12-Volt Electrical Systems
Empower your boat with a reliable electrical system! Assess power requirements, choose batteries, ensure proper wiring, optimize charging. The majority of boats on the water today depend on electricity to some degree. Unfortunately, too many of those boats are operating with inadequate and poorly installed electrical systems. This can result in unnecessary problems that drain […]
Mounting A Trolling Motor
You can mount a trolling motor on a boat with a bow rail, if you do a little planning first. Here is a step-by-step process on how to do so. Bow-mounted electric trolling motors are practically required equipment aboard many trailerable fishing boats. Pulling rather than pushing the boat with power that exceeds 100 pounds […]
Cutting Edge Electric Trolling Motors
New electric trolling motors from the likes of Garmin, Lowrance, and Minn Kota are getting anglers all kinds of charged up. Electric trolling motors used to be little more than exactly what the name infers: small electric motors that anglers used to propel their boats while fishing. And though modern models certainly fulfill this very […]
Raw Water Check Valves
Discover why relying on raw water check valves for flooding prevention may pose risks in marine systems with Steve D’Antonio. Check valves are designed to prevent water flowing in one direction while moving somewhat freely in the other direction. These valves are found in many onboard systems, including sanitation systems, in a variety of raw-water […]
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 […]
