Engines and propulsion

New diesel installation

Whether your engine has suffered a catastrophic failure or is becoming increasingly unreliable, we can replace the engine of your yacht or motorboat. There are other reasons you may consider upgrading to a new engine. Modern engines are more economical and can also be quieter and smoother. Small diesel engines have become more compact and powerful, transforming your yacht’s manoeuvrability and progress under power.

We will rebuild or modify your existing engine beds to provide a strong and secure base for the engine mounts, ensuring the correct gearbox and shaft angles are maintained. Alternatively, we can replace the engine, gearbox, and sail drive, depending on your vessel’s configuration. Not only can we replace the engine, but we can also install new ancillary items, such as raw water strainers and primary fuel filters, to make them more accessible for you. We can also install new soundproofing to minimise stray noise from your new engines and renew any parts of the system, from the fuel filler to the exhaust.

Electric conversions

If you’re considering an electric installation, and believe it will fulfil your sailing needs, and rid you of the noise, smell, vibration, and, of course, the pollution of a diesel engine, talk to us.

You might want a simple electric propulsion unit installed on your day boat; one that’s perfect for leaving or returning to your mooring or berth, and with enough capacity to get you home should the wind die. Alternatively, you may have a coastal or offshore cruiser and be seeking a fully integrated regenerative system, complete with a generator for backup. Whatever your needs, we’ll work with you to find the best system for your yacht design, one that suits the type of sailing you do, your budget, and the charging options available to you.

Engine services, repairs and rebuilds

Is your engine blowing out too much black or white smoke, reluctant to start or lacking the power it used to have? From a simple oil change to a complete engine rebuild and overhaul, we’ve got you covered.

We can undertake annual maintenance, where necessary, replacing the oil, filters, impeller, and anodes. In our yard, we can remove the engine to give all-around access and ensure no part is overlooked. We will do everything possible to avoid a new engine. When feasible, we can reline the cylinders, skim the cylinder head, and reseat the valves. We’ll do all that’s needed, from replacing pumps and piston rings to head gaskets and injectors. If a new engine is a more cost-effective option, we can explore that route with you. If you cannot bring your yacht to us, we have a mobile team that can travel to it.

Stern gland replacement

If your stern gland is leaking and requires repacking, or you wish to replace the seal on your propeller shaft with a modern dripless solution, such as a Volvo or PSS shaft seal, please contact us to discuss how we can assist you.

We’ll happily do the dirty or awkward job of removing the old packing from your shaft seal and withdrawing and inspecting the shaft (if required) and fitting fresh gland packing, or we can discuss an upgrade depending on the access you have available and the type of sailing you do.

Cutless bearing replacement

Often overlooked, the cutless bearing (not cutlass) supports the prop shaft by the propeller. A worn bearing can cause vibration, which can lead to excess wear and damage in the gearbox. The more wear, the more room there is for marine crustations to set up home there. This can lead to increased wear of the bearing and scoring of the prop shaft. Catching bearing wear early prevents more costly repairs later. Whether your yacht has a P bracket, shaft log or A bracket, we can remove your old cutless bearing and replace it with a new one.

Reducing noise and vibration

There are many ways to reduce the noise and vibration made by your yacht’s engine. The best results are achieved by replacing older engines with new, quieter, and smoother ones. Not only will a new engine with more cylinders have more power, run with less vibration, and make less noise, but it’s often lighter and more reliable than the engine you’re replacing.

There are less expensive ways to improve life on board, too. We can remove and replace old, outdated soundproofing with modern, multi-layered, fire-retardant sound insulation. If it’s engine noise in the cockpit you’d like to address, we can replace or add mufflers/waterlocks and silencers to your engine’s exhaust system.

If pans are shaking on your stove when the engine is running, there are several ways to address this issue, ranging from simple checks and replacements of the engine mounts and shaft alignment to the installation of a flexible coupling.

Folding/feathering propeller upgrade

If you’d like to sail faster by reducing the drag from your yacht’s propeller, call us. Not only can a folding/feathering propeller make your yacht more streamlined, but it can also reduce prop walk. Additionally, there are folding and feather propellers that make motoring more economical. We’re here to help you decide which propeller is best for your yacht, your budget and you.

Saildrive servicing

If the oil in your saildrive looks like mayonnaise, or you want to prevent this unsightly shock, contact us. We can handle all areas of saildrive servicing, from changing the anode or performing an oil change, to replacing the outer seal, inner bellows/diaphragm, and all the gaskets. In extreme cases, we can replace the leg or fully service the saildrive you have.