Women’s Intro to Diesels

When: TBA
Where: TBA
Cost: $425
Limited to 12 people.

Day 1: Foundation and Tools Learn about essential marine mechanic tools, their proper applications, and how to build a well-equipped toolbox for boat maintenance and repairs.

Day 2: Engine Systems and Maintenance Explore how marine diesel engines operate from fuel intake through exhaust output, including all major systems that keep your engine running smoothly. Practice hands-on maintenance skills and learn to identify potential problems before they become costly repairs.

What You’ll Learn

The course covers all fundamental aspects of marine diesel engines through easy-to-understand instruction and practical application:

  • Fuel Systems – Understanding fuel flow, basic servicing, and troubleshooting
  • Raw Water Systems – Impeller maintenance and heat exchanger operations
  • Cooling Systems – Fresh water circulation and temperature management
  • Lubrication Systems – Oil checking procedures and filter maintenance
  • Engine Components – Key parts identification and their functions
  • Preventive Maintenance – Regular service procedures to ensure reliability
  • Basic Diagnostics – Early problem detection techniques

Hands-On Learning Equipment

Participants will work directly with professional-grade tools and equipment, including:

  • Complete set of commonly used marine mechanic tools
  • Key engine components for detailed examination
  • Two Yanmar engine models (2YM20 and 3JH2 series) for practical training

Who Should Attend

This course is perfect for anyone who wants to understand their vessel’s diesel system. Whether you’ve never held a wrench or simply want to become more self-sufficient with your boat’s engine, this course will give you the confidence and knowledge to perform basic maintenance and identify issues early.

About the Instructor

Hood Sheperd grew up in S. Indiana, where even at a young age, she was obsessed with boats, learning to sail on Lake Monroe and Kentucky Lake. Throughout her twenties she canoed for a living, guiding everywhere east of the Mississippi, and was a team member in global expeditions. In her thirties, she turned to research and education in International Development, Poverty Alleviation, Women’s Empowerment, and Science / Environmental teaching. Now her focus is all things related to the Mariner’s life, understanding boat systems, and helping the people who love those boats, especially empowering women.

Most recently she’s been restoring her cutter “Saphira”, an 88′ Mason 44 in the Golden Isles, where she lives with her dog Eddy, since 2019. Hood apprenticed with Master Mechanic Andrew Orr with Mariner Marine Services for two years before working as a mechanic for Hinckley Yacht in Savannah; she now owns her own mobile education & engine repair service, specializing in small to medium diesel engines, and delivery captain. She is a Yanmar certified tech, and although enjoys keeping the little engines finely tuned, her true happy place is when the sails go up and the AUX power shuts down.