What’s our spring boat checklist? The main steps we follow to get our boat ready to launch in the spring It’s been a long winter and it’s finally time to start getting the boat ready for spring launch and start our BOATING SEASON! We boat in Maryland so our season usually runs from May...
Taking down the winter shrink wrap and putting up the boat canvas is a big spring prep job! There’s a lot to do in the spring to get your boat ready for launch. One of the most satisfying spring boat prep jobs is taking off that winter shrink wrap and putting up...
This cleaner is the best boat vinyl mildew remover we have found in over 20 years of boating – before & after cleaning demo! Like most boaters, we have been struggling for years with mildew on our boat vinyl. With a boat, its inevitable you’ll get some mildew on your boat – especially after...
Our process for basic cleaning and waxing the boat, and some final spring prep reminders before we launch the boat for the season. Spring boat prep can be a lot of work, but after 20 years we definitely learning a few techniques that can help save some time and effort. Our spring...
With multi-season bottom paint you may not need to sand and paint your full boat’s bottom every year – here’s our plan for painting touch up Every spring the anticipation of the boating season ahead also comes with a lot of prep to get your boat ready. Bottom painting, cleaning, waxing, putting...
Follow this detailed boat prep checklist to prevent any problems and ensure your boat is ready for the season ahead SPONSORED POST MarineCaburetors.com has the biggest selection of rebuilt quadrajet carburetors for multiple marine applications: Mercruiser, Volvo-Penta, OMC, Crusader, and more. The moment spring dawns upon us, it rings the bell for millions of...
Captain Rob shares his list of boat equipment and supplies you may need for the upcoming boating season (with a few items you may not have thought about!) You winterized your boat and you probably had her hauled out for winter storage. What to do now in the off-season? Yes, you can plan your...
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...
A step-by-step process for sanding, prepping and bottom painting your boat 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...
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...
A step-by-step installation of a shower sump pump replacement project on a boat 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...
Maintaining the rigging on a national historic landmark is hard work – but worth it! The Claud W. Somers is a member of the Chesapeake Bay’s historic skipjack fleet, a dwindling number of old wooden oyster boats numbering a mere 24 hulls still sailing. The majority of these are owned by non-profits, with less...
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...
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,...