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There are certain visible signs that do not deceive : the engine of your boat deserves a diagnosis or an intervention.
Whether you are equipped with an outboard motor or an inboard motorization, you are already aware of the maintenance work that needs to be done to get the most out of your boat. But on what points should you be particularly vigilant to avoid the breakdown, or the breakage, of one of the most important elements on board ?
Some signs are easily spotted and allow to identify the presence of a problem, before the damage is too important. Once the anomalies are noticed, it is then possible to quickly call a professional, to solve it and prevent the equipment from being severely or permanently damaged.
Boatngo presents 8 symptoms that, if you encounter them on board your boat, should alert you and prompt you to consult without delay.
An impossibility to navigate
If you can't sail because your motor won't start, your outboard trim won't work, or the motor won't drive the propeller, for example, you already know there's a problem. Seeking professional advice will help you identify the source of the problem and find a way to fix it.
A functioning that is not optimal
An engine that struggles to start in port, sputters, stalls or fails to idle should alert you to the need for an inspection. Unusual behavior while underway, such as jerking, unexplained loss of power or inability to accelerate, can also be a warning sign of trouble. We recommend that you consult a specialist to diagnose the cause of the problem and find a solution before the consequences are more serious.
When navigating with a properly functioning engine, an abnormal noise should also prompt you to have it checked.
Unusual vibrations
If you notice a particular vibration on your inboard or outboard motor, it's important to be aware of it : it could be a problem with one of the main parts, or with the propeller. A motorization professional will be able to diagnose the problem and do what is necessary to remedy the situation.
Overheating of the engine
It is also an abnormal behavior that you should be particularly vigilant about, as it can lead to a breakdown. When the engine overheats, it is often a cooling problem ! Pay attention to the spray : if the equipment does not spit out any water or only a little, or only intermittently, it is no longer cooled properly. A professional will be able to help you identify the problematic part and clean, repair or replace it.
The triggering of an alarm
You must give the alarm the importance it deserves : when it goes off, you must absolutely turn off your engine to avoid breakage. For example, it could be a dirty motor or a defective part. If you don't want to break your equipment and put yourself in danger, the equipment should not be used again until the fault has been clearly identified, if necessary with the help of a specialist.
The presence of thick smoke
The presence of thick smoke is never a good sign. Depending on the cause, it can be different colors - black, blue, white - and should be interpreted as a significant risk to your equipment. For example, white smoke can indicate the presence of water in the engine or fuel. We can only strongly recommend that you seek advice to identify the part in question and make the necessary repairs before the damage is irreversible.
A salt deposit
The presence of salt in the motor means that the sealing of your equipment is no longer effective. Once again, it is important to intervene before the deterioration becomes too serious. Calling in a professional can help you identify the source of the problem and remedy it.
An increase in fuel consumption
Finally, if you notice that your fuel consumption is higher than usual, it may indicate a malfunctioning component. Having your equipment inspected and repaired will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses in navigation, while being attentive to the protection of the environment.
What you need to remember !
Don't waste time ! None of these symptoms are harmless and to be able to continue enjoying your boat, you must react quickly to their presence. When it comes to engine work, there is no room for error : we recommend that you call in a professional engine specialist to solve the problem and not make the situation any worse.
At Boatngo we believe that meticulous and regular maintenance is the best way to prevent such damage from occurring. An annual check-up is the ideal way to inspect all the engine components, to make sure that everything is fine on board and to anticipate most of the inconveniences. Finally, if the problem could not be avoided, we will send the best specialists to your boat, depending on the problem identified and the make and model of your engine.
Did you know ? Boatngo also offers engine diagnostics at the right price !
