Bukh Marine Diesel Engines

Bukh engines have an enviable reputation on the waterways. Fitted in all manner of craft from ships lifeboats to narrowboats to sailing yachts, they are renowned for their reliability, smooth running and longevity. Built in Denmark, Bukh have been producing engines since 1904, making them one of the oldest diesel engine manufacturers.

Since 1970, when the DV series of engines was developed, one area that the company has concentrated its efforts on is the production of ships lifeboat engines. The current generation are their 10, 24, 36 and 48 BHP engines.

To be accepted as ships’ lifeboat engines they are subjected to rigorous testing and must meet the most stringent requirements from authorities in the USA, Germany, Holland and the UK. All Bukh engines have the facility to be started by hand at ambient temperatures of down to negative 15 degrees Celsius. The two and three cylinder engines meet various requirements stating that the engine should be able to run upside down for a minimum of ten seconds and run submerged in water up to the middle of the crank. These engines are designed to keep running!

Bukh are rightly proud of the fact that their DV Range is designed and constructed as a genuine marine engine and not a “marinised” industrial engine. Vibration during operation are kept to a minimum through a well-balanced system of rotating counterweights in the engine. Tight engineering tolerances minimise “rattle” in all moving parts ensuring the lowest possible noise level in bearings, gearwheels, pistons and connecting rods.

Bukh’s characteristic open flywheel allows a variety of different starting systems. They can combine hand start, hydraulic start and spring start with traditional electric start.