Problem 1: Engine Oil Sheen & Heat Stress
Symptoms: Light sheen at the stern after warm-up, rising oil temps on long legs, slightly rough idle.
Diagnosis: Oxidized mineral oil with depleted additive package; micro-leaks around gaskets exaggerated by heat cycles.
Solution:

• Performed a complete engine flush to remove varnish and residues.
• Replaced with a biodegradable engine oil featuring high VI (viscosity index) and robust anti-wear chemistry.
• Verified pressure, temperature, and idle smoothness on sea trial.

Result: No visible sheen on docking, 3–4°C lower oil temps under cruise load, smoother idle, and better hot-start behavior.

Problem 2: Hydraulic Trim & Passerelle Weeps
Symptoms: Dampness near ram seals, sporadic trim lag.
Diagnosis: Hydraulic fluid oxidized; seal compatibility marginal with older mineral stock.
Solution:

• Drained and flushed all lines, rams, and reservoir.
• Refilled with eco-friendly hydraulic fluid formulated for marine elastomers.
• Reseated fittings and replaced two aged seals.

Result: Trim response normalized, passerelle movement became consistently smooth, and bilge absorbents remained clean after 30 hours of operation.

Problem 3: Winch & Bearing Drag
Symptoms: Audible chatter under load, noticeable hand-feel friction.
Diagnosis: Old grease contaminated with salt microcrystals; inadequate water washout resistance.
Solution:

• Disassembled winches and key deck bearings.
• Cleaned, inspected for pitting, and packed with biodegradable marine grease offering superior water washout and corrosion protection.

Result: Quieter operation, reduced handle effort, and crisper engagement under gusty loads.

Problem 4: Gearbox Shift Harshness
Symptoms: Slight notchiness shifting into gear after prolonged idle.
Diagnosis: Gear oil shear loss; reduced extreme-pressure (EP) performance.
Solution:

• Drained and refilled with biodegradable gear lubricant meeting marine EP specs.
• Checked alignment, backlash, and linkage travel; made minor cable tension adjustments.

Result: Smoother, more predictable shifting and lower gearbox temperature rise during extended maneuvering.

Problem 5: Steering & Throttle Cable Stiffness
Symptoms: Increasing steering effort, throttle not fully returning to neutral.
Diagnosis: Contaminated lubricant film; early corrosion at cable ends.
Solution:

• Cleaned housings, treated cable cores, and applied eco-friendly cable lubricant.
• Inspected for fray; replaced one throttle cable end and resealed boots.

Result: Light, linear steering feel and reliable throttle return—immediate improvement at the helm.

Why Biodegradable Lubricants Worked Here

• Environmental protection: Rapid biodegradation minimized risk to marine life in Boka Bay.
• Performance: High thermal stability and low friction improved efficiency across systems.
• Compliance: The switch supported local and charter-market expectations for greener operations in Montenegro.
• Lifecycle gains: Better film strength and corrosion resistance reduced wear, aligning with preventive yacht maintenance best practices.

The yachtservice.me Approach (Montenegro)
Our yacht service Montenegro process combined a technical audit with product matching to system demands:

1. System-by-system inspection (engine, hydraulics, gearbox, deck gear, cables).
2. Compatibility check for seals, elastomers, and metals.
3. Deep flushing to remove legacy residues and varnish.
4. Targeted refills with vetted biodegradable lubricants.
5. Sea trial validation with thermals, pressures, and acoustic checks logged.
6. Owner handover & care plan, including top-up intervals and visual leak checks.

Results After 60 Hours & One Month Afloat

• Zero visible sheens on return to berth.
• Quieter engine note at idle and smoother gearbox engagement.
• No hydraulic drips observed; bilge pads dry.
• Noticeably lighter winch operation under load.
• Positive feedback from the skipper and charter guests.

The owner also appreciated that all work was performed locally as yacht repair Tivat, minimizing downtime and travel logistics.

Conclusion & Call to Action
Switching to biodegradable lubricants doesn’t mean compromising performance—it means upgrading it while protecting the waters you love. If you operate in Boka Bay or along the Montenegrin coast, our Boka Bay yacht service team can audit, convert, and validate every lubricated system on board. For a cleaner wake, smoother shift, and quieter deck gear, book your conversion with yachtservice.me—the local specialists in yacht maintenance and eco-smart performance.
Ready to go green without losing speed? Contact yachtservice.me to schedule your biodegradable lubrication audit and conversion in Tivat today.