Maintenance and Repairs Articles

In Board Engine Oil Change Procedure There should be a law that boat designers should be forced to service their own boats. That might make common maintenance tasks, like changing engine oil, a little easier. In most inboard or I/O engine installations, changing engine oil is looked on with the same fervor as going to…

Everything to Remember when Hauling Out a Boat Annual Maintenance Routine and Antifouling Bottom Job Shortsighted boat owners who lengthen the time between haul outs cost money in the long run. Conventional wisdom says it pays to haulout annually for hull painting and maintenance, but some folks stretch that period to 18 months or even…

Preparing a boat for long-term storage How do I keep my boat from smelling foul when I open it back up in the spring? The key is to banish the “stink fuel” before you close the boat up for winter. What I mean is you need to get rid of all the things that mold,…

How to Pick the Best Prop for your Boat If you’re not satisfied with the way your fiberglass boat performs, a different prop might be the key to significant improvement. Before shopping for a prop, think about what disappoints you with your current setup. Do you want a better hole shot? Do you want to…

How to Properly Care for Canvas and Clear Vinyl/Isinglass Your boat top and canvas enclosures can really add to your boating enjoyment. Who hasn’t been glad to shut out the bugs in the spring or enjoy some shade from the sun, thanks to a canvas enclosure like a cockpit cover, camper top, or convertible top?…