New practical app helps solve engine issues

A new app that sailors should find useful has been released by Cruising Helmsman magazine practical contributor Rupert Holmes.

"Cruising Helmsman readers will be all too aware of the reliance today’s sailors inevitably place on their engines, and also the possibility for things to go wrong," Holmes told mysailing.com.au.

"I designed the Marine Diesel Expert to give boat owners the best possible chance of rectifying problems and breakdowns without having to call on rescue services."

The Marine Diesel Expert is tagged the "app that helps you fix breakdowns afloat".

It helps boat owners quickly diagnose and fix the most common causes of engine failure, using resources easily carried on board.
 
"The app leads users straight to the heart of each problem in clear and logical steps," Holmes said.

"Unlike printed troubleshooting guides, users are able to find and focus on the content they need, without being sidetracked or confused by a welter of unnecessary information.

"An app is perfect for fault-finding and troubleshooting: the Marine Diesel Expert's easily-followed user experience is created from a matrix of 150 pages that would be impossible to link together in any kind of printed document.
 
"Although most skippers know the basics of their engine, applying this knowledge in difficult conditions at sea is always a challenge. Consequently engine failure is consistently the biggest single reason for coastguard and lifeboat calls. However, eight out of 10 breakdowns are caused by problems that can often be rectified in minutes, providing the fault is correctly diagnosed.

"With expert assistance from this app, boat owners have the best possible chance of solving engine problems they encounter and of continuing their voyage without recourse to rescue services."

The app is available now for Apple iOS devices, with Android and Blackberry versions coming soon. It costs AUS $8.99.

For more information visit: www.marinedieselexpert.com.

Holmes is a former professional sailor and instructor with more than 60,000 miles experience in all types of craft.

- Caroline Strainig