What's included
Engine, electrics, and every system
that keeps you moving.
Mechanical and electrical work done properly means working from a checklist, not from memory. We document what we find and what we do on every job.
Annual engine service
Oil and filter change, fuel filter replacement, impeller inspection and replacement, drive belt check and tension, coolant level and condition, zinc anode inspection. Carried out using manufacturer-specified fluids. Service record updated with date and engine hours.
Engine fault diagnosis
Systematic diagnosis of running problems — overheating, difficult starting, excessive smoke, rough running. Compression testing, injector assessment, cooling circuit investigation. We work from cause to cure, not from parts-swapping.
Fuel system inspection
Deck filler seal condition, fuel tank inspection (diesel bug assessment, water ingress), primary and secondary filter replacement, fuel line condition. Polishing and tank cleaning where contamination is found. Clean fuel is the single biggest factor in engine reliability.
Electrical diagnostics
Battery bank condition testing (capacity and internal resistance, not just voltage), alternator output, shore power circuit integrity, distribution panel condition, bilge pump float switch test, navigation light function, wiring condition assessment.
Bilge pump service
Automatic and manual bilge pump function check, float switch test and adjustment, through-hull condition, outlet hose integrity, and manual override confirmation. The bilge pump is the last line of defence — it needs to work first time, every time.
Winterisation
Proper engine lay-up: raw water circuit flushed and protected against freezing, fuel stabiliser added, battery disconnected and charged to storage level. Done correctly before lay-up, not rushed on the last day of the season.
Engines we work on
We work on all makes and models of marine diesel engine. Whatever's in your boat, we're here to help — just get in touch and tell us what you've got.
How we work
Annual service — what we do,
and in what order.
A service is only as good as the discipline behind it. We follow a set sequence so nothing gets overlooked.
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01
Handover & initial inspection
We run the engine, check oil pressure, temperature, and alternator charging at idle and under load. Any owner concerns are noted and investigated before we start the service routine.
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02
Service work
Oil drain and refill with correct grade, oil filter replacement, primary and secondary fuel filter replacement, impeller inspection (replaced if in doubt), drive belt condition, coolant level and freeze protection check.
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03
Systems check
Electrical systems run through the checklist: battery, alternator, bilge pump, navigation lights, VHF power, instruments. Fuel system visually inspected. Any anomalies recorded and discussed with you before further work is agreed.
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04
Run under load
Engine run to operating temperature, raw water flow confirmed, exhaust smoke assessed, charging voltage verified. A cold start and an idle aren't a meaningful test — the engine needs to work to be properly assessed.
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05
Documentation
Service record completed with date, engine hours, fluids used, filters replaced, and any other work carried out. A written note of anything we recommend keeping an eye on before next service.
Common questions
Engine & systems — what owners ask.
How often should I service my diesel engine?
Annually as a minimum, or every 100–200 engine hours — whichever comes first. For lightly used engines that rarely reach 100 hours in a season, the annual calendar service is the sensible interval. Diesel engines degrade from sitting as much as from running.
What are the signs my impeller needs replacing?
Overheating is the obvious sign, but by then the impeller has already failed. Impellers should be inspected annually and replaced whenever blades show cracking, set, or missing sections — regardless of how the engine has been running. A failed impeller causes overheating within minutes and can warp the heat exchanger. The cost of a new impeller is trivial next to that repair.
Can you carry out a full electrical rewire?
Yes, for yachts up to 45ft. Full rewires are typically winter jobs. We plan the circuit layout, source marine-grade tinned-copper cable throughout, and produce a written circuit diagram of the finished installation. The work is done to ABYC/RCD standards and properly labelled at every termination point.
My diesel has been sitting unused for two years — what does it need?
At minimum: fresh oil, new filters, impeller replacement, and a fuel system inspection — old diesel frequently has bacterial contamination (diesel bug) after prolonged storage. We'd also check the injectors, bleed the system properly, and run the engine slowly before putting any load through it. We'll give you an honest assessment of what's needed before agreeing any work.
Do you work on petrol outboards or just inboard diesels?
Our primary focus is inboard marine diesels. For outboard servicing, we'd recommend a dedicated outboard specialist — contact us and we'll point you in the right direction.