SaltWater Fact of the Day
Most Moody 33s were supplied with a 35 hp four-cylinder Thornycroft T80 engine. The engine lives under the cockpit, with normal access via a large lifting panel in the forward part of the cockpit sole. For major work the aft section, on which the binnacle is mounted, can also be removed. Some 40 years later, many Moody 33 yachts still have their original engines.

SaltWater Quote of the Day
And I shall watch the ferry boats, and they'll get high; On a bluer ocean against tomorrow's sky; And I will never grow so old again; And I will walk and talk, in gardens all wet with rain. Van Morrison

Every sailor knows that operating and maintaining a diesel engine in a saltwater environment can be a challenge. Add to that the fact that many of these engines are upwards of twenty years old and may have a sketchy maintenance record. Enjoying sailing can often translate to being a part-time diesel mechanic.

Well, that’s where SaltWaterDiesels.com kicks in to gear. Here you can learn how to maintain, troubleshoot and repair your sailboat’s small marine diesel engine. There’s a little bit of history about the development of the diesel engine and some general advice about maintaining your engine.

We passionately believe that if you know how it works, then you will know how best to fix it.

'If you can’t repair it, maybe it shouldn’t be on board.' Lin and Larry Pardey Click To Tweet

This means that if your engine gives you trouble when you’re at sea, you have at least a fighting chance of getting it working again yourself. Self-sufficiency at sea (in this case the ability to solve minor engine problems) is the hallmark of a good skipper.

Let’s begin. Choose your engine by manufacturer…