Vessel: Committee boat – Itchenor Sailing Club
Engine: Perkins 6-cylinder marine diesel
Scope of Work: Full engine rebuild to restore performance and reliability after high engine hours
The Itchenor Sailing Club depends on its committee boat to manage races and support members throughout a busy sailing calendar. After years of daily use, the Perkins 6-cylinder marine diesel engine began to lose power, produce excessive exhaust smoke and consume more fuel than normal. With thousands of operational hours logged, the most cost-effective solution was a complete marine diesel engine rebuild. Ocean Marine Services was tasked with restoring performance, reliability and efficiency so the vessel could return to service without delay.
The committee boat had been subject to heavy use, and the high hours had caused significant wear across internal components. Reduced power and sluggish acceleration were beginning to impact operational efficiency during sailing events. To add pressure, the vessel needed to be returned to service quickly in order to meet the club’s racing commitments.
Ocean Marine Services carried out a full removal and strip-down of the Perkins 6-cylinder engine at our Chichester workshop. Every major component was carefully inspected, revealing wear across piston rings, cylinder liners, bearings and valve seats. The rebuild included replacement of pistons, rings and liners, crankshaft inspection and regrind, and a complete overhaul of the cylinder head with new valve guides and seats. The fuel injection pump was serviced, injectors were reconditioned and the turbocharger was inspected and cleaned. To ensure long-term reliability, all gaskets and seals were replaced.
Once rebuilt, the engine was bench-tested to verify smooth running, correct oil pressure and optimal fuel delivery. It was then reinstalled into the committee boat before undergoing sea trials, where it demonstrated strong performance, improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The project successfully returned the Perkins 6-cylinder engine to near-factory condition. The committee boat now benefits from improved efficiency, smooth operation and reliable performance, allowing it to continue supporting the sailing club’s busy schedule without disruption. This case highlights the value of expert marine engineering and yacht maintenance in extending the life of a high-hour marine diesel engine.
“The committee boat is the heart of our race management team, and downtime is not an option. OMS Chichester did an outstanding job. The engine runs better than it has in years, and we’re back on the water ready for the season.”
A professional marine diesel rebuild can significantly extend the operational life of an engine at a fraction of the cost of replacement. With proper servicing, overhauls and attention to detail, even heavily used marine engines can continue to deliver dependable service for many years.
