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Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival 2026
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
*Additional ticket purchase required for this paid workshop. Purchase workshop tickets here


When your engine fails—especially far from help—what do you do?
For many boaters, the answer is uncertainty. For those with the right knowledge, it’s often: figure it out and get moving again.
Nigel Calder has spent decades helping boat owners do exactly that.
In this workshop, Nigel breaks down how diesel engines work—and how to diagnose the most common problems you’re likely to encounter. From overheating and loss of power to strange vibrations, smoke, or an engine that simply won’t start, you’ll learn how to identify what’s going wrong and what to do about it.
You don’t need to be a mechanic. With a clear understanding of core systems and a few practical techniques—including simple multimeter tests—you can troubleshoot most issues you’ll face on the water.
Over the years, Nigel has heard from countless sailors who were able to get themselves back up and running in remote places thanks to this knowledge.
This workshop is designed to give you that same confidence.
Whether you’re preparing for extended cruising or simply want to better understand your boat, this is practical knowledge you can carry with you—wherever you go.
This workshop is the second of two complementary diesel sessions on Thursday. Each can be taken independently, but together they provide a deeper understanding of diesel engines.

Speakers
avatar for Nigel Calder

Nigel Calder

For decades, Nigel Calder has been one of the most trusted voices in marine systems—helping boat owners understand, maintain, and troubleshoot the systems they rely on. His books and teaching have guided countless sailors toward greater confidence and self-sufficiency on the water.Nigel... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Technical Stage

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