Before Solo Sailing Check the Engine!

Batteries should be well charged. Check the oil. Tanks filled with fuel and if you are going on a long voyage have extra drums of fuel lashed to the deck.

As a female solo sailor we have to have some knowledge of our engine.

Engines on a yacht are for negotiating marinas or needed to make headway when you have wind and tide on your bow or no wind at all.

They can also get you out of trouble when you are in a tight or dangerous situation. Like if you have to get out of a bay with a rocky headland or coral bommies, or if other craft are too close for comfort.

So before you head out make sure your engine is going to perform. Ask advice from your mechanic, read the manual and when getting a service be there and asks some questions that could help you fix small things when on the water alone.

It’s wise to have a good easy to understand book on hand in case you have to do some trouble shooting if your engine has a problem , a good book to have in your yacht library would be Understanding Boat Diesel Engines by John Payne. He’s a marine engineer with a wide knowledge of the technical aspects of your yacht.

• How to ‘bleed’ your engine when there is air bubbles in the fuel.

• Change fuel filters and how to release water in the bottom of a filter.

• How to change belts on the engine.

• Make sure hose clamps are secure and there are no leaks.

There are courses you can take which give you ‘very basic’ knowledge of how to look after and trouble shoot a marine engine. A great idea and not too complicated to understand.

This is a good time to put the necessary electrical switches on.

• Auto Helm … attach on deck and make sure it is working and on standby.

• Depth sounder … GPS … cover off and switched on.

• Radio … VHF… do a trip report before casting off. Important!

• Bilge pump … check bilge is dry when you do your routine check of the engine.

• Fridge freezer if needed … on.

• Any other instruments you have or need … on.

.

Remember there are no mechanics or garages out on the ocean, if close to the main land you can call a marine rescue organization, so it’s a good idea to be a member.

Just about ready to cast off and ... yes go solo sailing!