Year: 2016

For those who enjoy a life on the sea, fire should be no stranger. Marine diesel engines and vessels are powerful and complicated machines that deal with hazardous and combustible materials, carrying fuels and oils that could become ticking time bombs if the proper precautions are not taken. Even so, fuel and oil tanks are not the only common sources of fires and explosions aboard vessels, but also the machinery itself – such as engines and generators. Much like the scavenge fires that we discussed in a previous article, an expert sailor aboard any type of vessel worth his sea salt must be prepared to…

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It is almost time for boating season! While we all want to get out on the water and start enjoying the warm waters of Spring and Summer as soon as possible, there is a great deal of preparation to be done beforehand. Vessel maintenance and safety checks are important, but so is making sure that you’re fully aware and mentally prepared for anything – knowledge as they say, is power. No matter how experienced you are, the sea is unpredictable and anything could happen at any time. Whenever out and enjoying your diesel vessel, being mindful of safety procedures is paramount and no contingency plan…

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It has been said that the only thing that remains constant is change, and this is certainly true in the world of modern technology. What we consider commonplace today could be easily rendered obsolete tomorrow. And let’s face it, no one likes buying a new smartphone every six months, let alone larger and more expensive technological investments. Why spend your hard-earned money on something just because it is new? Newer does not inherently mean better, especially with technology. New products and updates can often be prone to initial defects and malfunction, so taking the time to conduct thorough research always pays off. But even then…

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Winter is finally over and Spring has, well … sprung! The air is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and the ocean begins to beckon for recreational boating season. While you may be chomping at the bit to get your diesel vessel uncovered from its Winter slumber and into the warm Spring waters, there are several steps you must take to ensure the season’s maiden voyage doesn’t turn into a maiden disaster. As excited as you are to start enjoying your craft, the Coast Guard and marine towing companies are just as excited to haul you in because you didn’t properly de-winterize your diesel…

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A diesel engine is a very complex machine comprised of many different systems working in tandem to combust fuel and get you where you need to go. As with any system, it is only as strong as its weakest link and one malfunctioning component could spell disaster for your entire engine. Even with with proper maintenance, sometimes these malfunctions are inevitable. As your engine begins to age and the years of wear and tear become apparent, necessary steps must be taken to ensure that your diesel engine continues to remain healthy and functioning properly. While completely replacing your entire engine is an obviously effective option, it…

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