Spirit of Yukoh is an Open 60 racing sailboat. Originally sailed by Kojiro Shiraishi in the Velux 5 Oceans race, the vessel was later acquired by Christopher Stanmore-Major (CSM). Ken was tasked with restoring the engine bay — a week-long project that required patience, precision, and physical endurance.
The State of It
The engine bay had years of use on it. Corrosion on surfaces, rust on the floor, flaking paint, grime accumulated from thousands of miles of ocean racing. The kind of deterioration that happens gradually but eventually reaches a point where it needs to be addressed properly.
Stripping Everything
The entire engine bay was stripped. Every component that could be removed was removed. Access to every surface. This is not a quick clean — this is a full teardown of the compartment to reach every corner.
The Scraping
Ken went through the entire engine with a screwdriver, scraping off every flake of old paint and corrosion by hand. Surface by surface. No shortcuts. No power tools for the delicate work around the engine block itself. Just patience and a screwdriver.
Mid-Restoration
With the old material removed, surfaces were prepared for new coatings. Cleaned, degreased, sanded where needed. The transformation is already visible at this stage — clean metal and prepared surfaces where there used to be rust and flaking paint.
New Floor, New Life
The engine bay floor received new enamel paint. Fresh epoxy enamel that seals the surface, prevents future corrosion, and makes the entire bay easier to inspect and maintain. A clean engine bay is not cosmetic — it is functional. Oil leaks show immediately. Water intrusion is visible. Corrosion cannot hide.
The Result
A complete transformation. One week of work. The engine that had been sitting in a deteriorating bay now sits in a clean, protected, properly coated environment. The contrast between before and after speaks for itself.
Before
After
Why This Matters
Engine bay restoration extends the life of the engine and the vessel. Corrosion left unchecked spreads. Rust on the floor weakens structural integrity. A properly maintained engine bay means problems are visible before they become failures. Oil leaks, water intrusion, hose deterioration — all visible on clean surfaces. Invisible on corroded ones.
This is the standard of care that every vessel deserves. Not the minimum. The proper job done right.
Want the same standard of care for your vessel?
Vessel management. Engine bay restoration. Maintenance done right.
FAQ
How long does an engine bay restoration take?
Typically one week for a complete job. Larger engine bays or those with extensive corrosion may take longer.
What does it cost?
Depends on scope. Contact for a quote based on your vessel and the current state of the engine bay.
Can you restore the engine bay on my vessel?
Yes. Any vessel, any engine bay. The work is done on-site at your vessel's location.
Is this just cosmetic?
No. A clean engine bay is functional. Oil leaks, water intrusion, and corrosion are immediately visible on clean surfaces. It extends engine life and simplifies maintenance.
This is what Managed Care looks like
Engine rebuilds like this are part of what managed care covers. Vendor coordination, documentation, and oversight.
Learn about vessel management retainers →