The source of a boat leak is not always easy to find (or fix). Here’s how I diagnosed and repaired a troublesome boat leak on my sailboat Spring (and the preceding winter) is the time to prepare our boats for the upcoming boating season. In this article, I will discuss finding and addressing two significant...
The pros and cons of equipping your sailboat with an electric engine and what to expect in maintenance and sailing range Someone asked why I went with an electric engine for my sailboat… I had a series of answers that I usually use when asked the question. However, when they asked, “what’s the point”, it...
Nathan Heber’s boating technology startup Boatyard ensures boaters can get on-demand on-water services that improve on-water happiness Anchors Aweigh is a podcast for all boaters, from aspiring to experienced. Featuring in-depth conversations with boating experts and industry leaders, and packed full of tips, tricks, gear, and industry info, boaters of all levels will come away with...
Recreational boaters need to be aware that invasive aquatic species on boats are both a maintenance and environmental issue If you rent or own a home, you’ll likely deal with your share of unwanted animal guests. After all, the revenues of pest control services in the U.S. were estimated at $12.29 billion as of 2016,...
Basic boat cleaning & maintenance tricks of the trade and the value of family boat time with Shurhold’s Barry Berhoff Anchors Aweigh is a podcast for all boaters, from aspiring to experienced. Featuring in-depth conversations with boating experts and industry leaders, and packed full of tips, tricks, gear, and industry info, boaters of all levels will...
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...