Professional Diploma in Outboard Engines
This professional diploma gives you complete, practical training in outboard engines, from how they work to advanced diagnosis, repair and full rebuilds. You will master fuel injection, ignition, charging and cooling systems, the gearcase and propeller, power trim and tilt, steering and remote controls, and learn to identify and solve faults, carry out preventive and corrective maintenance and optimize performance and fuel consumption.
Prior knowledge check
These are the skills this program gives you. Tick the ones you already master and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is for you.
You are starting from scratch in this subject. The program is designed precisely for that.
What is the Professional Diploma in Outboard Engines?
This professional diploma takes you through every part of the outboard engine, in the order a workshop technician meets them. You will start with outboard architecture, two- and four-stroke operating principles, special workshop tools, safety and corrosion protection; continue with fuel lines, filtration, carburetors, EFI and two-stroke direct injection (E-TEC, Optimax) and engine management; then ignition, charging, batteries and starting systems with manufacturer diagnostic software; cooling, water pumps and thermostats; the lower unit, shifting and propeller selection; and power trim and tilt, mechanical and hydraulic steering and fly-by-wire controls; ending with service schedules, winterization, recovery after submersion, compression and leak-down testing and powerhead overhauls.
What sets this diploma apart: unlike a short maintenance course, it goes all the way to complete rebuilds of the powerhead, cylinder head and gearcase, with shimming, pressure and vacuum testing and sea trials; it works with the diagnostic tools of the main brands, such as Yamaha YDIS, Mercury CDS G3, Suzuki SDS and Jaltest Marine; and it closes with an integrating project in which you receive an outboard with faults, diagnose it, plan and carry out the repair, set it up and deliver a technical report to the owner.
Program highlights
- Outboard architecture: powerhead, midsection and gearcase, two- and four-stroke cycles and workshop tooling.
- Fuel systems: carburetors, EFI, vapor separator tanks, ECU sensors and two-stroke direct injection.
- Ignition, charging, batteries and starting, with fault code reading through manufacturer diagnostic software.
- Cooling, water pumps, thermostats, gearcase, dog clutch, shimming and propeller selection.
- Power trim and tilt, cable and hydraulic steering, mechanical and fly-by-wire remote controls.
- Integrating project: diagnosis, complete repair, setup and sea trial of an outboard engine.
Syllabus of the Professional Diploma in Outboard Engines
8 modules. Select a module to see its content.
Fundamentals of marine mechanics, outboard engine architecture and service life at sea
- 1.1. Introduction to outboard propulsion: history, technological evolution, classification by power, type of cycle (2-stroke vs. 4-stroke) and commercial and recreational applications
- 1.2. Anatomy and main components of the engine: powerhead, midsection, lower unit (gearcase) and mounting brackets
- 1.3. Operating principles of the 2-stroke engine: intake, compression, combustion and exhaust cycles; scavenging systems, reed valves and fuel mixture
- 1.4. Operating principles of the 4-stroke engine: chain or belt timing, valve timing (OHC/DOHC), valve train and wet/dry sump lubrication systems
- 1.5. Special tools and marine workshop equipment: use of torque wrenches, flywheel pullers, compression gauges, vacuum gauges, micrometers and degree wheels
- 1.6. Workshop safety and risk prevention in the marine workshop: fuel handling, ventilation of exhaust gases, battery handling and environmental protection rules
- 1.7. Marine materials and corrosion prevention: aluminum alloys, marine stainless steels, sacrificial anodes (zinc, aluminum, magnesium) and galvanic protection
- 1.8. Emissions regulations and type approval of outboard engines
Fuel systems: carburetion, electronic fuel injection (EFI) and supply lines
- 2.1. Onboard fuel supply lines: fixed and portable tanks, primer bulbs, check valves, marine hoses and leak inspection
- 2.2. Filtration and water separation systems: Racor filters, sediment bowls, high-efficiency paper filters and prevention of ethanol contamination (E10/E15)
- 2.3. Marine carburetors: anatomy, idle, transition, high-speed and choke circuits; synchronization of multiple carburetors
- 2.4. Mechanical and low-pressure fuel pumps: diaphragm operation, pressure and vacuum tests and renewal of repair kits
- 2.5. Electronic fuel injection systems (EFI/DFI): high-pressure architecture, vapor separator tank (VST), pressure regulators and injectors
- 2.6. Electronic engine management (ECU/ECM): reading crankshaft position (CPS), temperature (IAT/ECT), manifold pressure (MAP) and oxygen sensors
- 2.7. Two-stroke direct injection systems (E-TEC, Optimax): principles of high-pressure fuel injection into the combustion chamber and injector calibration
- 2.8. Exhaust systems and back pressure
Ignition systems, marine electrics and diagnostic electronics
- 3.1. Conventional magneto and CDI ignition systems: operation of charge coils, pulser coils, CDI modules and high-voltage coils
- 3.2. Inductive and microprocessor-controlled ignition systems (TCI): wasted spark distribution, ignition timing and marine spark plugs
- 3.3. Charging and power generation system: stators, magnetic flywheels, integrated alternators, voltage regulators/rectifiers and battery charge management
- 3.4. Installation and diagnosis of marine batteries: starting vs. deep cycle batteries, master switches, isolators and marine-grade tinned wiring
- 3.5. Electric starting and solenoid systems: operation of the starter motor, bendix drive, power relays and neutral safety switch
- 3.6. Use of computerized diagnostic tools: marine software and scanners (Yamaha YDIS, Mercury CDS G3, Suzuki SDS, Jaltest Marine) to read diagnostic trouble codes (DTC)
- 3.7. Diagnosis and repair of wiring harnesses: detection of voltage drops, continuity faults, short circuits, corrosion of sealed connectors and sealing of connections
- 3.8. Diagnosis with manufacturer software
Cooling system, water pumps and thermal control
- 4.1. Architecture of the raw water cooling system: water intakes in the leg, riser tubes, water jackets in the block and tell-tale outlet
- 4.2. Water pump and rubber impeller: anatomy of the pump body, wear plate and steel housing, and inspection and renewal of the impeller
- 4.3. Thermostats and pressure relief (poppet) valves: thermal calibration, hot bath testing, causes of overheating and sticking caused by salt
- 4.4. Cleaning and descaling of water passages: flushing protocols and removal of salt, lime and sediment deposits with biodegradable chemicals
- 4.5. Monitoring water pressure and temperature: installation and interpretation of analog pressure gauges, temperature sensors and audible/visual overheat alarms
- 4.6. Cooling in very cold or muddy water: adaptations for shallow water operation, sand traps and inspection of blocked water passages
- 4.7. Diagnosis of critical cooling failures: detection of air leaks into the system, water pump cavitation and head gaskets blown by overheating
- 4.8. Anodes and corrosion protection of the engine
Lower unit (gearcase), transmission, shift mechanism and propellers
- 5.1. Anatomy of the lower unit: driveshaft, propeller shaft, pinion gear and forward/reverse gears
- 5.2. Dog clutch mechanism: operation of the shift shaft and shift fork, gear selection and adjustment of control cable tension
- 5.3. Gearcase lubrication and seal management: types of marine gear oil (SAE 90 high performance), gear oil changes and inspection for water contamination (emulsion)
- 5.4. Pressure and vacuum testing of the gearcase: use of a pressure tester to check the condition of the propeller shaft, driveshaft and shift shaft seals
- 5.5. Renewal of bearings, gears and seals: use of hydraulic presses and bearing pullers, and adjustment of gear backlash and end play (shimming)
- 5.6. Propeller theory, geometry and selection: diameter, pitch, number of blades, rake, cup, materials (aluminum vs. stainless steel) and ventilation/cavitation
- 5.7. Interchangeable hub systems and driveline protection: operation of rubber or plastic hubs (Flo-Torq, hub kits) and repair of bent or damaged shafts
- 5.8. Propeller maintenance and changing
Hydraulic power trim and tilt, steering and remote controls
- 6.1. Principles of power trim and tilt: adjustment of the thrust angle underway (trim) and raising the engine for trailering or beaching (tilt)
- 6.2. Hydraulic and electrical architecture of power trim: DC electric motor, gear pump, relief valve block, hydraulic rams and fluid reservoirs
- 6.3. Trim maintenance and repair: renewal of ram seals, bleeding of the hydraulic system, topping up with ATF or marine hydraulic fluid and manual release valves
- 6.4. Mechanical cable steering systems: helms, rack and rotary steering cables, maintenance and prevention of seizing in the engine tilt tube
- 6.5. Marine hydraulic steering systems: helm pumps in the console, engine-mounted steering cylinders, air bleeding and high-pressure lines
- 6.6. Mechanical remote controls (throttle and shift cables): installation, travel adjustment, cable tension and synchronization of single-lever and dual-lever controls
- 6.7. Electronic throttle and shift control systems (fly-by-wire, digital throttle and shift): electronic actuators, NMEA 2000 network calibration and diagnosis of lever position sensors
- 6.8. Trim calibration and engine mounting height
Preventive maintenance, diagnosis of complex faults and engine rebuilding
- 7.1. Periodic maintenance protocols (100 hours, 300 hours, annual): manufacturer inspection schedules, engine oil and filter changes, spark plugs, anodes and lubrication of grease points with marine grease
- 7.2. Winterization and long-term storage: fogging the engine, draining water, fuel stabilization and internal corrosion protection
- 7.3. Recovery and restoration after accidental submersion: emergency procedure to save engines submerged in salt water, water removal, drying and immediate lubrication
- 7.4. Compression diagnosis and cylinder leak-down test: assessment of ring wear, cylinder wall wear and valve sealing
- 7.5. Powerhead disassembly and overhaul: cylinder boring, renewal of pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft bearings and head gasket
- 7.6. Cylinder head repair on 4-stroke engines: valve seat machining, renewal of valve guides and valve stem seals, and adjustment of tappet/rocker clearance
- 7.7. Performance testing in a test tank or sea trial: verification of maximum RPM under load, acceleration curve, operating temperature and absence of vibration
- 7.8. Warranty management and service records
Integrating project: diagnosis, complete repair and setup of an outboard engine
- 8.1. Selection and intake of the case study: initial assessment of an outboard engine (2-stroke or 4-stroke) with simulated or real faults, intake form and preliminary estimate
- 8.2. Inspection protocol and computerized/mechanical diagnosis: compression tests, spark system checks, fuel pressure checks and reading of DTC codes
- 8.3. Intervention plan and disassembly of the affected system: drafting the repair procedure for the powerhead, fuel system, electrical system or lower unit
- 8.4. Carrying out the repair and replacing components: fitting genuine parts in line with the tolerances in the manufacturer's service manual
- 8.5. Adjustments, synchronization and pressure tests: verification of cooling water pressure, adjustment of the shift system, hydraulic bleeding and idle calibration
- 8.6. Final bench or water test and handover report: monitoring of operating parameters (oil pressure, temperature, voltage, RPM) and drafting of the technical report for the customer
- 8.7. Technical report and recommendations to the owner
- 8.8. Final presentation and defense: presentation of the diagnosis and repair process before a panel of marine brand master technicians, naval engineers and marine workshop managers
Duration and format of the Professional Diploma in Outboard Engines
It is 800 hours. Tell us how many you can study each week and we will tell you when you will really finish.
This is the pace at which most students finish. It fits well with the installment plan.
Academic leadership and faculty
The Navalis teaching team: working professionals who teach and supervise the programs.
Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic Director and Head of Quality Assurance
Eng. Diego CifuentesSenior Lecturer in Naval Welding and Non-Destructive Testing; Head of QA/QC for Welded Joints
Capt. Javier Abaroa (MCA)Senior Lecturer in Ship Handling, Electronic Navigation (ECDIS/Radar/ARPA) and GMDSS; STCW Compliance and Bridge Resource Management Coordinator
Dr. Pau FerrerSenior Lecturer in Naval Architecture and Simulation; Director of the Hydrodynamics and CFD Laboratory
Dr. Nuria LlobregatSenior Lecturer in Marine Meteorology, SAR and Operational Safety; Navigation Risk Management Coordinator
Eng. Javier BañulsSenior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Automation and ETO Engineering; Electronic Integration and Engine Alarms Coordinator
Eng. Sofía MarquinaSenior Lecturer in Materials, Composites and Corrosion Protection; Coordinator of the Advanced Paints and Coatings Line
Eng. Tomás RieraSenior Lecturer in Propulsion, Alternative Energy and Hybrid Systems; Energy Performance and Vibration CoordinatorObjectives of the Professional Diploma in Outboard Engines
Career opportunities after the Professional Diploma in Outboard Engines
Questions about the Professional Diploma in Outboard Engines
It covers far more ground: besides routine service, you study fuel injection, ignition and charging systems, electronic diagnostics, gearcase rebuilding, power trim and steering, and complete powerhead and cylinder head overhauls.
Yes. You study the operating principles, fuel systems and repair procedures of both, including modern two-stroke direct injection engines such as E-TEC and Optimax.
The program refers to the diagnostic systems of the main brands, such as Yamaha YDIS, Mercury CDS G3 and Suzuki SDS, and to multibrand tools such as Jaltest Marine, always alongside the manufacturer's service manual.
Yes. Boat owners are part of the intended audience; the program starts with fundamentals and lets you go as deep as you need, from routine service to troubleshooting.
Yes. One module covers power trim and tilt, cable and hydraulic steering, mechanical remote controls and fly-by-wire digital throttle and shift systems.
Through practical exercises, fault diagnosis cases and short tests in each module, and an integrating project in which you diagnose, repair and set up an outboard engine and write the technical report for the owner.
A professional diploma issued by Navalis Institute, together with the diagnostic procedures, repair plans and reports you produce during the program.
Online, with classes you can follow from any device and material available at any time, so you can study at your own pace.
More programs in Machinery and electrics
Admission process
No waiting for a call back. If your documents are in order, you can enroll in the same session.
- Profile: aimed at marine technicians and mechanics, boat owners, engineering or technical students, sales and service advisors, and fishing and water tourism professionals who depend on outboard engines; vocational training in mechanics or electromechanics, or demonstrable experience in engine repair and maintenance, is recommended, together with basic knowledge of mechanics, electricity and fuel systems.
- Language: sufficient command of English to follow the classes and the technical documentation.
- Technical resources: a computer with a stable internet connection, an up-to-date web browser and a PDF viewer; access to an outboard engine and basic tools is helpful for practice but optional.
- Admission: online application, review of your profile and a short interview with the academic team.
- 01ApplicationYour details, background and documents.
- 02Instant reviewWe check that everything is complete and in order.
- 03EnrollmentChoose full payment or instalments and reserve your place.
Admission is provisional until the committee validates the documents provided. If you do not meet the requirements, the full amount is refunded.
Ask us before you enroll
Leave your details and admissions will write to you to answer any questions. If you are already sure, you can apply and pay in the same session.