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Gillen Yacht Team Are Experts In Engine Room Ventilation.

As vessels continue to increase in both power and size, proper engine room ventilation is critical. Delta T Systems is the choice for many of the new boat builders. Proper ventilation not only is critical to maintaining the life of your engine, generator and vessel equipment, but is also a major factor in engine efficiency resulting in reduced fuel consumption. Gillen Yacht Services, works directly with Delta T Systems engineers to both service existing systems and retrofit new solutions in both Ventilation and elimination of moisture in engine rooms.

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It’s A Wrap

FINISHED MOTOR YACHT IMPERVIOUS PROJECT

Many of you may remember Motor Yacht IMPERVIOUS that served as the company’s showcase vessel for over a decade. The vessel was sold three years ago to a cruising couple and resides in DC. Recently she returned for her first yard period since her purchase and an upgrade to her Engine Room ventilation system was on the list. Below is the customers’ account of the project:

“We came to Gillen Yacht Services to correct problems we were having in our engine room with heat buildup and spray intake in moderate/rough seas. Our old vent design did not allow enough circulation of fresh air or block significant amounts of saltwater spray from coating the equipment, engines, bilges, etc. which caused hours of clean up after almost every trip. Dave Gillen Sr. immediately suggested a complete solution – installation of custom-made Delta-T Moisture Eliminators and Axial Flow Fans for a robust new engine room ventilation system. This new system with high-speed fans on the Port and Starboard sides circulate high volumes of fresh air in and out of our engine room and the baffle design eliminated nearly all saltwater spray intake. The customization also allowed us to incorporate our clothes dryer ventilation into the design. We were very pleased with the results and highly recommend Gillen Yacht Services for all your marine service and refit needs.”

Employee Spotlight

 SPENCER FLEMING

Engine room ventilation systems such as the one installed on IMPERVIOUS require a team of specialists to accomplish. The controls of the Delta T System are wired and programmed by technician Spencer Fleming who while employed by the company has completed the highest levels of ABYC and NEMA Electrical Certifications as well as certifications for Garmin/Navico and Simrad. Spencer is also a proud new father.

IMAGE: Lead Tech & Job Foreman Carlos Viches performing a mechanical survey on a pair of Caterpillar 350B Engines.

Dave Senior’s Boating Tips

IMPORTANCE OF PROPER ENGIN ROOM VENTILATION

For this newsletter, to keep the engine room ventilation theme going, I have decided to talk about one of the least exciting systems on your boat- Engine room ventilation. Engine room ventilation serves two purposes. The first is to supply fresh air to the main engines and generators they require to operate, and second is to help keep the machinery spaces cool. On most modern, high horsepower yachts, the air required to run the engines is significant. Most boats have both intake and exhaust fans.

For the most part, maintenance of these systems is minimal. Failures are normally due to fans becoming corroded or accumulating debris, which causes an imbalance that could lead to motors premature failure. Servicing is often overlooked due to how difficult the fans can be to access. On larger boats that require a frequency drive to operate the motor, it is important the drive is working properly. Basic frequency drive preventative maintenance is performed by simply keeping the drive clean and cool, assuring the connections are tight and of course keep the unit dry. Any water spray needs to be addressed, especially if the spray is saltwater. It is a good idea to spray the wire connections with a product like Boshield (this is also recommended for the drives operating other equipment as well, such as air conditioning units). For most large electric motors / compressors the GYS, electrical department utilizes frequency drives, the advantages of them are significant.

The air intake component of the ventilation system is where we have witnessed some of the biggest issues impacting engine room corrosion and main engine performance. On countless pre-purchase sea trial surveys in the right sea conditions, we see saltwater pouring into the engine room resulting in substantial corrosion damage. In addition, the high temperature is evident due to the paint color discoloration of engine air intakes, hydraulic tanks, chiller compressors and other engine room systems.

Fortunately, there are remedies available. Delta “T” manufactures a remarkable air intake system called the “Moisture Eliminator” that can be retrofitted on most vessels. Many premier boat builders now include Delta “T” moisture eliminators and fan systems as original equipment such as Viking, Grand Banks, Horizon, just to name a few.

It is important to remember that any saltwater spray, leaks, or drips from any source should be addressed immediately after a trip. We like to rinse using Salt Away, then drying the space with the engine room fans at max setting.

Call us for advice on what you can or cannot spray freshwater or Salt Away on. Or for more specifics on how we can help you keep your engine room and its equipment in top shape contact us.

Talk To Dave & Contact Us About Your Next Project!

Wheels UP!

FLYING INTO LAKE CHARLES, LA.

Recently the GYS Aircraft was spotted flying into Lake Charles, LA. A client evaluating a specialty research vessel hired Gillen Yacht Services Aviation Department to fly the Captain and GYS personnel to perform a condition evaluation of the vessel for its potential research application.

Need service or parts in a remote destination? You might find Gillen Yacht Services Aviation Department an effective solution.

IMAGE: Dave Gillen Sr. loading Gillen Yacht plane for Lake Charles, LA.