SaltWater Fact of the Day
The Bob Johnston designed Island Packet 349 was first built in 2019. Just over 38ft LOA and displacing some 9,000 kg, it is supplied as standard with a 45hp Yanmar 4JH45 marine diesel engine.

SaltWater Quote of the Day
Out of sight of land the sailor feels safe. It is the beach that worries him. Charles Davis

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…