Is it time to check your engine mounts?

Ben Sutcliffe-Davies explains what happens when these often overlooked but crucial fastenings break down and fail

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Marine engine mounts are designed to isolate engine vibration noise from the boat's structure.

They're susceptible to diesel and water leaks, should be checked regularly, and replaced every 10 years, advises marine surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies.

In the example pictured, the mount came from a 400hp inboard engine. The fault wasn’t obvious in-situ, but alarm bells rang for Ben when he put a pry bar underneath and rocked it-something he does in most surveys. A tiny amount of movement is acceptable, but anything more and there could be problems.