Carefree blue water sailing: Keeping power afloat
Maintaining your yacht’s generator is more than just routine care; it’s an investment in the reliability and safety of your vessel. Before setting off on any blue water sailing, it’s strongly recommended to have all onboard equipment thoroughly inspected and serviced by official certified service centres for a peace of mind when out on the open sea.
The engineering team at Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions recommends simple daily checks owners can easily perform themselves. These will help spot potential issues early, giving owners ample time to plan a visit to the nearest service centre and ultimately, extend the lifetime of your generator.
- Oil
- Oil should be clean and at the right level for optimal generator function.
- When topping up use the correct oil to prevent generator wear and overheating.
- Check the manual for the correct oil amount and specification for the respective model.
- Water
- Check water level and water tank.
- Check the seawater strainer and ensure it is clear from debris.
- Fuel
- Check fuel level.
- Inspect fuel lines for any cracks or leaks. Saltwater can cause corrosion, leading to dangerous fuel system failures.
- Check the fuel filter for any signs of leaks or contaminants.
- Temperature
- Once you start your generator, make sure the exhaust temperature of a running generator does not exceed 45 degrees Celsius.
- V-Belt
- Check the belt for wear and tear.
Before embarking on a long voyage, it’s recommended to carry at least three spare part kits and additional service kits onboard. Always refer to the manuals provided with your generator to ensure you have the correct and genuine parts on hand. Whether you’re cruising in calm waters or setting out on a longer voyage, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your generator is reliable is invaluable.
