Yacht Engine Repairs
Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Poole, Worthing, Brighton
At Motive Marine, we specialise in expert yacht engine repairs across Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, and the wider South Coast.
Whether you're dealing with minor engine issues or require major repairs, our experienced marine engineers are here to help.
With decades of hands-on experience, a mobile team, and access to genuine parts, we deliver fast, reliable, and professional services to get your yacht back on the water - where it belongs.
Common Yacht Engine Issues We Fix
Over time, even the most reliable yacht engines can develop problems. At Motive Marine, we’ve seen it all and fixed it all. Here are some of the most frequent issues we help our clients resolve:
Overheating is one of the most common and potentially damaging yacht engine issues. It is often caused by blockages in the raw water intake, faulty impellers, or a failing heat exchanger. Left unchecked, it can lead to warped engine parts and catastrophic failure.
If your temperature gauge is spiking or your engine is shutting down unexpectedly, it’s essential to get it looked at quickly. We’ll run full diagnostics and restore your cooling system to full working order to avoid long-term damage and costly rebuilds.
Issues within your yacht’s fuel system can range from clogged filters and degraded fuel lines to water contamination and injector faults. Symptoms often include rough running, loss of power, or complete failure to start.
We carry out comprehensive fuel diagnostics, clean injectors, replace filters, and ensure your tank and lines are clear of debris and moisture. Clean, consistent fuel delivery is essential to your engine’s health, and we’ll make sure it’s up to standard.
A yacht’s electrical system is vital for ignition, charging, and instrumentation. Corrosion, poor connections, or battery degradation can cause a range of problems from slow cranking to complete power failure.
We test alternators, wiring harnesses, battery health, and grounding points to identify faults. Whether your engine won’t start or your gauges are giving false readings, we’ll get your electrical system back to dependable condition.
Unexpected noises or vibrations when underway often indicate underlying mechanical issues. These can stem from worn engine mounts, misaligned prop shafts, or damaged bearings and couplings.
Our engineers carry out alignment checks and vibration analysis to locate the source of the problem. Early diagnosis not only improves comfort but prevents progressive damage to your drivetrain and hull.
A noticeable drop in engine performance, sluggish acceleration, or reduced top speed can point to several issues, from blocked air filters and fouled propellers to turbocharger faults or restricted exhaust flow.
Our team will assess your intake, fuel delivery, and exhaust systems to determine the cause of poor performance. We’ll restore your engine’s output and ensure it’s running at maximum efficiency.
Hydrolock occurs when water enters your engine cylinders, often via the exhaust system or through a failed head gasket. When this happens, your engine may lock up completely or suffer severe internal damage.
We provide immediate inspections, remove water from the combustion chamber, and assess whether internal components have been affected. Timely intervention can often prevent a full engine rebuild and get you back out on the water sooner.
Yacht Engine Repair Services
At Motive Marine, we provide a full suite of yacht engine repair services designed to support both leisure craft and commercial vessels. Whether your engine needs a quick tune-up, a full diagnostic check, or emergency attention, we tailor our services to meet your boat's specific requirements. Our goal is to minimise downtime, prevent unexpected failures, and keep your yacht operating efficiently and safely - season after season.
We’re equipped to work on a wide range of engine types and manufacturers, from modern fuel-injected systems to older carburettor-based models, and everything in between.
Routine Maintenance & Servicing
Regular engine maintenance is essential for extending the life of your yacht and ensuring trouble-free cruising. Our comprehensive maintenance packages are designed to catch potential problems before they escalate - helping you avoid costly repairs and breakdowns at sea.
We perform full engine servicing, including oil and filter changes, coolant system flushing, impeller replacements, belt inspections, and fuel system treatment. We also carry out performance checks to make sure your engine is running smoothly and efficiently.
Whether you’re preparing for a long voyage or just want peace of mind for weekend sailing, routine servicing is one of the best investments you can make for your yacht.
Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
Modern marine engines are complex, and identifying faults quickly requires both expertise and the right equipment. At Motive Marine, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to read error codes, analyse system performance, and identify both mechanical and electronic issues.
Whether you’re experiencing loss of power, unusual vibrations, or persistent warning lights on your control panel, we can accurately trace the root cause. Our engineers combine years of hands-on knowledge with advanced tools to make informed repair recommendations—saving you time, frustration, and unnecessary expense.
Emergency Yacht Engine Repairs
Breakdowns don’t wait for a convenient moment—and when they happen on the water, they can quickly escalate into a major inconvenience or safety concern. That’s why we offer fast-response emergency engine repairs to get you back up and running with minimal delay.
If you’ve experienced engine failure while at berth, mid-journey, or out at anchor, our technicians can mobilise to your location throughout Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, and surrounding marinas or mooring points. We carry a wide range of tools and parts, allowing us to handle most emergency repairs on-site, even in challenging conditions.
Mobile Yacht Engine Repairs
For ultimate convenience, we bring our workshop to you. Our mobile repair service covers a wide radius across the South Coast and is ideal for customers who need engine diagnostics, servicing, or repairs without the hassle of moving their vessel.
Our vans are fully equipped with diagnostic tools, spare parts, and everything our engineers need to complete a wide range of tasks directly at your mooring, marina, or dry dock. Whether your boat is in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, or further afield, we’ll work around your schedule to get the job done on-site.
Mobile servicing is a great option for boat owners who want minimal disruption to their routine and peace of mind that professional help is just a call away.
If you need yacht engine repairs in Southampton or along the South Coast, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Call 02380 232 009 for expert marine engine services in Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Poole, Worthing, and Brighton.