[Doug in Bermuda]

This topic was just kicked around a boating forum that I frequent. Boat diesel engines have a tougher life than road vehicles. With the effort required to overcome the resistance of the water, they are always in effect pushing their loads uphill. There are no flat spots, no coasting downhills getting a break.

Most of us give our engines at least 5 or 10 minutes 'cool down' period after running hard. For most this will be during the period of traveling from open water to our berths in a restricted near idle speed area.