Question 1

The engine is stopped, the impeller is failed, wind is 3 knots from the harbour, and you are 400m from the outer breakwater with traffic. What do you do while the impeller is being changed?

Accepted Answer

Deploy the anchor immediately to stop closing the breakwater; hoist or sheet in the mainsail if possible for manoeuvring; transmit a Pan Pan on Ch 16; display the "N over C" signal (engine failure — not under command) or sound appropriate fog/distress signals ANCHOR is the priority — you have ground tackle for exactly this situation. It stops the situation getting worse while you repair. Transmit Pan Pan — a vessel without propulsion near a harbour entrance is a genuine urgency. NUC day signals (2 balls or equivalent). If wind permits, try sailing. Do NOT assume the marina will respond quickly enough — anchor first, radio second, repair third.

Question 2

You turn the key. No cranking sound at all — complete silence. What is the most likely fault category and what do you check first?

Accepted Answer

Electrical: check battery voltage (battery monitor or multimeter); check main battery isolator switch is ON and set to the correct bank; check the engine battery is not flat; check the kill/stop control is in the RUN position No crank = electrical fault (unless the decompressor or stop control is engaged). Sequence: 1) Is the battery isolator ON and on the correct bank? 2) Is battery voltage above 12V (10.5V minimum for cranking)? 3) Is the kill/stop control fully in RUN? 4) Is the neutral safety switch in neutral? Do not proceed to fuel diagnosis until you have confirmed electricity is reaching the starter motor.

Question 3

The battery isolator has two banks (1 = House, 2 = Engine, BOTH). The switch is on BOTH. The voltage reads 11.8V. What does this tell you and what do you do?

Accepted Answer

11.8V is borderline for reliable starting — switch to Bank 2 (engine bank only) which may have more charge; reduce all electrical loads; try cranking on the dedicated engine bank A diesel starter motor needs high current (200–500A peak). 11.8V under no load may drop to 9–10V under cranking load on BOTH banks — below the starter's cut-out. Switch to the dedicated engine bank, turn off navigation instruments and VHF to reduce parasitic load, and crank in short bursts (10 seconds max) to avoid overheating the starter. If still no crank, check the starter solenoid wire and starter motor itself.