A well-designed solar system ensures your boat’s batteries stay charged and systems run without noisy generators or shore power. But installation can be complicated. Here’s what you need to know.
Regularly changing oils and lubricants in engines, transmissions and drive units is a necessary part of normal maintenance, but it is especially important in preparation
Inboards Before you get started, remember that all manufacturers have their own oil and filter recommendations and ratings, so check your owner’s or service manual
Ethanol-laced gasoline poses a problem for boats that spend the off-season in storage. Opinions vary as to whether to store tanks empty or mostly empty,
One obvious benefit of the professional route is that marina staff should be able to answer any of your questions and offer their experience as
Batteries If you leave the batteries on board they must be fully charged because if they discharge they’ll freeze and fail. If you remove the
The primary objective in decommissioning potable and cooling water systems is to prevent damaging freeze-ups in colder climates. The surest way to do this is
Hosing down covers and enclosures with cold water on a regular basis can eliminate much of the need for harsh cleaning at season’s end, but
Remove gear and other items, including cushions, linens, navigation gear and electronics. This will allow you to clean the interior properly. Empty the refrigerator, freezer
Soundings Boat Shop The complete guide to winterizing For boaters who live in colder climates but aren’t making the trip down the ICW to a
Brechin Morgan draws inspiration from a lifetime on the water, from working aboard rugged commercial vessels to sailing solo around the world in a 27-foot boat.
A maritime attorney offers advice for buyers who lay down deposits for new builds.
Mario Vittone’s excellent adventure from Maine to Washington on an FPB 64.
Don’t miss these new models arriving at boat shows this season.
The Formula 387CCF’s upper station adds a new perspective for anglers, but it’s the boat’s ride and versatile design that steal the show.
Yes, the waterfront experience in Newport has evolved in the age of megayachts, but this little city still has a lot of sailing in its heart.
The crisp, cool days of fall bring boat shows, breezy sailing, angler fishing and peaceful anchorage.
Warm weather breeds bacteria in freshwater tanks, where they create mischief with filters and pumps. Here’s how to stop them.
When a 2010 Picnic Boat 37 resurfaced in poor condition, the builder restored it from the hull up with modern craftsmanship
Natural teak still endures, but cork, bio-based synthetics and changing owner priorities are reshaping what goes underfoot.
