Broken Down at Sea? What to Do and Who to Call
A breakdown at sea doesn’t have to become an emergency. Here is what to do step by step, when to call Salvamento Marítimo and when a marine assistance service is the right call.
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Sea Ray, Fairline, Sunseeker and Princess: Caring for Classic Sports Cruisers
British and American sports cruisers under 12 metres are popular on the Spanish coast, often bought second-hand. Here is what they need to stay reliable in the Med.
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Beneteau, Jeanneau, Quicksilver and Bayliner: An Owner’s Servicing Guide
These four brands make up a huge share of the motorboats under 12 metres on the Costa Cálida and Mar Menor. Here is what to look out for on each, and how to keep them in top condition.
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Common Marine Electrical Problems and How to Fix Them
Flat batteries, corroded connections, dead bilge pumps and mystery faults. Here are the electrical problems we fix most often on motorboats, and how to avoid them.
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Why Is My Boat Engine Overheating? Causes and Fixes
An overheat alarm is the most common breakdown we attend in summer. Here are the usual causes, what to check on the water and how to stop it happening again.
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Marine Diesel Engines: Servicing Volvo Penta, Yanmar, Cummins and Nanni
Diesels power many motor cruisers and fishing boats of all sizes. Here is what Volvo Penta, Yanmar, Cummins, Nanni and other marine diesels need to stay reliable.
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MerCruiser and Volvo Penta Sterndrives: Servicing Petrol Engines
Many sports boats and cruisers run petrol sterndrives from MerCruiser or Volvo Penta. Here is what they need, the failures we see most and how to prevent them.
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Outboard Engine Servicing: Yamaha, Mercury, Suzuki, Honda and Tohatsu Compared
Most motorboats under 12 metres on this coast run outboards. Here is what each major brand needs at service time, the weak points we see and how to keep them running in the Med.
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How to Winterise Your Motorboat on the Costa Cálida and Costa Blanca
Our winters are mild, but laying up a boat badly still causes expensive spring surprises. Here is how to winterise a motorboat properly in south-east Spain, step by step.
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Antifouling in the Mediterranean: When, What Type and How Often
Warm Mediterranean water grows weed and barnacles fast. Here is how to choose the right antifouling, when to apply it and how to make it last on the Costa Cálida and Mar Menor.
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Routine Motorboat Maintenance Every Owner Should Do
Ten minutes before and after every trip prevents most of the breakdowns we see. Here are the simple checks every motorboat owner can do without tools or training.
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What Should Your Boat Mechanic Actually Do? A Guide for Owners
Knowing what a good marine mechanic should do, and what to ask, protects your boat and your wallet. Here is what to expect before, during and after a service or repair.
