First Coast Marine Services

Quick Service Guaranteed

Inboard Repairs & Services

You pop the cover and there is sits looking much the same as your automobile engine. Well trust me, there is more looking like than there is actually like.

First you might notice getting to various areas of the engine is a little tight. And unlike in an automobile you can't get to it from underneath the boat. Makes changing the oil a little different kind of a project, doesn't it? Notice there is no radiator. The engine is stilled cooled by a liquid circulating through it the routing is different. Mess that up and you can pump gallons of water into the boat in no time at all. Most systems take up water through inlets in the hull, circulates it through the engine, and then dumps it back overboard. Some, however, use a heat exchanger. This is similar in design to what is use in an atomic plant to keep the outside coolant from contaminating the core system. With a heat exchange system the engine never has lake or ocean water circulating in it. That keeps it from building up obstructions caused by the heating of the mineral or salt content of the outside water.

An automobile engine is designed to operate at under 50% of its maximum RPM while a boat engine is usually operated at 80% or above of its maximum RPM. This of course requires different specifications from the familiar family auto even if the engine is made by the same company.

Bottom line is that no matter how good you are with your automobile or motorcycle the boat engine is a different animal. Give us a call if you are having a problem and we will get you back on the water quickly. Better yet, give us a buzz now and let us check that you aren't going to find you need us while 10 miles from the dock.

Call Eric (904) 563-3885

First Coast Marine Services home Page