Winches are often used in and left exposed to the elements, including salt water spray. Routine maintenance will keep your equipment working as intended and ready when you need it. [HOW-TO VIDEO] On any given sailboat, there are at least 2 or 3 winches and on larger boats, there can be many more. I have...
A step-by-step process for sanding, prepping and bottom painting your boat [VIDEO] Bottom paint (also known as antifouling paint) helps protect your boat from barnacles, weeds and other aquatic organisms from attaching to the underwater portion of your boat’s hull. If you leave your boat in the water all season, you need bottom paint. One of the...
Installing sacrificial zincs – and replacing them every year – helps prevent galvanic corrosion on vital metal parts on your boat Does your propeller have sacrificial zincs on it? It is almost certain that the prop shaft does. Zincs protect the important metal parts of your boat from being dissolved by electrolysis. It’s important to...
A step-by-step installation of a shower sump pump replacement project on a boat [FULL VIDEO] Last time I discussed some basic ideas on planning your winter maintenance chores and conducting a walk around inspection of your boat when you first visit her after she has been hauled and blocked. In this article, I will get...
Winter is a good time to do a thorough walk-around inspection of your boat’s hull, bottom and appendages for maintenance, repair or attention Since I have owned Bay Poet, a Hunter 410 sloop, I have always had her hauled out during the winter. In addition to the crewed charters that I offer, my boat is also...
Commissioning your boat at the start of boating season requires a lot more than removing your boat cover and slapping on some bottom paint. In fact, proper spring boat commissioning can make a big difference in the safety and longevity of your boat. From minor nuisance mistakes that can cause you a lot of aggravation, to...
As a person of a certain age, I have come to appreciate the value of lists. However, the attraction is not new. When I began my flight training in the early 1980’s, there were checklists for pre-flight activities, pre-departure, entering a Terminal Control Area, landing, securing the aircraft, and on and on and on. When...
Winterization tips for your boat or motorcycle to avoid ethanol blended fuel issues If you trailer your boat then you most likely fill it up with fuel at gas stations on the road. Let’s face it – it is often cheaper and more convenient than fueling up at the gas dock in the water. The problem for...
You cannot buy a reliable boat, but you can buy, configure and operate a reliable boat. It is up to the Boat owner/operator to make sure everything has been done to increase the chances to getting where you are going and back again, safely, without a tow. Whenever Navy Captains go to sea they know...
How to troubleshoot what is wrong with your boat and determine the proper boat repair or fix As a boat owner you understand your boat maintenance is a continuous work in progress. With regular boat repairs and occasional upgrades it can really become a timely process. The total work time you should spend on your...
Common boat winterizing myths or mistakes that can cost you big in repairs, or even destroy your boat If you live in a boating climate where the temperature drops below freezing in the winter, then winterizing is one of the most important things you should do with your boat maintenance each year. Despite whatever wive’s...
Compete boat winterizing guide by BoatUS helps boaters properly protect boats during the winter freeze (PDF download & VIDEOS) If you boat in a area that goes below the freezing point during the winter (which includes most boating locations outside of Florida) then you need to take winterizing seriously. As fall gets underway, better get...
Clean and green boating tips to remember this spring for Earth Day and all season As the weather warms up and boaters everywhere are preparing for a fun season ahead, now is a great time for a reminder of why you love boating. Getting back to nature and enjoying your time on the water. All...
Resources for spring commissioning – from boat maintenance and preparation to safety checks – to make sure your boat is ready to launch As winter slowly comes to an end, the countdown to spring begins for many boaters that are eagerly anticipating the start of a new boating season. It will soon be time to...