Salty Podcast #85 | How Long Do Marine Diesel Engines Really Last? How to Make Yours Last Longer

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 01:36:15 +0000

🚨 LIVE TONIGHT 🚨
A diesel engine usually doesn’t die from age — it dies from neglect.

Tonight on the Salty Podcast, we’re breaking down:
⚙️ How long marine diesel engines really last
⚓ What actually makes them fail early
🔧 The simple habits that keep them running for decades

If you cruise, live aboard, or rely on your engine more than you’d like to admit, this one matters.

🎙️ Join us live tonight
🕕 6pm Central / 7pm Eastern
👉 Watch here: https://saltyabandon.com/saltypodcast85
How long do marine diesel engines really last?

In this episode of the **Salty Podcast**, we break down the real-world lifespan of marine diesel engines — not theory or marketing, but what actually determines whether an engine runs reliably for decades or fails early.

Most diesel engines don’t die from age — they die from neglect. In this conversation, we cover what truly affects engine longevity and the simple habits that make the biggest difference over time.

In this episode, we discuss:

* How long marine diesel engines typically last
* Why hours matter less than maintenance
* The most common causes of early diesel failure
* Maintenance habits that actually matter
* How sailors can make their diesel engine last longer

If you cruise, live aboard, or are considering buying a sailboat, understanding your diesel engine can mean the difference between confidence and constant stress.
---
SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL
Oct 2020 to Present: 1998 Island Packet 320
Nov 2015 - Oct 2020: 1988 Island Packet 27
Feb - Nov 2015: 1982 Catalina 25

SALTY PODCAST is LIVE every Wed at 6pm Central and is all about the love of sailing!
SUPPORT THE PODCAST: [http://patreon.com/SaltyAbandon](http://patreon.com/SaltyAbandon)
YOUTUBE PLAYLIST: [https://saltyabandon.com/saltypodcastplaylist](https://saltyabandon.com/saltypodcastplaylist)

I’m partnering with BETTER BOAT to test out some of their gear on the water. These are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

GEAR FEATURED IN MY UPCOMING VIDEOS:
🛟 Boat Fenders → [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S1PXKKR)
⚓ Dock Lines → [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS4BNYR9)
🧽 Exterior Cleaning Kit → [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BL533KR7)

OTHER BOAT GEAR:
Purisan Waste Filtration System: [https://amzn.to/4eLZCQ6](https://amzn.to/4eLZCQ6)

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST (Audio only):
Apple: [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/salty-podcast-sailing/id1732800578](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/salty-podcast-sailing/id1732800578)
Spotify: [https://open.spotify.com/show/1qUHKGBDJSiwEZUFiF6CwO](https://open.spotify.com/show/1qUHKGBDJSiwEZUFiF6CwO)
or anywhere you get your podcasts!

MY PODCAST GEAR:
HP ZBook Studio 16 inch G11 Mobile Workstation PC Wolf Pro Security Edition
HP Thunderbolt Dock 280W G4 with Combo Cable: [https://amzn.to/44c7IyG](https://amzn.to/44c7IyG)
Shure Podcast Mic: [https://amzn.to/49ndAoI](https://amzn.to/49ndAoI)
Insta360Link AI Cam: [https://amzn.to/49IuKNb](https://amzn.to/49IuKNb)
Instag360 GO3s: [https://amzn.to/46aYUK6](https://amzn.to/46aYUK6)
Mic Boom Arm: [https://amzn.to/42iVDVN](https://amzn.to/42iVDVN)
Elgato Prompter: [https://amzn.to/3LHuS5L](https://amzn.to/3LHuS5L)
Stream deck+: [https://amzn.to/3zX3m1s](https://amzn.to/3zX3m1s)
TeamGee Laptop Extender: [https://amzn.to/3G8rocK](https://amzn.to/3G8rocK)
Desktop Light Stand: [https://amzn.to/4dpvvg4](https://amzn.to/4dpvvg4)
DJI Wireless Lav Mic: [https://amzn.to/3RPqAws](https://amzn.to/3RPqAws)
DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone: [https://amzn.to/45WQtjI](https://amzn.to/45WQtjI)
Instag360 GO3s: [https://amzn.to/46aYUK6](https://amzn.to/46aYUK6)
Rodecaster Pro II Podcast Console: [https://amzn.to/49nZ2o9](https://amzn.to/49nZ2o9)

PODCAST TOOLS
Streamyard: [https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608](https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5430067749060608)

#saltyabandon #sailing #podcast #sailboat #islandpacket #saillife #sailinglife #instasailing #sailingship #sailingtrip #sailingyacht #sailingphotography #sailinginstagram #sailingday #sailingadventure #sailingpassion #smoothsailing #sailingworld #sailingaway #islandpacket #IP320