Diesel Boat Engine Manual

Haynes,1989; pp142; illus.; 1-85010-975-3; £12.99;

A very detailed exposition accounting for all the factors relating to a boat’s engine, hull shape and propulsion. There are many useful tables, graphs and formulae to calculate power requirements for both displacement and planing craft. Much of the book is devoted to enabling the reader to understand hull and propeller design, factors of cavitation, wake, controllable pitch, nozzle and auto-prop. which, with very many other matters, can affect your choice of power unit or propulsion method.

Moving on to the engine itself, there is a very good discussion on the relative merits of petrol and diesel. The design facors of both are given excellent airing. The various types are described fully and clearly which naturally leads to the working sof each system: cooling, injection, lubrication and transmission. About a third of the way through the book, Peter takes the reader through, stage by stage, the intricacies of a new or re-furbished engine installation. It is at this point that, if someone else has installed your unit, I can imagine wondering whether it has been done satisfactorily!

Not satisfied with putting the engine to rights he then lays into the electrics with some excellent guidance and advice. Finally, the book covers, with careful scrutiny, trouble shooting, repairs, overhauls and even marinisation.

This is an excellent book for one who is looking for good, sound and applicable knowledge written by a practical exponent. JMG