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
The most common winterization mistake is that DIYers don’t treat the fuel system properly, says Soundings technical advisor Erik Klockars. You can treat your fuel
Back in 1990, I was fresh out of a gap year following high school, bouncing from friend’s couch to friend’s couch and desperately in need
The Amesbury Skiff descends from a design that shaped New England working boats for 200 years
Boat propulsion often starts life as a terrestrial engine. Giving it sea legs is more complex than you might think
Artist Nancy Tankersley captures scenes of busy watermen in the Chesapeake.
A professional mariner prepares his Hans Christian 34 for this epic competition.
A new USCG-approved buoyancy aid offers saltwater anglers more comfort and mobility—but it’s built for calm, protected waters, not offshore runs.
This couple says their Grand Banks 46 Classic Good Enough turned out to be everything its name promised, and then some.
Chanticleer, a 108-foot Burger motoryacht, brings a remarkable slice of American yachting history to Watch Hill, Rhode Island.
Maritime artist Michael Keane was known for his use of color and fine detail, which imbued his works with a romantic atmosphere. In Reaching Cats, he captures the serenity of a summer day on the water in New England.
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.
