Hydraulics on Yachts
Why “It Still Moves” Is a Dangerous Standard Introduction — hydraulics fail progressively, not catastrophically Hydraulic systems on yachts power some of the most critical functions onboard: steering, stabilisers, thrusters, cranes, passerelles, and deck machinery. They are valued for their smoothness, force density, and controllability. They are also highly tolerant of degradation, which makes them […]
Exhaust Systems, Backpressure & Fire Risk on Yachts
How Quiet, Hidden Exhausts Become One of the Most Dangerous Systems Onboard Introduction — exhaust systems fail where crews don’t look On yachts, exhaust systems are designed to be invisible. They are routed behind linings, insulated heavily, and engineered to minimise noise and vibration. When they work properly, no one notices them. That invisibility is […]
Spare Parts, Logistics & False Redundancy on Yachts
Why “We Have a Backup” Often Isn’t True Introduction — redundancy on yachts is often conceptual, not functional Yachts frequently claim redundancy: In practice, many of these backups are not immediately usable, not compatible, or not supported by logistics when needed. The appearance of redundancy creates confidence that reality does not support. This gap is […]
Vibration, Alignment & “Comfort Tuning” on Yachts
How Chasing Smoothness Quietly Breaks Machinery Introduction — smooth does not mean correct On yachts, vibration is treated primarily as a comfort issue. If guests feel it, it matters. If they don’t, it is often dismissed as solved. This is a dangerous oversimplification. Machinery vibration is not just noise or discomfort. It is stored mechanical […]
Cooling System Margins on Yachts
How “Normal Temperatures” Hide Serious Risk Introduction — yacht cooling systems are sized for beauty, not abuse Cooling systems on yachts are typically compact, efficient, and designed to fit tight spaces without compromising interior layouts. Under normal conditions, they perform quietly and reliably. Under abnormal conditions — warm water, fouled intakes, low speed, or high […]
Manoeuvring Failures in Tight Marinas
Why Yachts Lose Control Where Precision Matters Most Introduction — marinas compress every risk into seconds Tight marinas are where yacht propulsion systems are asked to deliver maximum precision at minimum margin. Clearances are small, consequences are immediate, and there is little room for recovery. Yet this is also where yachts operate with the greatest […]
Gearboxes, Waterjets & Pod Drives on Yachts
Manoeuvrability at the Cost of Mechanical Simplicity Introduction — yacht propulsion prioritises handling, not forgiveness Modern yachts demand: To achieve this, propulsion systems have evolved beyond simple shaft lines. Gearboxes, pod drives, and waterjets dominate the yacht sector — each bringing advantages, and each reducing tolerance to error. Gearboxes — precise and unforgiving Yacht gearboxes […]
High-Speed Engines on Yachts vs Medium-Speed Engines on Ships
High-Speed Engines on Yachts vs Medium-Speed Engines on Ships Introduction — yacht engines are optimised for image, not endurance Yacht propulsion engines are usually high-speed diesels: compact, powerful, lightweight, and capable of impressive performance in short bursts. Commercial ships, by contrast, rely largely on medium-speed engines designed for continuous, predictable duty. Both engine types are […]
Electrical Fires on Yachts
How Small Faults Become Total Losses Introduction — yacht fires escalate faster than crews expect Electrical fires on yachts rarely begin dramatically. They start as: What makes them dangerous is not ignition — it is escalation speed. Compact spaces, high combustible loads, and hidden cable routes allow small faults to grow unchecked. Why yachts are […]
Emergency Power on Yachts
What Actually Survives — and What Usually Doesn’t Introduction — “emergency power” is not the same as “power during an emergency” On yachts, emergency power is often assumed to mean “the lights stay on.” In practice, emergency power systems are designed to meet minimum regulatory intent, not to preserve full situational control. This gap between […]