Jim Zima

Jim Zima is the owner of Great Lakes Diesel in Vermilion, Ohio. In addition to maintaining, repairing, and re-powering marine diesels Jim teaches numerous seminars in and around the Great Lakes and at the Annapolis Cruisers University. GLD is the largest certified Yanmar dealer on Lake Erie. GLD is also a certified dealer for Westerbeke, Universal, and Kubota. In his GLCC School webinars Jim Zima shows us that he is not only a master mechanic but a great teacher.

Jim was just six weeks old when he first went sailing. Since then he has enjoyed club racing, the IOR Lake Erie Circuit, and several Port Huron to Mackinaw races. Jim got his diesel training at the Ohio Diesel Technical Institute, and from there worked in both Texas and Ohio as a truck and engine re-builder and a fleet manager. In 1988 working out of his garage on a part-time basis, Jim began rebuilding the diesel engines for the many Tartan Ten fleets found along Lake Erie. One thing lead to another and a decade latter in 1999 Jim started Great Lakes Diesel Incorporated. From a garage cluttered with engines and parts to his brand new facility in Vermilion, Ohio, Jim Zima has built a reputation as a solid mechanic, businessman, and instructor along Ohio's North Coast.

Upcoming classes

An Introduction to Marine Diesel Engines
Are you the Captain? How about the First Mate? Regardless of the role you play we all know how important a smooth running engine is to our cruising adventures. But do you really understand that chunk of iron that powers your boat?
Diesel 1: Marine Diesel Maintenance 101
Jim Zima, owner of Great Lakes Diesel in Vermilion, Ohio, believes that by instructing boat owners in basic maintenance, they learn to do daily engine checks and become confident in their ability to perform their own preventative maintenance services. Knowledge in these areas will keep your boat in good running order and will likely avoid costly repairs.
Diesel 2: I've Got The Diesel Fuel Blues
Ever had that sinking feeling when your diesel starts to labor, sputter, and finally dies? In the second of his GLCC School diesel maintenance series Jim Zima, owner of Great Lakes Diesel in Vermilion, Ohio, will lead you through a thorough and detailed look at how to prevent diesel fuel issues and what to do when they occur. From his classes at the GLCC School to his classes at the Annapolis Cruisers University, Jim Zima shows us that he is not only a master mechanic but a great teacher. Join Jim for this outstanding webinar.
Diesel 3: I'm Cool But My Diesel Is Hot!
An overheated engine is never good, and it always seems to happen at the worst time. In the third of his GLCC School diesel maintenance series Jim Zima, owner of Great Lakes Diesel in Vermilion, Ohio, will lead you through a thorough and detailed look at how to prevent diesel cooling system issues and what to do when they occur. From his classes at the GLCC School to his classes at the Annapolis Cruisers University, Jim Zima shows us that he is not only a master mechanic but a great teacher. Join Jim for this outstanding webinar.