Check the fuel (and that the fuel tap is on), the oil and coolant levels, that the raw-water seacock is open and that no ropes are near the propeller. Once it is running, look over the stern for cooling water coming out of the exhaust.
Most yachts have a small inboard diesel engine. It is reliable if it is looked after, and a few checks before each trip prevent most problems.
Before starting:
- Fuel: enough for the trip with a good reserve, and the fuel tap turned on.
- Oil: check the level on the dipstick.
- Coolant: check the level in the header tank, if the engine has freshwater cooling.
- Raw-water seacock: open, so seawater can reach the cooling pump. Check the strainer is clear of weed.
- Propeller: no lines, sheets or dinghy painters trailing in the water near it.
- Gear lever: in neutral, so the boat does not lurch ahead or astern when the engine starts.
Once it is running:
- Look over the stern and check that cooling water is coming out of the exhaust with the exhaust gas. If there is none, stop the engine and find out why: usually a closed seacock, a blocked strainer or a worn water-pump impeller. Running without cooling water quickly damages an engine.
- Check the gauges and warning lights: oil pressure, temperature and charging.
Know how to stop the engine, whether with a key, a button or a stop cable, and make sure the crew know too. Show them as part of the safety briefing.
When using the gear lever, always pause in neutral for a moment when changing between ahead and astern, to let the propeller slow before the gearbox engages the other way.
At regular intervals, and as the maker recommends, have the engine serviced: oil and filters, the impeller, belts and the fuel filters. Dirty fuel is a common cause of engine failure, often when the boat is bouncing in rough water and the sediment is stirred up, which is exactly when you need the engine most.
More in the book: Chapter 8, Under power, and in the marina