge is a typical reason for electrical issues in some quick, sporty boats. The bilge water may splash up onto the flywheel at the back of the boat as it travels faster. Then the spray can hit the starter motor, stopping you in your tracks. This can be avoided by making sure the bilge is empty before leaving, checking it occasionally while underway, and emptying it if water is being added. Failure to start after a cruise is another frequent issue (on boats with a flybridge). This might be as a result of the upper helm controls not completely disengaging after stopping. If the upper help controls are not completely disconnected, these craft have systems in place to prevent starting from the lower helm.
Batteries and isolator switches can also malfunction. Because the parts are frequently partially exposed to spray, smaller boats frequently encounter this particular issue. The solution is as simple as having extra isolator switches on board. Batteries may run dry, experience cell failure, or simply be too old to handle. Battery failure can also occur at the terminals, frequently as a result of carelessly hammering connectors onto them. Keeping a spare battery on the boat that is fully charged will help you avoid these issues. Additionally, there are goods like portable power packs available.
The second most frequent cause of failure is issues with fuel systems. Sadly, running out of fuel is a common cause of this. Even though it might seem simple, it’s crucial to make sure you have enough fuel for your trip. Inaccurate fuel gauges are relied upon by far too many boaters. Marine fuel gauges are notoriously unreliable and cannot be relied upon in the same way that a car’s gauge can. When at sea, make sure you have at least a half-tank. To make sure, dip the tanks.
Fouling of the system caused by a bug that develops at the diesel/water interface is a problem that is becoming more prevalent. The bug appears to be getting worse. There are numerous treatments available for it. Some are effective because they transform the dead insects into a combustible substance that simply burns up alongside the fuel. Some of them, however, simply dump the dead lime at the bottom of the tank, which clogs the fuel filters. If you take the time to learn how to replace them, having extra filters on board can save you a ton of time and hassle.
The gearboxes, steering mechanism, and saildrives are additional areas of concern. The gear will eventually stop working as a result of clutch wear. Operator error frequently results in this. Clutches frequently break because the driver rides the clutch or lets it slip while executing maneuvers. It is obviously crucial to ensure that your saildrive propeller is installed correctly and firmly after the ring anodes are changed at the start of boating season. However, one of the notable reasons for breakdowns is the propellers coming off. Because of normal wear and tear, hydraulic steering systems also malfunction. These maintenance tasks can be scheduled before leaving, such as a thorough visual inspection of cables and fittings and a look for hydraulic leaks.
