Diesel & Electrical for the offshore cruiser

Instructor: Michael Beemer

Cruisers College will offer a combination of diesel and electrical topics for the offshore sailor. The further you venture, the more important it is to understand these critical systems. Diesel engines are really reliable pieces of machinery if you do a few simple things like clean fuel and cooling system maintenance. Electrical systems, as every sailor knows, are critical for safety and comfort.  Let’s work on “Keeping it Alive” for these two systems.

Sample of topics covered:

• Required Engine maintenance for extended cruising
• Required maintenance/inspection for running gear & machinery
• Spare engine parts worth considering
• How-to demonstrations for changing fuel filters & engine inspections
• Electrical systems that work – how to design, monitor, & extend life.
• Pre-departure testing of key electrical systems
• Basic wiring techniques:  Proper wire selection, termination, and tools for repairs underway
• How to demonstrations for multi-meter use and selection
• Early warning signs for engines & electrical systems

Michael Beemer is department chair for Skagit Valley College’s marine maintenance and repair program. Michael has been presenting and teaching professionally for almost 20 years and holds a master’s degree in education. At the college he teaches all the systems courses, including ABYC certifications. He and his wife have cruised extensively from Anacortes to southeast Alaska for many years on their motor-sailer. In the cruising community, Michael is well known as “The Boat Doctor” who can diagnose and fix almost anything on a vessel. Some of the many topics he has done include: diesel engines, electrical systems, solar, new battery technologies, extended inside passage cruising, and more.