Apart from being an internationally respected authority on marine electrical systems and electronics, the author is a sailor and also spent some of his career in the offshore oil industry. Boat Diesel Engines is another of his slim-line books in the Understanding series. Like the others, it is compact, concise and well illustrated. Starting with basic diesel theory, the author takes you through fuel system maintenance, filters, keeping the engine cool, inspecting a water-pump impeller, lubrication and electrical troubleshooting. You'll certainly be better armed in the end than you were in the beginning.