Diesels Afloat

Diesel engines are installed in just about every yacht and in most large motorboats and, while professional help is often at hand, sometimes it is not. Indeed, engine failure is one of the most frequent causes of RNLI launches. This book explains how to prevent problems, troubleshoot and make repairs using safe techniques. It could also help you save money on expensive bills for yard work you could do yourself.

Diesels Afloat covers everything from how the diesel engine works to engine electrics, from fault finding to out of season layup. With this guide and your engine's manual you can get the best performance from your boat's engine and be confident in dealing with any problem. The book covers the syllabus of the RYA Diesel Engine and MCA Approved Engine (AEC-1) courses.

This edition has been thoroughly modernised and updated by former course lecturer and currently chief engineer on merchant ships, Callum Smedley.

Praise for Diesels Afloat

"This is a typical Fernhurst effort: clear, concise, authoritative and good value… His text is supported by clear diagrams; good use is made of photographs and colour"
— Little Ship Club

"With this guide and your engine's manual you can be confident in dealing with any problem and get the best performance from your boat's engine."
— Sailing Today

"A solid and worthwhile book from which all may learn even if they turn gratefully to the boatyard engineer for help. Recommended."
— Yachting Monthly

"An excellent contemporary reference that's easy to follow. Plenty of clear diagrams and photos of both old and new engines help illustrate the main points, making the content accessible to those without a technical background."
— Practical Boat Owner

"The simplicity and clarity of the book's presentation will instil confidence in anyone wishing to work on their engine and at the same time avoid expensive yard bills."
— Towpath Talk

About the Authors

Pat Manley was a keen sailor, and must have had one of the most "self-equipped" boats afloat. He was a technical contributor to Practical Boat Owner magazine, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Navigation and an RYA Yachtmaster Instructor.

Callum Smedley has spent a lifetime at sea or teaching seafarers. He has worked for a range of shipping companies, including as chief engineer on diesel ships. He has also taught engineering and MCA classes at the North Atlantic Fisheries College.

About Fernhurst Books

Fernhurst Books was founded in 1979, initially publishing books related to dinghy racing. The list soon expanded to include cruising and other watersports. In 2006 the business was sold to John Wiley, but in 2013 a group of sailing enthusiasts (including the original founder) bought the list and name back, once again creating an independent nautical publisher owned and run by sailors. Fernhurst continues to publish books that instruct, inform and inspire those with a passion on, in or under the water. Their 140+ titles range from how-to guides to narrative to coffee-table books, covering sailing, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, swimming, diving and fishing.