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Brass and corrosion: Important information for your boat
Over the years, brass has become a favourite for various applications, from decorative items and musical instruments to marine parts, plumbing fittings, and electronic components. However, brass also presents its challenges, especially in damp and salty environments.
Brass corrosion can have serious consequences for the safety and functionality of crucial components, such as skin fittings and seacocks. This blog tells you all about the properties of brass, the causes of corrosion, and how CR brass offers the definitive solution for durable and safe application in damp environments.
How to replace a V-belt on a marine engine
If you regularly sail, you’ll know how important it is to keep your marine engine running smoothly. The V-belt plays a crucial role in this. This seemingly small component is responsible for driving vital systems such as the alternator, water pump, and sometimes even the power steering pump.
How to Replace Your Boat’s Damper plate
When the damper plate becomes worn out, problems can arise such as vibrations, noises, and uneven propulsion. This blog explains why and when you need to replace a damper plate, how to do it, and how to choose the right damper plate for your boat.
Making your boat electric: your boat with electric propulsion
More and more Dutch people are enjoying the convenience of electric boating. Do you also want to make your boat electric? You can! With modern propulsion systems, powerful battery packs, and smart solutions from AB Marine Service, you can convert your own boat and sail whisper-quiet from now on.
Bleeding a diesel engine: done in 7 steps
A diesel engine on your boat is reliable but can cut out if air gets into the fuel system. This can happen after replacing the fuel filter, when the fuel tank runs dry, or due to a leak.
Smoking diesel engine: how do you fix that?
A smoking diesel engine on your boat can be a worrying problem. Not only is the smoke a nuisance, but it often indicates underlying issues with the engine. A quick diagnosis can prevent a lot of damage and costly repairs. Therefore, it’s important to understand what the different types of smoke mean and how to resolve them.
Replacing a Constant Velocity (CV) joint: how to do it
In this blog, you’ll learn all about replacing a CV joint boot on a boat. What are the symptoms of wear? What parts do you need? How do you approach the installation? And where can you buy suitable products?
Low oil pressure on your boat? Here’s your step-by-step guide.
In this blog, we’ll explain what low oil pressure means, how to spot it, and what you can do about it. That way, you’ll know exactly what to do if this problem occurs.
Oil viscosity: how to choose the right oil for your boat’s engine
Engine oil viscosity is one of the most important properties of engine oil, determining how well the oil flows at different temperatures. The correct viscosity depends on your engine and the conditions in which you are sailing. Oil that is too thick offers too much resistance and can make the engine difficult to start when cold. Oil that is too thin may not provide sufficient lubrication, leading to faster wear of engine parts.
How to change the coolant on your inboard engine: a step-by-step guide and tips
When did you last change the coolant on your inboard engine? Some boat owners can tell you this immediately, while others have to dig deep to recall. If your answer is close to ‘I don’t know’, then this blog is for you.
Parallel or series connection? Wiring up batteries on your boat
Connecting multiple batteries is fundamentally done in two ways: parallel wiring or series wiring. But what’s the difference between these two methods? And which method best suits your needs? In […]
Charging a boat battery: how do you get the battery full?
You’ve had a lovely day out on the water, the engine has been running nicely, and you assume your battery will be fully charged again. Yet, after a few days ashore, you notice the fridge is struggling, the lights are dimmer, or starting the engine takes just a little longer. How can that be?
Replacing the impeller, it’s that simple
Replacing the impeller is one of the most crucial maintenance jobs for your boat. Fortunately, replacing the impeller is a job you can easily do yourself. Whether you’re dealing with a worn-out impeller or one that’s broken, this guide will help you step by step.
Outboard motor not cooling? Causes and solutions
Perhaps you’ve experienced it before: you’re enjoying a nice boat trip when you notice the engine suddenly sounds different, and you see no water jet coming from the cooling water outlet. The temperature is rising, and the problem is clear: your outboard motor is not cooling.
Trim tabs: improve your sailing with the Zipwake system
Imagine this: you’re out on your boat on a gloriously sunny day, the water as still as glass. The perfect time for a leisurely cruise. But then you notice a bit of a wobble at lower speeds, a bit of a bounce at higher speeds, and that you’re also guzzling fuel. What a waste!
Clean your diesel engine: follow our handy step-by-step guide
Every boat needs a bit of regular TLC, and that goes for the engine too. Without attention, dirt and build-up can lead to poor combustion, loss of power, and in the long run, damage.
Replacing your diesel engine’s fuel pump: here’s how to do it
Is your boat’s diesel engine not running smoothly anymore or is it starting with difficulty? Then a faulty feed pump could be a possible cause. In that case, it’s wise to replace that pump quickly to prevent bigger problems.
Blown head gasket on your boat engine? Here’s how to fix it!
A blown head gasket is always a pain. You might be enjoying a nice boat trip and suddenly see white smoke puffing out of the exhaust. It could also be that your coolant level is dropping faster than usual or getting mixed with your engine oil. Sometimes, you’ll also notice the engine overheating or losing power. In all these situations, a blown head gasket could be the culprit.
Installing a boiler on your boat: the clever way to do it
For many people, a boat is like a second home, but on the water. And just like in your home, you’d rather not be without hot water. Installing a water heater on your boat provides more comfort and is often very practical.
Efficiently treat your underwater hull for optimal protection
If you own a boat, you’ll know that maintenance never stops. One important part not to overlook here is treating the underwater hull. This part of your boat really takes a battering.
Connecting a Bilge Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Installation
With a boat, there are countless ways water can find its way in. Some rainwater often ends up in the bilge. The solution for dampness and dirt in the bilge is a reliable bilge pump.
Charging a Lithium battery with a dynamo: how to do it safely and responsibly
When switching to lithium batteries for your boat or motorhome, one question is paramount: how do you safely charge them via the dynamo? At first glance, it seems straightforward. The engine is running, the dynamo is supplying power, and the battery is charging. In reality, it’s a bit more complicated.
Breakdown on the water
Failures in your engine, collision with a sandbank, a fuel leak… these and other issues cause major problems while sailing and are the nightmare for many a skipper. You can […]
Water-lubricated propeller shaft leaks
To function, your ship’s propeller shaft runs from inside to outside, through the hull. Of course, this component is built and installed so that your vessel does not fill up […]
How to connect a boat alternator
Does the indicator light on your dashboard stay on or does the battery not have the energy to start the engine after a while? Then is it time to replace […]
How to replace your boat’s fuel filter
Replacing your boat’s fuel filter is a crucial part of maintaining your diesel engine. This filter prevents impurities, such as dirt and water, from reaching the engine via the fuel. […]
When should I change the fuel filter of my diesel engine?
When there is water, diesel bacteria (sludge) or dirt (under) in or on the fuel tank, it is time to replace the boat’s engine fuel filter. Therefore, check the filters […]
How to test and replace glow plugs in the diesel engine of my ship or boat
What are glow plugs? A marine diesel engine has electric glow plugs that help it start when cold. Diesel engines use spontaneous combustion by compressing oxygen and fuel. Just before […]
How to install an inboard engine?
Are you going to install or re-install an inboard engine yourself? Then prepare yourself well, start with the basics and start measuring. Then you can replace an engine with minimal […]
I have a 12V battery, but the alternator says 14V. What is the difference?
In boats, you have got 6V systems (old, but still common), 12V and 24V systems. The 12V is most common in pleasure cruising and 24V is found in larger ships […]
Is your expansion vessel or cooling system running empty?
Is the expansion vessel or cooling system (slowly) losing pressure? It could be a leak in either direction. First make sure that there is no leak to the outside of […]
Starting problems? 3 tips to fix.
Here are some tips in the event that you have a battery-related problem or a malfunction in the starting system. If the engine of your boat has little or no […]
To load batteries, battery separator
Charge the starter motor battery and the light mains battery simultaneously without being connected. Yes, that is possible! You spent all day on the water and have made good use […]
Dry and wet exhaust.
The difference between a wet and dry exhaust explained!Compare a dry exhaust to the exhaust pipe of the car: a pipe with a flexible connecting piece on the exhaust manifold, […]
A flexible engine set-up
Vibration-free sailing is for relaxation! Ever made a lovely boat trip, but eased down on the throttle after a while because of all the noise? After all, for a stress-free […]
Slime strings and clogged fuel filters.
Slime strings & clogged fuel filters. Diesel bacteria: for those who are unfamiliar with this phenomenon, we can assure that prevention is better than cure. Anyone who has experienced it […]
How to replace a starter motor yourself, in 3 steps
How to replace a starter motor A starter motor that is too slow, lacks power, or doesn’t do anything at all? Time to replace it. You can do this job […]
















































