I need to learn about maintenance..

[watson1959]

OK.....time to confess: I'm completely ignorant about 'things wot make boats work'.

I know my boat has an engine; I know where to put fuel and oil and how to flush the head after use and how to fill the fridge with beer.

However I know bugger all about engines apart from the fact that I need one and it needs maintaining.....which is why I pay people who know how to do it properly, to do so.

Can anyone suggest a decent place to start in terms of learning the basics?

Is there a Haynes Manual for boats?

Should I do local evening class on diesel engine maintenance?

Answers on a postcard please.

 

[sarabande]

electronic post card coming up.


Seek and ye shall find:-

http://uk.search.yahoo.com/search;_...ctrics+course&SpellState=&fr2=sp-qrw-corr-top


There is also a very well recommended electrics chap used by many forum members. Tony ? ???????

 

[oldgit]

Is there a Haynes Manual for boats?


Believe it or not ....Yes there is .........and its quite good as well.


http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/...tView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001

 

[boatone]

Bisham Abbey do a one day diesel maintenance course which I found quite useful.
What make is your engine? Most VileVo's have a user maintenance manual available for a few quid.

Electrics - ah, nightmare country ! This book may help you get a basic understanding:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Essential-Boat-Electrics-Pat-Manley/dp/1904475175

Also B1's Quick Guide to !2volts and Batteries

Engines are rarely modifed by boat owners. Wish I could say the same for electrics which get b*gg*r*d about with something rotten.

 

[Ramage]

Some very good info here:

http://www.tb-training.co.uk/

On line free information and he also does courses.

 

[IAIA3259]

didnt check the link but is that to help YOU with electrics paul?

 

[Ramage]

Er, no. Just a link to help the OP out.

There is loads of good stuff on the oily bits there too.....

 

[Mirror Painter]

Thanks for the tip

I was unaware of the Haynes manual for boats and have just ordered one. It will give me something to read while I sit on the boat in the rain for the rest of the summer.

It's a little cheaper from Amazon than through the link posted above.

 

[Fantasie 19]

I did an RYA Outboard Maintenance course last summer... they also do a Diesel Engine course I think...

 

[bljones]

egad, if reading a Haynes won't cure you of any interest in marine maintenance nothing will.

http://www.mez.co.uk/haynes.html


Personally i am a fan of Don Casey's writings on boat maintenance. I think "This Old Boat" should be in every sailor's library.

 

[watson1959]

Thank you all for the feedback.... Much appreciated!

 

[st599]

I did an RYA Outboard Maintenance course last summer... they also do a Diesel Engine course I think...

RYA don't do an outboard course. Do you mean the British Sub Aqua Club one?

 

[Fantasie 19]

RYA don't do an outboard course. Do you mean the British Sub Aqua Club one?

Damn - you're absolutely right - my apologies..

Good course though.. did it at Stormforce Coaching at Kemps Quay in Southampton; nice bunch of people and a good instructor...

 

[dash300]

Is there a Haynes Manual for boats?


Believe it or not ....Yes there is .........and its quite good as well.


http://www.haynes.co.uk/webapp/wcs/...tView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001

'First remove your engine'