Narragansett Sailing school

Marine Diesel Engine

Learn how a Marine Diesel Engine works, Hands-on!

This course covers marine diesel engine maintenance and troubleshooting, it is a hands-on course. Since we will be clustered around the motor with tools in hand, we limit the class to five students.

What you learn:

  • The six systems of a diesel engine
  • How it works, how they are related to each other
  • Dismantle and put together each system
  • Fault identification
  • Troubleshooting methodology
  • Maintenance

How is it taught?

  • Two days from 9am to 5pm
  • Classroom lecture and diesel theory
  • Each students work on a marine diesel engine
  • Hands-on: take the tools to assemble and disassemble the engine
  • Troubleshooting exercises

How is the class taught? Hands-on everyone!

When you arrive you will find a diesel motor of a boat completely disassembled with an intact block, and all the other parts arranged on several tables. 

A diesel has six systems. You will become familiar with all of six systems of a marine diesel engine ( Fuel, Raw water, Fresh water, Air intake, Oil, Electric).

  • You and your classmates assemble and/or disassemble the engine system by system 
  • The instructor explains each and every system, understanding the purpose of each part and the symptoms if a part fails
  • After assembling the engine, you will KNOW what makes a diesel go, and if it stops what system to go to to get it going again
  • The instructor will walk you to the most common faults and help you troubleshoot

What to expect? What is the goal of the diesel class?

This course will not turn you into a diesel mechanic but you will acquire sufficient knowledge and skills to:

  • Diagnose the normal things that cause a diesel to fail
  • Fix simple issues by yourself
  • Call a mechanic and describe what’s wrong
  • Perform routine maintenance (change oil and fuel filters)
  • Change impeller and belts
  • Winterize your diesel engine
  • Perform spring commissioning
  • Be able to describe what’s wrong to a mechanic

- COURSE OVERVIEW -

ASA 101 - Basic Keelboat Sailing

3 Days - 9am to 5pm

30’ boat with a wheel

4 students max per instructor

Women only courses available

Starting at: $955

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Package Option

Marine Diesel Engine​

Price: $955

Marine Electrical Systems

Price: $955

Price: $1719

$1910

Related Courses

Winterization

Hands-on sailboat winterization and maintenance

Protect engine, water, fuel systems

Prevent winter damage, easy spring launch

Marine Diesel Engine

Hands-on marine diesel engine assembly and learning

Understand six diesel systems and troubleshooting basics

Diagnose common faults, maintenance, winterizing skills

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is this class good for powerboats and sailboats?

Absolutely, diesel engines are very similar between sailboats and powerboats so the class covers all topics for both.

Yes. The class goal is to allow you to perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting. The instructor will ask you questions and you will have to find a solution by dismantling a part of the engine.

The instructor will review the best practice for your winterization. Once you understand how the engine works, the winterization will become obvious. You will also be able to ask questions to the instructor and to your fellow students who can share their experiences.