Absolute Marine Technical Guides
Understanding how your yacht works is one of the best investments you can make as an owner.
The Absolute Marine Technical Guide series has been created to explain the systems found on modern cruising yachts in a clear, practical and owner-focused way. Each guide explores how a system works, why it matters offshore, common failure points, maintenance considerations and the questions every owner should be asking.
Whether you're preparing for extended cruising, reviewing a survey report, planning maintenance or simply wanting to better understand your yacht, these guides are designed to help you make more informed decisions.
The library is organised by system, allowing you to download the guides most relevant to your yacht or work through the complete collection at your own pace.
These guides are provided free of charge as an educational resource. They are intended to improve understanding and should not be considered a substitute for professional inspection, manufacturer guidance or qualified engineering advice where appropriate.
Core systems
· Understanding Yacht Fuel Systems
· Understanding Bilge Systems
· Understanding Marine Electrical Systems
· Understanding Electrical Redundancy
· Understanding Generators and Load Management
· Understanding Fire Detection and Suppression Systems
· Understanding Hydraulic Systems
· Understanding Steering Systems
· Understanding Stabiliser Systems
· Understanding Freshwater Systems
· Understanding Watermakers
· Understanding Waste and Blackwater Systems
Propulsion and machinery
· Understanding Marine Diesel Engines
· Understanding Engine Cooling Systems
· Understanding Exhaust Systems
· Understanding Gearboxes and Marine Transmissions
· Understanding Shaft Lines, Bearings and Propellers
· Understanding Engine-Room Ventilation
· Understanding Lubrication Systems
· Understanding Fuel Transfer and Day-Tank Arrangements
Electrical and control systems
· Understanding Battery Banks and Charging Systems
· Understanding Inverters and Shore Power
· Understanding AC and DC Distribution
· Understanding Bonding, Earthing and Galvanic Protection
· Understanding Load Shedding and Blackout Recovery
· Understanding Monitoring and Alarm Systems
· Understanding Automation and Vessel-Control Systems
Safety and damage-control systems
· Understanding Emergency Bilge Pumping
· Understanding Watertight Integrity
· Understanding Seacocks and Through-Hull Fittings
· Understanding Fire Pumps and Fire Mains
· Understanding Emergency Shutdown Systems
· Understanding Fixed and Portable Firefighting Equipment
· Understanding Emergency Power Systems
Comfort systems with offshore implications
· Understanding Air-Conditioning and Chilled-Water Systems
· Understanding Heating Systems
· Understanding Refrigeration Systems
· Understanding Ventilation and Dehumidification
Navigation and communications
· Understanding Marine Navigation Systems
· Understanding Radar
· Understanding AIS
· Understanding Autopilot Systems
· Understanding VHF, SSB and Satellite Communications
· Understanding Emergency Communications Equipment
Specialist Systems
· Understanding Bow and Stern Thrusters
· Understanding Gyroscopic Stabilisers
· Understanding Fin Stabilisers
· Understanding Active Ride-Control Systems
· Understanding Dynamic Positioning on Private Yachts
· Understanding Compressed-Air Systems
· Understanding Tender-Lifting and Crane Systems
· Understanding Fuel Polishing Systems
· Understanding Greywater Treatment Systems
· Understanding Hull Cathodic Protection