Solved problems
Each one gives the symptom, the cause, and a short summary of the fix. Confirmed fix pages come from member cases where the fix was confirmed, shared anonymously. Crew answer pages are written by Sailor Cruiser crew.
Forward gear engages only some of the time, reverse is fine, and gearbox fluid is OK. The confirmed cause was the shift cable's outer jacket slipping in its clamp bracket at the gearbox.
Read the fixShower sump water pushes into the main bilge through a shared discharge manifold. The usual fix is a dedicated above-waterline through-hull for each shower sump pump.
Read the fixTwo meter checks cover most NMEA 2000 faults: about 12 V between NET-S and NET-C with power on, and about 60 ohms between NET-H and NET-L with power off. Includes a DIY inline tester sketch.
Read the fixMost marine diesel overheating starts in the raw-water circuit: a blocked strainer, a worn impeller, or a clogged exhaust elbow. Check the flow first, then work from the seacock to the exhaust.
Read the fixIf battery voltage doesn't rise with the engine running, check the belt, fuses and connections first, then test whether the regulator is sending field voltage to the alternator.
Read the fixA click means the control circuit works but full power isn't reaching the motor. Measure voltage at the contactor and motor under load; worn contactors and voltage drop are the usual causes.
Read the fixPersistent head odor usually comes from permeated sanitation hose, a blocked holding-tank vent, or seawater left standing in the flush lines. A hot-rag test on the hose finds the first.
Read the fixLow watermaker output usually comes from clogged prefilters, an intake air leak, colder seawater or a fouled membrane. Check flow and filters first; clean the membrane only per the maker's procedure.
Read the fixMost 12 V fridge failures on boats are low voltage at the compressor controller or poor condenser airflow. A test LED on the controller shows an error code.
Read the fixAn autopilot that weaves or drifts usually has a compass that needs calibrating or moving, slop in the steering, or a boat that is overpowered. Fix the basics before changing pilot settings.
Read the fixPoor VHF range is usually a corroded connector, wet coax or a damaged antenna rather than the radio. Inspect the connections and test the antenna system with an SWR meter.
Read the fixAn ELCI trip means leakage current, not overload. Usual causes: a neutral-to-ground bond aboard, a failing water heater element, or moisture. Add loads one at a time to find it.
Read the fixA packed stuffing box should drip a few drops a minute underway and little or none at rest. A face-type dripless seal should be dry at rest. Here's how to adjust or service each one safely.
Read the fixLooking for the basics? The ten public troubleshooting guides cover battery banks, alternators, breakers, corrosion, networks, shore power, inverters and more.
This page is the short version. Members ask about their own boat and gear, get a guided fix matched to their equipment, and keep every case on file.