Good boating habits make a bigger difference than many owners realize. While major systems matter, most problems on boats start with small things that are overlooked. For that reason, developing simple, consistent habits can greatly improve safety, reliability, and overall enjoyment. Even better, these habits do not require special tools or advanced skills. Instead, they…
Proper boat storage and seasonal preparation are essential parts of responsible boat ownership. In fact, many of the most expensive problems boats experience happen while they are not even in use. For that reason, taking the time to prepare your boat for storage—and to recommission it correctly—can save significant money and stress. Whether you boat…
Regular boat maintenance is the most effective way to protect your investment, reduce unexpected repair bills, and ensure safe, reliable time on the water. Many of the most expensive boat repairs begin as small, preventable issues—corrosion, leaks, worn hoses, or neglected fluids—that go unnoticed. Consistent basic maintenance combined with proper seasonal care keeps systems running…
Some of the most common boat engine issues and electrical problems our service teams have to deal with are preventable with basic maintenance and checks that you can easily do yourself. Here are three boat engine troubleshooting areas to monitor and address, especially if you’ve just bought a boat.
Part Two of YBAA University: As I wrote last week, we just returned from the annual Yacht Broker’s Assn of America University session. This is a gathering of yacht brokers and new boat sales people, along with industry experts in various fields. We collected lots of great information to share. Click here to read part…
‘Tis the time of year when used boats are selling rapidly and almost all of them need condition and valuation surveys. Marine surveyors are harder to find these days since many have retired, and their reports are more expensive. However, insurance companies and some lenders want a survey, and you would be wise to have…
When and how to check the hoses on your boat What comes to mind when you think of the words “boat smell?” Is it a fragrance reminiscent of the expensive sandalwood and lavender candle you smelled that one time at the day spa? How about musty basement mixed with a pile of wet wool sweaters?…
Last week, we talked about engine hours and how important—or less important—the number can be. If the engine is in good shape and maintenance is carefully documented, the next item of worry are the moisture meter readings determined through survey. For some people, high moisture readings are absolute showstoppers, while for others, they garner a…
One of the useful, but not always available indicators of engine health is the total number of engine hours throughout its life. Boat buyers usually ask the “How many hours?” question early in the process, but what the numbers actually mean is the subject of some debate. We typically encounter three types of engine hour…