SaltWater Fact of the Day
The Philippe Briand designed Sun Odyssey 490 from Jeanneau was first built in 2018. At 48.5ft LOA and displacing North of 11,000 kg, it is supplied as standard with a 57hp Yanmar 4JH57 marine diesel engine.

SaltWater Quote of the Day
To reach a port we must set sail. Sail, not tie at anchor. Sail, not drift. Franklin D. Roosevelt

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…