Engine hours

Log every hour, or the engine lies

The engine log is the boat's diary. Hours, oil, fuel, the small fixes — written down faithfully, it's the difference between a trustworthy engine and a gamble for the next owner.

hours      note at start and end of run
fuel       1.2 L/h at cruise, more if pushed
oil        check level before every start
odd noises  write them down, even faint

The hour meter is not enough

The meter says how long it ran. The log says how — at what revs, under what load, with what noise. Engines remember abuse; logs remember it honestly.

Small notes prevent big bills

"Starboard water pump weeping" in March is a £20 seal. "Starboard water pump failed" in August is a tow and a rebuild. The log is where the difference is made.