This practical, hands-on guide for troubleshooting your diesel engine problems is highly recommended, says Julia Jones

Diesels Afloat (2nd edition)
Callum Smedley and Pat Manley
Fernhurst, £18.99

The legacy of sailor, RYA instructor, PBO technical contributor Pat Manley continues with this second edition of Diesels Afloat.

It’s been updated by Callum Smedley who is based in the Shetland Islands.

Smedley’s professional background is possibly more focussed on commercial engineering that Manley’s – he has worked for the Northern Lighthouse Board and Shetland Islands Council Ferries and trained candidates for MCA courses.

This gives a continuing hands-on solidity to this volume which is reassuring and pragmatic. He’s also a surveyor so able to use some telling actual examples.

Diesels Afloat opens with a brief history of the development of marine diesel engines, their construction and operation and some cogent arguments against what the authors view as a foolish modern tendency towards over-powering.

The message is hammered home that marine diesels work best when there is an equivalence between hull, engine and propellor and when they are run regularly under load rather than idled. I found this salutary.

Continues below…

Individual chapters are devoted to the fuel system, air system, engine cooling system, lubrication, engine electrics, power transmission, propellors, hull fittings, pollution and safety, care and maintenance, troubleshooting, layup and recommissioning, tools and spares.

It is an educational book geared to the requirements of the MCA Approved Engine Course part one.

This is a more substantial and vocational course than the RYA diesel engine course which can be completed in a single day.

Many, like me, who have swiftly completed and as swiftly forgotten that course will find this an excellent refresher.

The troubleshooting section, towards the end of the book states that a thorough knowledge base is required as well as a methodical approach.

The authors certainly provide that. Their best advice is probably the most obvious – and frequently disregarded – read the manufacturer’s handbook.

This hands-on and uncompromisingly professional approach may be beyond the commitment of many weekend yachtsmen but it makes for a solid and worthwhile book from which all may learn even if they then turn gratefully to the boatyard engineer for help. Recommended.

Buy Diesels Afloat from Amazon (UK)

Buy Diesels Afloat from Amazon (US)

Buy Diesels Afloat from Waterstones (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Visit the Yachting Monthly Book Club for more of the best sailing books released this year.


Enjoyed reading Diesels Afloat: book review of the second edition?

A subscription to Yachting Monthly magazine costs around 40% less than the cover price.

Print and digital editions are available through Magazines Direct – where you can also find the latest deals.

YM is packed with information to help you get the most from your time on the water.

      • Take your seamanship to the next level with tips, advice and skills from our experts
      • Impartial in-depth reviews of the latest yachts and equipment
      • Cruising guides to help you reach those dream destinations

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.