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Select a part of the boat to fix a problem, learn how it works, or install new equipment. More parts of the boat are on the way.
Basic electrical
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When something electrical stops working, it's usually a flat or failing battery or a bad connection. Check the battery first, then the connections, or move on to wiring and installing electrical gear.
Outboard motor
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Diagnose and repair problems with an outboard motor, from the powerhead down to the propeller, and keep it running with routine maintenance.
Navigation electronics
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The chartplotter at the helm shows everything the GPS antenna, radar and other instruments feed it over an NMEA 2000 network. Pick a part of the system to go to its own topic.
Renko's Detroit Diesel 4-71
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The Detroit Diesel 4-71 two-stroke in Renko, my steel trawler, had seized when I bought her and has been rebuilt twice. These pages cover both rebuilds, diagnosing faults, and its fuel and cooling systems.
Fuel tanks, lines, filters, pumps and carburettors
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Everything between the fuel tank and the engine: fuel problems, fuel lines and filters, fuel pumps, carburettors and a diesel trawler's fuel system.
The stern gland, where the propeller shaft leaves the boat
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The stern gland seals the propeller shaft where it passes through the hull, and needs packing and adjusting to stop it leaking.
The helm and steering system
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The helm turns the steering wheel's movement into a push or pull on the outboard or rudder, through a cable, a wire and drum, or hydraulics.
Anchors, anchoring and anchor winches
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Choosing an anchor and setting up its rode, anchoring with a running line, freeing a stuck anchor, and fitting an anchor winch.
Handling a boat, ropes and knots, and staying safe
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Driving and tying up a boat, ropes and knots, towing, what to do when you break down, and planning a trip.