At this time of year practically every boating publication has an article about how to winterize your boat and engine for storage. It is also known as winter lay-up in some areas of the country. Most of the stories explain and illustrate a step by step process for winterizing but often do not detail what…
Let’s be honest. Most of us pay far more attention to our tow vehicles than we do to its tires. In fact, according to Goodyear, consumer studies show that approximately 75 percent of us wash our trucks and SUVs once a month, while less than 20 percent of us check our tire pressure that often. We just…
CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOAT BATTERY Key features to look for when selecting a marine battery. The batteries for a performance boat undergo more punishment than those used aboard many other craft. The high speeds and often-rough water combine to foreshorten battery life. Here’s what to look for in a performance-boat battery — or really any…
DETAIL YOUR BOAT ENGINE Detailing your boat’s engine is part of the author’s maintenance regime. Find out why. By Kevin Falvey You probably love your boat, but remember it’s the engine that makes possible all those cool boating adventures (“docktail cruisers” and nonauxiliary sailboats excepted). A clean engine makes visual inspections more effective. And the…
Big or small, basic or customized, every boat needs to be maintained. Fortunately, routine maintenance and small repairs aren’t that tough. In the long run, a little elbow grease will definitely pay off. Wash Your Boat The first and simplest task is to wash your boat regularly. If you boat in saltwater, rinse your boat…
Winter Layup Tips for Your Boat In many parts of the country, this is transition season, time to haul and winterize your boat. Fall haul-out nearly matches the urgency level of spring launch in your need to complete the task. Winter is coming, but don’t let that ticking clock make you miss some steps in…
If you’re a boater who was born before 1980, your first outboard engine memories probably resemble this: An adult male relative (your father, most likely) is bent over the the family skiff’s smoke-belching, cantankerous two-stroke engine with a can of starting fluid in one hand and a hammer in the other. More simply put,…