Practical Boat Mechanics: Commonsense Ways to Prevent, Diagnose, and Repair Engines and Mechanical Problems

Work-around solutions and emergency repairs that will get your boat home when all else fails

Practical Boat Mechanics belongs onboard every boat that has a gasoline, diesel, inboard, or out-board engine. This practical collection of fast fixes enables you to repair failed machinery with basic tools under adverse conditions. Designed and written for non-mechanics, it also presents do-it-yourself maintenance procedures and schedules that will prevent most problems from occurring.

* Troubleshooting charts lead the reader graphically to the mechanical problems that correspond to the symptoms being experienced. These charts are crossreferenced to the pages where appropriate solutions can be found
* The balance of the troubleshooting information is organized around the five senses (what you can see, hear, smell, feel, taste), thus furthering its appeal to the non-mechanically inclined
* Work-around fixes get you out of any mechanical jam using ordinary tools and materials found on most boats. These include how to get fuel to your engine by gravity when the fuel pump breaks; how to replace a head gasket with a cheerios box; and how to replace a fan belt with a rope

Part 1 How Boat Things Work
1. Meet Your Boat
2. Getting Familiar with Marine Engines
3. Cooling Systems
4. Belts and Hoses
5. Fuel, Lubricating Oil, Filters
6. Drive Train and Power-Take-Offs
7. Marine Electrical Systems
8. Exhaust Systems
9. Marine Steering
Part 2 Troubleshooting
10. Conventional Troubleshooting
11. Troubleshooting by the Five Senses
12. Gasoline Engines, Inboard & Outboard
13. Cabin and Engine Room
14. Marine Gear and Drive train
15. Steering and Controls
Part 3 The Resourceful Boat Mechanic
16. Crack Detection, Pressure Testing
17. Engine and Shaft Alignment