In a traditional marine diesel engine its power is produced by hot compressed air igniting fuel which has been sprayed into the cylinder head under very high pressure. A marine diesel engine does not have a carburetor to mix fuel or air spark plugs to ignite the mixture. Instead it uses the pistons to compress the air to 3000 kPa, which causes it to become very hot and the fuel is ignited immediately it is injected into the cylinder.

Some marine diesel engines are fitted with a glow plug in the pre-combustion chamber of each cylinder or a heater plug in the inlet manifold. These can provide additional heat to the combustion air during the starting process.

Diesel marine engines are slower revving and heavier than gasoline engines but they are also more reliable because they do not have to count on external carburetion or that electrical spark for ignition.

Newer engines use an electronic fuel injection system where fuel and air are mixed more thoroughly in the pre-combustion chamber before entering the cylinder. This system maximizes fuel and power economy and is also less polluting.

All boating enthusiasts should have a basic understanding about the workings of their engine so let’s start with the mechanical cycles of the engine.

Most reciprocating piston internal combustion engines work on one of two mechanical cyclesóeither the four-stroke cycle or the two-stroke cycle. These cycles designate, in correct sequence, the mechanical actions by which the fuel and air gain access to the engine cylinder, the gas pressure – due to combustion – is converted to power and, finally, the burnt gas is expelled from the engine cylinder.

A Basic Four-Stroke Diesel Engine

From its name, it should be clear that there are four strokes in one complete engine cycle. A stroke is the movement of the piston through the full length of the cylinder and, since one such movement causes the crankshaft to rotate half a turn, it follows that there are two crankshaft revolutions in one complete engine cycle.

In the order they occur the four strokes are:

1. Inlet stroke. With the inlet valve open and the exhaust valve closed, the piston moves from top dead center (TDC) to bottom dead center (BDC), creating a low-pressure area in the cylinder. Clean, filtered air rushes through the open inlet valve to relieve this low-pressure area, and the cylinder fills with air.

2. Compression stroke. With both valves closed, the piston moves from BDC to TDC, compressing the air. During the course of this stroke the air becomes heated to a temperature high enough to ignite the fuel.

3. Power stroke. At approximately TDC, the fuel is sprayed or injected, into the hot compressed air, where it ignites, burns and expands. Both valves remain closed, and the pressure acts on the piston crown, forcing it down the cylinder from TDC to BDC.

4. Exhaust stroke. At approximately BDC the exhaust valve will open and the piston starts to move from BDC to TDC, driving the burnt gas out of the cylinder through the open exhaust valve.

The Two-Stroke Diesel Engine

The two-stroke engine uses two piston strokes to complete one power stroke and, therefore, fire twice as often as a four-stroke engine. A two-stroke engine is smaller and simpler with fewer moving parts. A two-stroke engine has the potential to produce twice as much power as a four-stroke engine of the same size, however, because of the extra fitting required in a two-stroke diesel engine, for example blowers and governors, they become more expensive to produce. There has been a shift towards four stroke diesel engines which have become more efficient and smaller.

Protect Your Marine Diesel Engine

Avoid idling your marine engine for longer than ten minutes in a no-load state. The engine is often idled to charge the batteries or cool  the refrigeration but if done repeatedly it will glaze the bores of the engine and cause premature engine failure. If the boat is berthed the engine can be put in gear to create load at idle.

Every boat owner should have some knowledge of basic marine diesel engine maintenance to keep themselves and their families safe while boating.

If you’re a boat owner you need to know where to purchase top quality boat gear including boat trailer parts and accessories. Experienced boaters understand that the best quality boat trailers, parts and accessories improve boating safety. Around the country pontoon boat owners are looking for the best boat trailer parts and accessories to make that welcome addition to their boating pleasure. Recognizing this need, parts manufacturers have responded and there is now a wide selection of boat trailer parts available at boating stores and chandleries. Some boating stores only carry a limited selection of items, but some stores that focus exclusively on boat trailer products will often have a more extensive selection for their customers to choose from. There are many different options for buying quality trailer parts and a boat owner will find a store in their area.

Boating Retailers

Boat suppliers or businesses specializing in boating products will carry a range of boat trailer models in their showroom. Most retailers try to provide a selection that provides all the pontoon boaters needs including pontoon boat trailers on hand that the boater can select for transporting their vessel. A range of different types of pontoon boat trailers can be found here, allowing the customer to choose from a wide range of materials, designs and sizes.

The staff will be able to show you the different types of boat trailer available and show you how to tie down your boat correctly. Perhaps a trailer may require to be set at a certain angle or have some adjustments made to it to operate properly. Qualified staff with knowledge about the different trailers will assist with selecting the right boat trailer to suit your pontoon boat and one that will meet your boating needs for years to come.

Outdoor and Transportation Stores

Retailers that sell various types of transportation equipment will have a trailer and hitches section of the store where boat trailers will be located. Such stores may have only a limited supply of trailers because fewer people look in these places to find boat trailers and accessories. People who do purchase boating accessories from these stores choose to do so because they are conveniently located and they can shop for other items at the same time. The selection of pontoon boat trailers in a business like this may be more limited than that found in a specialist boating store.

Many boaters have discovered the benefits of doing their own fitting of boat trailer parts on their own boat trailers. Boat trailer tires are one spare part that can be installed by the boat owner. Parts for a boat trailer should be made to the highest industry standard and are widely sought by boater with a sound knowledge of boat trailer products. Parts are produced in many styles and may be used to improve the functionality of your boat.

It is common for boat owners to prefer shopping for boat trailer parts online as this gives them access to a wider range of products – often with free delivery – without leaving home. When boat trailer parts are ordered from a website they will generally be shipped to the purchaser, however in some instances the buyer may place an online order and collect their purchase from the store.

boating world

If you have always wanted to do something unconventional, consider living a boating marine life. The societal norms that you have known your entire life will disappear, and you’ll discover a whole new world as as fulfilling as the one you sailed away from. The wide-open ocean and the independence that comes from coming and going as you please are both transforming.

Choosing a boating marine life does not necessarily mean deciding against marrying and having children. Many families successfully live for years on houseboats. Many adventurous types even sail around the world together. For this to work, it is imperative that the family is close and good at problem solving. It is not easy to slam doors and have a time out when you are in tight quarters in the middle of the ocean. Nonetheless, for families that are willing to remain level headed and work together, a boating marine lifestyle can and does work well.

If you are alone, your choices for a boating marine life are limitless. You could sign on for a stint as a deckhand on a tall sailing ship or travel the world on a luxury cruise ship. You can even choose to purchase a small seagoing vessel and travel alone. Ply the same waters once traveled by pirates and explorers or simply live just offshore on a houseboat.

Choosing a boating marine life means giving up certain comforts. Much like living in an RV, space on a boat is at a premium. You and your travel partners(s) must be comfortable in extremely small and crowded quarters. Even if you sign on with a commercial ship, your living area will be cramped.

If you are venturing out alone or with family or friends, you should familiarize yourself with how to make basic repairs on your vessel. In many parts of the world, you may be far from easy assistance when your boat breaks down. It is imperative for anyone who plans to begin a boating marine life to know how to solve problems with the boat.

Make sure that your boat is in top shape before setting off on any voyage. Have the vessel inspected by a professional. Also, file a sailing plan with the Coast Guard as well as leaving a copy with a trusted friend or relative. Make sure that you have adequate boating supplies on board including extra drinking water and a full set of tools.

Make several practice runs prior to embarking on a long voyage. This will allow you to fine tune your packing list and gain extra familiarity with your boat. Boating safety and proper boating gear are essential to a successful voyage.

The boating marine life can be difficult and often lonely. In exchange, you have the world as your oyster. Falling asleep on a gently rocking craft, finding yourself in the middle of a school of dolphins, or simply watching land drift by in the distance are just a few of the rewards for those brave enough to follow the call of the sea. The boating world is fairly small, meaning that you will gradually make friends in different ports. There is no real need for loneliness when your friends are just an easy sail away. This life requires a certain personality type, but if you have it, you may find that you never wish to return to your old life.

Pontoon boats are now very popular boats on many waterways, due to their stability and fuel efficiency and also because of their usefulness as fishing boats, party boats or family vessels. New pontoon boats often include some form of pontoon boat enclosure as standard equipment. If you own a pontoon boat already have you thought about adding a pontoon boat enclosure in canvas or polyester to provide weather protection.

There are four types of pontoon boat enclosure to choose from to suit your requirements:

• The quick weather enclosure – it has curtains attached to a bimini top that can be rolled up and down quickly if there is a sudden change in the weather

• The half enclosure – an economical way to enclose just a portion of the deck

• The slant front full pontoon enclosure to enclose the full deck area without the addition of a bimini frame

• Camper enclosure – can turn your pontoon boat into an on-water camper

If you simply require shade rather than an enclosure a pontoon boat bimini cover will provide you and and your passengers with plenty of shade on summer boating trips and the bimini can be folded down and out of the way if you’d prefer to enjoy the sunshine. A storage boot will hold the bimini top when folded back and not in use.

A pontoon boat playpen cover is useful when your pontoon boat is being moored or trailered, or when it is in storage. They usually come with several support poles so that the cover doesn’t collect rain.

Pontoon boat enclosures can be extremely versatile and a canvas pontoon boat enclosure or a polyester pontoon boat enclosure will protect you from many adverse weather conditions.

Full pontoon boat camper enclosures can be custom made to suit many purposes including fishing, family outings, entertaining, and onboard sleeping at for weekends or vacations.

When considering a pontoon boat enclosure the recommended products are Sunbrella acrylic or polyester. These products provide protection from both UV and weather.

Thanks for reading about Pontoon Boat Enclosures.

After you make the decision to learn how to sail you will need to pick a sailboat to use for your lessons. There will be a variety of sailboats from which to choose. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are many types of small sailboats which work well for those just learning and more advanced boats like the catamaran.

Some of the larger sailboats will have a cabin area. Wet boats will usually get you wet every time you take it out. You sit on either the deck or the floor with these beginner sailboats. You sit on either a seat or gunwale with a dry sailboat. As long as there is good weather you will stay dry in these boats.

If you tend to get a little scared out on the water these may be the best bet for you. Cabin sailboats either have a small storage area or a full size cabin below. People who are new to sailing should stick with a fairly simple boat. Smaller boats are not less fun that larger boats and are a lot easier to maneuver.

It is easier to become familiar with the basics of the sport with less ropes and sails to move at the same time. Light winds are perfect for sailing smaller boats. After you feel totally comfortable in a small sailboat those skills can be built upon with a larger vessel. The easiest way to begin sailing is to use a boat which has just one mast and sail.

There are many great small boats which only use one sail. Single hulled boats are also best for beginners. Most beginners prefer using a fiberglass boat since they are lightweight and do not need as much maintenance as a wood hull. Sailing is a very enjoyable sport when you have a boat which is easy to learn and the proper size. Search for all kinds of sail boats for sale here.

Anyone owning a yacht knows that apart from the cost of purchase, annual ongoing fees for moorings, repairs and general upkeep are considerable. Add to that the, in some cases, significant depreciation and one can understand why for most people, the option of chartering remains the only viable way to spend time afloat. Rates vary according to the size and specification but, spread amongst a few friends, a weekend aboard a bang up to date boat, fully loaded with the latest equipment all ready for you to step aboard, can be enjoyed for less than the cost of a new set of oilskins.

Whilst boats can be had all over the UK is isn’t hard to understand why Solent yacht charter remains so popular. Still the Mecca for yacht enthusiasts, this area of the south coast has so much to offer. Cowes may be the epicentre but nearby, other, more serene moorings can be found that still offer superb cruising options for the charter skipper. Bucklers Hard on the Beaulieu River is only some 45 minutes upstream from Cowes and here you will enjoy a less frenetic pace but still have the benefit of all the modern marina facilities. Personally, I find that mooring at these upstream locations gives each voyage a natural start and finish, allowing time to get everything shipshape in a relaxed environment rather than being pitched straight into the open sea or before arriving at the marina after a challenging sail.

Cruising options are limited only by time and tide but Newtown Creek, Cowes and Yarmouth are all within a morning’s sail. Whilst the Isle of Wight is a natural choice for a day sail, weekenders may choose to head off to Poole, Weymouth or Portsmouth. The Channels Islands and the north coast of France make an ideal long weekend destination.

One option often overlooked by yacht owners is the need to address the increasing number of family groups wanting to charter. Child friendly boats are hard to come by so look for one with adequate safety features, it will make for a more relaxing trip. One such boat that I came across, Ameley, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40.3 ticked all the boxes. Added to a top specification, twin wheel positions add to the helmsman’s comfort and all round netting should ensure that any little people remain on board. Whether bareboat or skippered, yacht charter from one of the many marinas across Hampshire offers plenty of options.

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When I was a kid growing up on the Jersey shore, I recall spending day after day on someone’s boat.  Back when gas was around twenty five cents a gallon, we’d spend all day long speeding around the Barneget Bay.  In those days, the only option for music was bringing along a decent portable transistor radio.  Today, nothing is that simple.  Today most boat audio systems would compete with your high end car or truck’s sound system.

Today you would be hard pressed to find yourself on someone’s boat which didn’t have a great sounding stereo system.  The single biggest mistake that boat owners make is buying a cheap car sound system and installing it into their boat hoping to save money.  This usually proves to be a complete waste of their hard earned money since standard mobile audio and video products are not made to stand up to the constantly damp environment.  Just speak to any sales person in a custom car sound shop along the Jersey shore and see how many customers come in with bad components after use in their boats.  Don’t make that mistake, when installing a sound system in a boat, always be sure to spend a few bucks more and buy components rated for marine use.

Today’s boat receivers are capable of playing CD’s, MP3, WMA files and many will receive satellite radio and have connections for your MP3 player as well.  Remember that unlike the competing with the road noise in your car, the boat environment has a lot of competing noise to overcome.  In most cases you’ll you’ll want a audio power amplifier to provide your speakers enough power to overcome the noisy boat environment.

Although these receivers, amplifiers and speakers are referred to as marine grade, you should understand that this will mean they use materials that will prohibit corrosion and they are never water proof.  So care has to be given as to the location of your installation.  This is a good reason to consider the wired remote control units as the amp and receiver can be mounted inside a cabin while the remote can be outside exposed to the elements.  Of course your speakers have to be where you are.  So care should be taken to install them in locations where they will not be exposed to constant splashing from waves. If you intend on installing a good audio system in your boat, be sure to click through and read the entire article on Selecting a Boat Audio System.

Boats come in all shape and form. When it comes to fishing boats, sailboats or yachts, there are many different styles of boats within these categories. Consider your individual boating needs and explore all your available options before making your buying decision. Whether you like to go fishing, skiing or yachting, or perhaps you are a new sailor, before you buy a boat, consider all your prefered water activities.

Just as boating enthusiasts differ in their boating preferences, so does boat insurance coverage. Depending on the boats uses, the monetary value of the boat and it’s importance to the owner, all points will greatly affect the policy costs.

You will find that there is a lot of options when it comes to boating insurance, as with any type of insurance policy. You will want to think about whether you need just liability insurance or full coverage. When you decide to insure any of your assets, be it your home or vehicle, it all comes down to the same question. How much are you prepared to lose in the case of an accident?

Naturally a boater who enjoys pontooning, will need a different type of coverage from the boater who engages in speed boating. You may only go on brief fishing excursions in the summer, or you may only use your boat once a year during your annual holidays. Whatever your passion, your choice and experience should point towards safe boating.

These are just some of the factors that you’ll need to consider when it comes to choosing your boat insurance. If you are buying a boat, and it maybe your first purchase, remember to budget for all your boating costs, not just your boat insurance. You will want to keep in mind all the maintenance and operational costs and include add a little extra for those unexpected expenses.

Even if your boat is basic, you will still have to factor into your insurance any boating equipment you have. For example your boat cover, life jackets and other boat accessories. On the other hand you may have expensive equipment on board then you’ll need to carry more insurance and note this equipment individually on your policy boat insurance policy.

As with any insurance policy, the less that you have invested in your boat the lower your insurance premium. It is not wise to under insure. Boating is for your pleasure. If you can afford to partake in this great activity, don’t cut corners now.

Lake Havasu, a desert oasis, is the getaway choice of thousands of visitors per year. This town has that special something that attracts thousands of tourists and visitors every year. You will appreciate the friendly environment, spectacular lake views and watersport opportunities.

When you arrive at Lake Havasu there are a few worthwhile things that you can do to enjoy this desert paradise:

1. Relax, lay out near the lake, sip a cool drink and get a tan.

2. Attend in one of the numerous special events that take place throughout the year.

3. Visit the famous London Bridge and browse the waterfront shops along the downtown water canal.

4. Participate in the myriad of lake water sports like boating or jet skiing.

Get Your Adrenaline Pumping With a Lake Havasu Jet Ski Rental

Do you enjoy excitement, water, adventure and fun? Then, why not go for a Lake Havasu jet ski adventure? Jet skiing is not the type of recreation that appeals to the timid or faint of heart.These high speed watercraft can be intimidating to anyone who is not ready for the speed and power. However, for those who love racing vehicles and pure adrenalin, this sport provides it all.

For a very resonable fee, you can enjoy a delightful and totally unforgettable thrill ride on the Lake. Lake Havasu Jet Ski rentals include instructions and minimum basic training for those who need it. For tandem rides, you need to have at least two people (family or friends) ready. Children below 16 years are required to be accompanied by an adult for these rides.

Your Lake Havasu jet ski rental would start with transportation to the Windsor Beach where you will be briefed about the place and the machine you are about to ride. You would be required to wear a wetsuit or swimming suit, life jacket and helmet for this activity. These of course are made available to those who don’t have their own.

Other things that you would need to carry with you are – towel, a set of spare clothes, potable water, valid driver’s license, camera and a healthy thirst for adventure.

Once your debriefing is complete, you are ready to experience your own Lake Havasu Jet Ski adventure. You can enjoy the thrills of the jet ski while drinking in the extraordinary beauty of this amazing desert location. At every turn there would is something that will amaze you – the famous London Bridge, desert scenery, the sandbar, the flora and fauna – everything that will make your visit to Lake Havasu Arizona unforgetable.

A jet ski rental will add an unforgetable memory to your Lake Havasu visit.

About the Author: Wet Monkey Powersports provides boat and jet ski rentals in Lake Havasu and Parker Arizona.

Posted on May 3rd, 2009 by Lindsey Harper

If you’re looking for boats for sale, the first place you should turn is online. The Internet is the primary source for finding everything out there that you may want.

Hi! Its Lindsey here, and I’d like to show you how you can get a used luxury yacht for sale for lots less! If you can afford a yacht, you’re able to appreciate the finer things in life. However, just because you have enough money to afford a yacht, that doesn’t mean that saving money means nothing to you.

The Internet, and more importantly, auction sites, are where you can get some great deals for less. For example, I found this used luxury yacht for sale, located in Texas, at a boat liquidation company. The minimum bid for this yacht used to be $125,000. Now this 1987 , 46 foot , Jefferson yacht has been marked down to just $50,000. At that price, a yacht becomes accessible to a lot more people.

Jefferson Used Luxury Yacht for Sale

The best way to narrow in on boats for sale is with auction sites. When these sites focus on government auctions, the deals can be very good. If a used luxury yacht for sale is the focus of the site, that’s even better. Furthermore, you can find all of these at Government Auction Network!

Government Auction Network presents auctions for boats for sale across the United States. They have a large list of available boats at prices that are unbelievable. If you’re not interested in a boat, they also list vehicles and real estate, plus lots of other stuff.  You’ll be amazed at the incredible deals you can find.

Contact me with questions. Just click on “About Lindsey” then click on “Just Ask Me.” I’m here to help!

Government Auction Network – auction sites – boats for sale – used luxury yacht for sale