CALL US TODAY Fort Lauderdale: 954-467-9010 Punta Gorda: 941-505-2400

How to Prepare & Protect Your Boat for a Hurricane

How to Prepare & Protect Your Boat for a Hurricane

Did you know that hurricane season is approaching? Between the months of June and November, there is an increase in hurricanes and tropical storms that can affect the safety of boats, yachts, or other watercraft.

Our Marine Diesel Specialists in Fort Lauderdale have valuable tips to help you prepare and protect your boat, yacht, or watercraft for an upcoming hurricane.

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Memorial Day Events in Fort Lauderdale

Memorial Day Events in Fort Lauderdale

Our marine diesel specialists are proud to honor those who have served in our armed forces on Memorial Day. If you are fortunate to celebrate Memorial Day weekend with your family or friends, consider attending these boating events. Our Fort Lauderdale marine rebuild specialists recommend these Memorial Day events.

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Ride the Wave this Earth Day: How to Save the Ocean

Ride the Wave this Earth Day: How to Save the Ocean

Our Marine Diesel Specialists in Fort Lauderdale value our oceans, rivers, lakes, and other waterways. Not only do we provide premium marine parts, but also ensure top-quality marine engine repairs to keep your boat running smoothly and prevent a negative environmental impact on the ocean. 

To celebrate Earth Day this year, our authorized MAN dealers share a few ideas on how to save the oceans. 

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Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on a Boat in 2021

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on a Boat in 2021

March is here which means celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! Our marine diesel specialists can all agree that there is nothing more fun than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on a boat. At Marine Diesel Specialists, our expert marine rebuild specialists have compiled a few suggestions for St. Patrick’s Day boat events ideas. 

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Valentine’s Day Boat Date Ideas

Valentine’s Day Boat Date Ideas

February is quickly approaching, and as love begins to fill the air it is time to narrow down some romantic Valentine’s Day date ideas on a boat to show your special someone how much they mean to you. Our marine diesel specialists can all agree that there is nothing more lovely than indulging in romance on a boat for Valentine’s Day. At Marine Diesel Specialists, our expert marine rebuild specialists have compiled a few suggestions for Valentine’s Day boat date ideas. 

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Michael Jordan’s Yacht: Catch 23

Michael Jordan’s Yacht: Catch 23

In 2019, Michael Jordan purchased Catch 23, an 80-foot Viking sportfish luxury fishing boat featuring some amazing details. Marine Diesel Specialists are in awe over this beauty, so we endeavored to find out some of the most interesting facts about Michael Jordan’s yacht and all it has to offer. Marine Diesel Specialists are the best in the industry offering OEM parts and MAN engine overhauls. Here are ten interesting facts about Catch 23, from its powerful MTU engines to its matching elephant print design with Jordan’s private jet:

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Does My Yacht Need an Oil Change?

Does My Yacht Need an Oil Change?

Buying and owning a boat is a big commitment — and an expensive one. However, neglecting the maintenance your boat needs will end up costing you a lot more than if you perform regular maintenance and upkeep on it. Our professionals know that keeping your boat in pristine condition comes from proper maintenance like getting a regular oil change. If your boat requires servicing, visit our experts at Marine Diesel Specialists for the best service.

Actively changing the oil in your engine, along with the filter, can keep the engine working well and keep repair costs low. Other important factors to remember about a regular oil change are:

  • Routine oil changes keep your engine properly lubricated and clean.
  • On-time oil changes will clear out any debris in the engine before it causes damage.
  • An oil change will keep your engine parts cool and lubricated.
  • Regular oil changes will keep your engine running longer.
  • An oil change is key for better engine performance.
  • Oil changes are designed to protect your engine.

How Much Is an Oil Change?

Some oil changes for a single-engine can cost hundreds of dollars and many hours of labor if you don’t do them on time or if you don’t seek the help of a professional repair shop.

We understand the value of the dollar and want to make sure we provide our customers with affordable, professional services that save you time and the headache of trying to complete an oil change yourself. Our marine diesel mechanics in South Florida offer oil changes sure to meet your budget and completed promptly. We offer repairs and maintenance for all types of marine diesel engines. If your engine isn’t working properly, we’re here to help with our expert repairs and maintenance services. We can repair many common marine diesel engine problems and get your yacht or boat back on the water quickly.

How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Boat Engine?

If you are wondering just how often you need to perform an oil change on your boat’s engine, the answer is typically every 100 hours and at least once a year – whichever comes first. We recommend that even if your engine is capable of going for longer periods of time between an oil change, you make sure to do it during these times anyway. This will ensure that the life of the engine is carried out to full term.

When to Have an Oil Change on an Older Engine

If your boat engine is a little older, you will want to make sure to really keep up with maintenance to make sure it performs at its optimal level. This means after every 100 hours, you will want to have an oil change, or at least once a year. The more frequently you change the oil, the better the chances your older boat engine will last longer.

When to Have an Oil Change on a Newer Engine

For newer engines, oil changes are not as frequent but should still be done regularly to keep your engine healthy. During the break-in phase of your boat’s engine, we recommend getting an oil change after the first 20 hours; then you can extend the oil change time to 100 hours or once a year.

 

At Marine Diesel Specialists, we’re the first choice for marine diesel engine repair, maintenance, and service. With South Florida and Gulf Coast locations, we’re able to exceed all expectations with factory-trained technicians and customer-focused service. For expertise, OEM marine diesel parts, and five-star service, call on our teams at Marine Diesel Specialists and Gulf Coast Diesel Service.

The Best Holiday Boat Parades in the US

The Best Holiday Boat Parades in the US

2020 has been a year unlike any other for many people around the world. With the holidays coming up and families still staying apart, it could be hard to get into the holiday spirit. Our team of specialists understand and want to share some ways to bring some cheer to your holiday season. If you are looking for a socially distanced way to celebrate, our experts recommend looking for a holiday boat parade in your city. Whether you watch from your own boat or onshore, you are guaranteed to be in the holiday mood after seeing these decorated boats sail by

Boat Parades 2020

Whether you are on the East Coast or West Coast of the United States, our experts have listed the best boat parades to go see in a few different cities. We hope that you can safely enjoy the holidays with your loved ones, even if it is from a distance. If you live in any of the cities mentioned below, be sure to check out the parade. If you don’t, check to see if there is a parade taking place near you!

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Every year, Fort Lauderdale holds its Winterfest Boat Parade. This holiday boat parade will be celebrating in a nontraditional way this year to keep all its patrons safe. Though the parade will not be taking place this year, tune into Channel 7 to watch the “Best of the Parade” special, where you can take virtual attendance at Fort Lauderdale’s biggest winter event. There will also be additional virtual events to attend leading up to the special airing on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Newport Beach, CA

The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade is a holiday boat parade that started more than 100 years ago as a Fourth of July parade and has since grown. This year, the celebrations will continue in person from December 16-20, and attendees have the option to participate virtually! This will be the first time the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade will be streamed in 112 years of the parade existing.

Charleston, SC

If you are in South Carolina or a neighboring state, Charleston’s Holiday Parade of Boats is a celebration you won’t want to miss. The best places to catch a glimpse of this holiday boat parade are from The Battery, Waterfront Park, and Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Pier. This event will have precautions in place for COVID-19.

San Francisco, CA

For a holiday boat parade with a jaw-dropping background of the Golden Gate Bridge, you will want to attend the Lighted Boat Parade at Fisherman’s Wharf. With the current climate of the year, the parade may not be happening. However, we recommend you keep it on your list for 2021!

Destin, FL

Another holiday boat parade in Florida, the Harbor Lighted Boat Parade is a Christmas tradition for many. See Santa and fireworks, as boats make their way around the Gulf of Mexico. The parade is scheduled for December 13th at 6 pm but may change with the conditions of the coronavirus.

 

Our experts at Marine Diesel Specialists wish you a safe and happy holiday season. If you are spending more time out on the water these days, we are here to keep your boat running in tip-top shape. If your vessel is due for a marine engine repower or rebuild, we have you covered. Our team provides top-quality parts, service, maintenance, and repairs for MAN engines of all sizes. As factory-authorized MAN service and parts providers, we’re ready to install and maintain your MAN engine. Contact our team today to learn more about our services. With MAN authorized service and parts facilities in Fort Lauderdale and Punta Gorda, we’re ready to care for your vessel. Call today!

Marine Diesel Specialists Celebrates Small Business Saturday

Marine Diesel Specialists Celebrates Small Business Saturday

As boating specialists, we know owning a boat can be an expensive venture — so can being a small business owner. There are more than 30 million small businesses in the United States1, with many to choose from for your mechanical needs. Marine Diesel Service has been serving the marine industry for more than 20 years, providing industry-leading expertise to our customers every step of the way. We are proud to be a small business that serves both coasts of Florida.

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Key Luxury Yachting Industry Statistics From World’s First Yachting Chat Show

Key Luxury Yachting Industry Statistics From World’s First Yachting Chat Show

The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to isolate themselves in their homes in an effort to maintain social distancing. However, do to the wonders of digital technology, the pandemic has also caused people across the world to connect like never before. The yachting industry has taken part with virtual boat shows and live streamed conferences Now there is a yachting chat show!

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COVID-19 & Ecology Take Center Stage At Yacht Club de Monaco Event

COVID-19 & Ecology Take Center Stage At Yacht Club de Monaco Event

From September 20 to September 24, Yacht Club de Monaco hosted the Monaco: Capital of Yachting Experience event. The four-day event was the center of discussions around the current health and environmental challenges faced by the luxury yacht industry and potential ways to tackle them.

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Is There A Break In A Yachting Season?

Is There A Break In A Yachting Season?

Yachting enthusiasts often look forward to the optimal times of the year to set sail. Still, it’s crucial to understand that the yachting season in South Florida and the Caribbean does experience breaks. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the yachting world, knowing when these pauses occur can help you plan your voyages more effectively. The Marine Diesel Specialists delves into the yachting calendar, highlighting peak periods, off-season breaks, and the factors influencing these fluctuations. By understanding the seasonal rhythms of yachting, you can make the most of your time on the water, ensuring safe and enjoyable sailing experiences.

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