Yacht care 2: engine trouble, overheating and not starting

First, the boat

If the engine stops or must be stopped, sail if you can, or anchor if it is shallow enough and safe, before you look at the engine. Get clear of the shore and other boats first.

Overheating (alarm, or no water from the exhaust)

• Stop the engine.
• Is the raw-water seacock open?
• Is the strainer blocked with weed or plastic? Close the seacock before opening it, clean it and refit it carefully.
• Is anything round the propeller or over the water intake, such as a bag or a rope?
• If water still does not flow, the water-pump impeller may have failed: call the base.
• Never open the coolant cap on a hot engine.

It will not start

• Gear lever in neutral, kill cord or stop button reset.
• Battery switch on, and the engine battery selected.
• Fuel: enough in the tank, and the fuel tap open if there is one.
• If it turns over but does not fire, do not keep cranking: you can flood the exhaust with water. Call the base.

It stops while running

• Often fuel: an empty tank, or dirt stirred up in a low tank in rough water.
• Or something round the propeller: look over the stern.
• Do not dive under the boat in a seaway or near rocks. Call the base.

Every base has a breakdown number. Call it early, with your position, the engine hours and what you see. It is part of the service you paid for.