• Marine Engine Surveys

  • Marine Engine Surveys

    A marine engine survey (sometimes called a mechanical survey) covers the operation and condition of propulsion and generator engines on a boat or yacht. Having an engine survey is a critical step when buying a boat because it provides great insight into the condition of a vessel’s engine and generator. An engine survey is also recommended for expensive or complex engines or vessels with an obvious lack of maintenance.

    Visual Inspection

    Our comprehensive marine engine surveys begin with an initial visual inspection of the engine’s condition as well as the condition of the associated equipment such as engine mounts, hoses, clamps, etc. We also check serial and model numbers of your equipment and analyze their performance compared to the specifications required by the manufacturer. We also check the exhaust system arrangement and make sure cables are in proper working order and test motor mounts to make sure they are tight and not overextended.

     

    This inspection also includes:
    - Inspection of controls
    - Inspection of electrical system
    - Inspection of cooling system
    - Inspection of exhaust system
    - Inspection of engine mounts
    - Inspection of hoses, clamps and belts

    Compression Test

    Our next step is a dock trial where we start the engine and remove all injectors to test compression of each cylinder. We also check engine’s electronic control and management computer and measure the following:

     

    - Compression
    - Exhaust temperatures
    - Alternator output
    - Charging systems cables
    - Starter amp draw
    - Voltage
    - Belt tension

    Wide open throttle (WOT) testing

    A WOT test will reveal several performance parameters and will make sure the propeller and engine are properly matched. It will also confirm whether or not the engine is capable of producing maximum RPMs for an extended period of time without experiencing problems such as overheating, smoking, vibrating or abnormal fuel consumption.

    Sea Trial

    The sea trial will check RPM, pressures and temperatures by running the vessel under load while the generators are full. At this point we are able to check the vessel’s gauges for accuracy.

     

    We also measure:
    - Exhaust gas temperature
    - Pressure to raw-water inlet restriction or vacuum
    - Fuel and turbo boost pressure
    - Torque
    - Leak down test

    Fuel and Oil analysis

    We draw samples of engine and crankcase oil and coolant along with transmission fluid for laboratory analysis. The results of this analysis can alert you to a variety of issues ranging from worn out bearing to leaking head gaskets.

    Report

    At the conclusion of our marine engine survey we will provide you with a comprehensive assessment on the condition of your boat’s engine - there is simply no better way of knowing the condition of the vital components. In addition to learning the condition of your boat’s engine and equipment, engine surveys will also help you determine the true value of your vessel and help you budget for repairs and maintenance.

     

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