xxiiiFinally, the central mechanical system in
any boat could be considered the engine that
provides the power to drive it. As with elec-
tric systems, however, this isn’t a book about
engines. What we’ll start with, though, are the
many mechanical systems that are required
for the engine or engines to do their job prop-
erly—drivetrains, fuel systems, and exhaust
systems. From there, we’ll branch out.
The American Boat & Yacht
Council (ABYC)
Throughout this book I make reference to
appropriate standards from the American
Bureau of Shipping (ABS), to the Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR), to the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and so
on. No standards are referred to or used
more often than those of the American Boat
& Yacht Council (ABYC). I’ve been an ABYC
member for more than twenty-five years now.
I couldn’t have done much of the work I do
(designing, surveying, teaching, and writing)
without ABYC’s invaluable support and the
tremendous amount of hard work and
research that goes into creating each of the
many ABYC standards.
Though there are International Standards
Organization (ISO) standards in Europe, I
personally find ABYC standards more straight-
forward, easier to use, and more sensible.
ABYC standards form the backbone for under-
standing systems installation on all boats. If
you’re not an ABYC member, you should
become one and get their full set of standards.
Like any such collection of standards, these
references are not exactly bedtime reading,
but if you’re serious about installing, inspect-
ing, or servicing equipment and machinery on
any boat—and doing it properly—ABYC stan-
dards are theessential guide. Even better, as
an ABYC member you will get invaluable tech
support and guidance should you need it.Introduction