164 seamanship secrets- Battery charge and the 50% rule.
Overcharging your batteries causes
internal boiling and increases the
discharge of hydrogen and oxygen
gases. Undercharging weakens battery
output. Keep each battery charged
above 50% at all times. If your battery
allows access to the cells, pry off the
cell caps and check the electrolyte
level. Fill with distilled water as
needed.
Gel-cell and AGM (absorbed glass
mat) batteries are oft en called “sealed”
or “no-maintenance” batteries because
they lack cell caps and provide no
access to the cells. Th ese batteries
are unlike the traditional lead-acid
batteries (also called fl ooded-cell or
wet-cell batteries) discussed above
in that the electrolyte is in gel or
absorbed rather than liquid form.
Th ese batteries are less susceptible
to leakage or gassing and require no
regular maintenance, which makes
them ideal for careless boatowners.
Th ey also recharge more quickly.
However, their cost is higher, and
they tend to be more sensitive to
overcharging.
How to Manually Shut Down a Diesel Engine
We brought the big twin-engine Bertram alongside her berth and toggled the
start switch to off , and nothing happened. Th e big Detroits kept humming at
idle RPM. We tried again a few seconds later: same story—nada, nothing doing.
Now what?
Fortunately, we were tied up when this incident occurred. Unlike their
gasoline cousins, diesel engines run on any food deposits left in their cylinders.
In this case, built-up carbon deposits provided all the oomph needed to feed
those engines.What Tools Do You Need
On Board?
For Daytrips or Weekend
Cruising
Basic Everyday Toolkit: Carry an
assortment of fl at and Phillips-head
screwdrivers, socket wrenches to fi t
all nuts and bolts, hammer, adjustable
wrenches, and pliers.
Spare Parts Toolkit: Carry spare oil,
transmission fl uid, coolant, and a light
lube oil (like WD-40). Carry these
parts: oil fi lters, raw-water impeller,
raw-water impeller gasket, primary
fuel filter replacement element,
secondary fuel filter replacement
element, and an air fi lter replacement
element. Add any other parts you feel
necessary, such as an alternator.
Extended Cruising
Add to the lists above a full set of
gaskets, as well as replacements for
all fuel injectors and the freshwater
pump. Again, this only touches on
the essentials. The best source of
advice for your particular engine is
the manufacturer. Some companies,
like Mack Boring, provide sailboat
and powerboat owners hands-on
seminars on inboard diesel engine
repair and maintenance.