Based on St. Petersburg Boat and Yacht Engine Maintenance Incomplete or inconsistent yacht engine maintenance will eventually lead to failure. Unforeseen failure of a yacht engine can be dangerous, especially when stranded in open water or in adverse weather conditions. The best way to avoid this is with consistent servicing and inspections.
A yacht’s engine is one of the most expensive components on the vessel, so it’s important to maintain it properly. This will reduce the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs, extending its life and improving performance.
Yacht engine maintenance is a critical part of yacht ownership. The right maintenance programs keep yacht engines running optimally and last longer. The result is smooth sailing and a safe boating experience for all onboard. 
A common cause of engine problems is fuel. It’s important to use high quality fuel that’s free of water and ethanol. Fuel additives are also recommended to help prevent fuel degradation and improve performance. It is also vital to ensure the yacht’s fuel tank, hoses and filters are clean.
Air filters are another crucial component of the yacht’s engine maintenance. Dirty or clogged air filters can negatively impact engine performance. They should be cleaned or replaced regularly to prevent clogging and ensure airflow.
Engine oil needs to be changed on a regular basis, depending on the yacht’s engine type and its operating hours. Generally, an owner should check and change the oil before it begins to discolor. It’s also a good idea to replace the fuel filter on a regular basis, to prevent clogging and to ensure optimum engine operation.
Other maintenance tasks include checking fuses, spark plugs and coils on all yacht engines. It’s always a good idea to keep a set of basic tools on board, such as a spark plug wrench, an oil extractor pump and a fuel filter wrench. A telescoping mirror is also useful to inspect hard to reach places, such as the inside of the engine or the bilge.
All yachts should have their engines serviced before being stored for the winter. This is best done by a professional, as it will include pulling the engine out of the water to clean and inspect. The seawater and circulating pumps should be pulled and the impeller, fan belts and shaft seals should all be checked and replaced where necessary. In addition, the heat exchanger should be flushed with antifreeze.
It’s a good idea to have the engine thoroughly inspected every year, particularly before it is used for chartering. This will allow you to catch any minor issues before they turn into major problems that require costly repairs.
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