Superyacht maintenance is important, as superyachts use state of the art enginering systems.
From major components such as Prime Movers, down to the humble Induction Motor.
This blog post will look at some of those systems.
Electrical Systems
Most superyachts use diesel engines, as the prime mover.
However there are now superyacht designs with electric propulsion.
Typical systems that are found on all superyachts include lighting, steering, navigation etc.
Fuel Systems
Most superyachts are currently powered by diesel engines.
Care of the fuel system mainly consists of two things.
Firstly the fuel itself.
Regular checks of the diesel fuel is important. This forms part of the regular superyacht maintenance schedule.
Water and fuel contamination can prevent the Superyacht engines from working.
There is also the potential for the engines to be damaged, due to contaminated fuel.
The second important part of a motor yachts fuel system, that needs attention is the fuel filter.
Fuel filters are positioned inline between the fuel tanks, and the yachts prime mover (engine).
Fuel filters will be placed between the superyachts fuel tank, and the fuel pump, as well as between the fuel pump and the engine.
As the name suggests, a fuel filter filters the fuel.
Particles of only microns diameter, are filtered out.
Prime Movers
Superyacht maintenance of the prime mover, must be done in accordance with manufacturers requirements.
Regular oil changes ensure engine wear is minimised, and engine service life is maximised.
Oil forms a tiny barrier between the moving parts of the engine.
When a diesel engine s started, the oil pump inside the engine starts to pump oil around the engine.
Tiny oilways and oil galleries are built inside the engine block.
These oilways allow oil to flow round the engine and lubricate the internal components.
An example of an internal component is the ‘Main bearings’.
The engines main bearings are fed oil, which is pumped round the engine by the oil pump.
Without regular oil changes, the oil becomes less efficient at rducing friction in the engine, between the metal bearing surfaces.
This increase in friction, results in increased engine wear.