Wiring
Dive into the key considerations for boat wiring. Learn about corrosion prevention, proper wire sizes, and the significance of special wires. Wiring is not difficult, but there are some special considerations afloat. Corrosion is a major problem. That’s why we suggest you only use marine-grade tinned wire and cable. It lasts longer and provides better […]
Battery Chargers
Optimize boat battery life with a controlled, multi-stage charging process. Explore the three essential stages Experts agree that the best way to replace the energy you consume from your boat’s batteries is through a controlled, multi-stage process. Conventional lead-acid (flooded) batteries, gel cells, AGM batteries and other recently developed battery types will charge faster, better […]
Inverters
Empower your boat with 120V AC. Choose the right inverter for convenience. Optimize power, enjoy seamless boating. Inverters bring a new level of enjoyment to your boat. By supplying 120 Volt AC power, inverters allow you to use things such as TVs, other home entertainment equipment, computers, printers, microwaves, and power tools when away from […]
Boat Sealants
Perfect technique can’t make up for the wrong sealant. If you really want to stop that leak, start by getting the sealant right. You’ve been eyeing that bow cleat all winter. You can tell there’s no sealant around the base anymore, and you’ve noticed the dirt trails on deck and below weeping from the bolts. […]
Antisiphon Valves
Prevent down-flooding with antisiphon valves. Learn the causes and importance of proper installation for marine systems. As a small boy, I clearly recall the first time I witnessed a siphon in action. A neighbor needed to pump out a boat that was stored on land. He placed a garden hose inside the boat, filled the […]
Spring Boat Checklist
Ensure a smooth boating season with these vital checks on batteries, seacocks, hoses, lights, safety gear, engine components, and rigging. Getting Started If necessary, reinstall batteries. Top up lead acid batteries with distilled water. Fully charge batteries. Clean, tighten electrical connections, especially terminals of battery cables. Coat battery terminals with insulating film of grease, or […]
Boat Safety Checklist For Summer
Good spring prep increases safety and fun for the entire boating season. Follow these tips to help you build your own safety checklist. Check things that might have deteriorated during winter, including exterior wiring connections for navigation lights, dock lines (chafing or freeze damage), life jackets (mold, rotten threads or fabric), paper charts, pipes including […]
What A Marine Surveyor Wants You To Know
If you’ve never had a marine survey before, here are some things to help make the experience better and smoother. Over the years, BoatUS has written plenty on the importance of getting a marine survey on a boat you’re considering buying, and for good reason. For many people, a boat may be the second biggest […]
Don’t Be Hasty: Get A Surveyor
Hiring a professional surveyor before you buy could be the most important decision you’ll make. Don’t be hasty, get a surveyor. When it comes to boats, Peter Berman is no novice. The author of Outfitting the Offshore Cruising Sailboat, Berman has 45 years of cruising experience in nearly a dozen vessels of different types. Last fall, […]
Fire! Now What?
An onboard fire is one of the most feared events. What you do about it in the first few seconds will likely determine the outcome. As with any fire that threatens people or property, the time between ignition and detection is critical. Fiberglass burns ferociously, and wood, particularly dry, resin-soaked wood, burns quickly. In engine […]
