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Boat Maintenance 101

Boat Maintenance 101

Like cars, boats and yachts need regular maintenance to run efficiently. For over 20 years, our Marine Diesel Specialists in Fort Lauderdale and Gulf Coast Diesel Service in Punta Gorda have provided top-quality parts and services. With consistent marine inspections and our boat tips, you can keep your diesel engine running smoothly.

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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.

What Spare Parts Should You Keep in a Boat?

What Spare Parts Should You Keep in a Boat?

No boat owner should take his or her vessel out without a few essential tools on board. Likewise, he or she should also carry some spare parts that can make the difference between simply being stalled or flat-out getting stranded. Some things may happen out on the water that will require repairs. You would never go on a long road trip without a spare tire in your trunk or access to roadside assistance. In the same way, you should never go on a boat trip without carrying a few essential spare parts for the boat. At Marine Diesel Specialists, we want to ensure you know the crucial spare parts you need to keep on your boat while at sea.

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What To Do With Your Yacht During The COVID-19 Pandemic

What To Do With Your Yacht During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The yachting world was gearing up for an incredibly busy year in 2020, but then the coronavirus outbreak reached American shores. 1 States all over the country went on lockdown including Florida which declared a public health emergency in March.2 The island nations of the Caribbean took drastic measures to protect their citizens by closing their borders, leaving many yacht owners stuck in U.S. waters.

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Marine Diesel Specialists Is Open For Business During The Pandemic

Marine Diesel Specialists Is Open For Business During The Pandemic

Our team at Marine Diesel Specialists is taking the COVID-19 outbreak seriously. We understand the importance of keeping our customers safe and doing our part to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Our marine diesel mechanics in Fort Lauderdale also understand that our customers still need our services even during this pandemic.

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Is it Time for a Marine Engine Rebuild or Replacement?

Is it Time for a Marine Engine Rebuild or Replacement?

Maintaining your vessel’s performance requires understanding the differences between a marine engine rebuild and an engine replacement. At Marine Diesel Specialists, we help you navigate this important decision. Rebuilding a boat motor involves restoring the engine by replacing worn components, while a replacement means installing an entirely new marine engine. Factors like the engine’s condition and available options influence the choice. Our marine diesel mechanics in South Florida will guide you in making the best decision for your boat, whether reviving your current engine or opting for a new one.

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2020 New Year’s Resolutions for Boat Owners

2020 New Year’s Resolutions for Boat Owners

The end of the decade is coming up fast! 2019 has been a year of ups and downs and 2020 promises to be just as eventful. If you are a boat owner, now’s as good a time as any to start drafting up your New Year’s resolutions list.

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Boat Fuel Filter Replacement Guide

Boat Fuel Filter Replacement Guide

Proper maintenance of your boat’s fuel system is essential for smooth sailing and engine longevity. One of the most crucial yet often overlooked aspects of maintenance is boat fuel filter replacement. A clogged or worn-out fuel filter can restrict fuel flow, causing performance issues, increased fuel consumption, and even engine failure.

At Marine Diesel Specialists, we understand the importance of keeping your marine engine in top condition. Whether you own a fishing boat, yacht, or commercial vessel, knowing how to replace your boat fuel filter is a vital skill for any boat owner. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about boat fuel filter replacement to keep your engine running at peak performance.

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Tips for Naming Your Yacht or Boat

Tips for Naming Your Yacht or Boat

Serenity. Freedom. Carpe Diem. No, these aren’t cologne names, they’re popular yacht names. Whether your yacht embodies luxury or you’re naming your fishing boat, there are certain rules to follow when it comes to yacht and boat naming. As leading marine diesel engine dealers, we’ve seen yachts and boats with all types of names. But what’s the ruling on the best practices for these names? We share our tips on picking the best names for a yacht or boat.

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Preparing for Yacht Winter Season

Preparing for Yacht Winter Season

While many yacht owners up north are looking into winterizing their yachts for the colder months of the year, there are still owners who are ready to hit the water. At Marine Diesel Specialists, we know how exciting the yacht winter season can be. With a little planning, yachting in the winter can still include sunny skies and warm waters. We’re sharing our favorite tips for yachting in the winter, including wintertime yacht maintenance tips and where to yacht in the winter. 

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Tips for Transporting a Yacht by Road

Tips for Transporting a Yacht by Road

Though it’d be nice to always sail your yacht to its destinations, sometimes shipping a yacht is the only way to move it quickly and efficiently.

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Diesel Air System Maintenance Tips

Diesel Air System Maintenance Tips

Marine diesel engines are far more efficient than their gasoline counterparts, and the diesel air system within the engine is credited with a large portion of the engine’s performance. Diesel air systems are so complex on large marine vessels that there are specific starting procedures that must be followed to ensure safe system operation.

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