Saturday, February 1

Marine Diesel 101 @SF Boatworks

Come learn the basics of marine diesel engines in this hands-on workshop!

By San Francisco Boatworks

Date and time

Saturday, February 1, 2025 · 9:30am - 4:30pm PST

Location

San Francisco Boatworks

835 Terry A Francois Boulevard San Francisco, CA 94158

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 7 days before event

Eventbrite's fee is nonrefundable.

About this event

7 hours

Marine Diesel 101

Join us for a hands-on learning experience at San Francisco Boatworks. Our expert instructor Sam Middlehurst, SF Boatworks GM and CEO of Sam's Engineering Services is a master mechanic with decades of marine engine experience.

This one day class for boat owners, future boat owners, renters, drivers or anyone else interested in learning more about marine diesel engines. It's an essential class for anyone who owns, plans to own, or otherwise drives a diesel powered boat, especially if you intend to go to sea.

Some of the topics include:

How and why a diesel engine works - including cooling systems, electrical/starter, fuel injection, compression, combustion and the four-stroke cycle
The purpose and functions of various auxillary systems - Gaseaus, Raw water, Fresh water, Oil etc
Recognising the symptoms of diesel engine issues and using them to diagnose the cause of problems
Troubleshooting of basic problems and how to make emergency repairs
Performing routine engine service and inspections (Oil change, Filters, Impeller, Anodes and much more)

You can expect to leave the class with a solid handle on what makes a diesel engine tick and what you can do if things don't work as expected.

Lunch included - Please let us know in advance if you have any dietery restrictions.

Who is the class for?

This is a perfect course for both novice and seasoned boaters. The class requires no mechanical or engineering experience - If you're reading this and think you should know more about marine diesel engines, this class is for you!

Frequently asked questions

Is parking provided?

Yes, parking is available at the Boatworks. You will receive instructions by email the week before including parking instuctions.

Do I need to bring anything?

You don't need to being anything. All tools and equipment will be provided. You will have the option to purchase equipment used during the class incuding our recommended tools (some heavily discounted because after the class they will be used!).

What engine will we work on?

The class aims to cover a wide variety of diesel engines, but typically we will do the practical work on a small Yanmar or Universal engine. We'll talk about the differences and similarities between engines too.

Will you cover my perkins/volvo/cummins/lister engine?

We are happy to accomadate questions and specific requests about your engine, and many principles of diesel engines are the same across the board. Feel free to ask in advance and we can be specific.

Do you cover outboard engines?

Gas and Diesel engines are pretty similar, so we can cover some of this during the Q&A sessions in the class.

What lunch do you provide?

The Ramp restaurant will provide a basic lunch of sandwiches and appetizers. Please get in touch if you need to know more about the options or if you have any dietery restrictions.

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