Boat maintenance is a critical part of owning your vessel. The systems that protect, propel, and power your vessel are important to keep at peak performance to avoid problems when you’re underway or under sail. Engines, electrical systems, sails, seals, pumps, paint — don’t let them keep you from enjoying your pleasure craft. Waggoner has the boat maintenance tips to keep you in command of your maintenance for a carefree boating season.
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Check Your Propane Tank – Early Start for the Season
I was preparing for summer 2026 cruising and happened to look at the certification for my propane tanks. They were last certified in June 2015, nearly 11 years ago. That’s not good. So off to the Propane Shop with the pair of them. 20 minutes later at a cost of $22, I...
Around the Americas – Refit Nearing Completion
One Ocean, the 48-foot, 1995 Westerly sailing vessel is nearing completion of her refit in preparation for the Around-the-Americas Expedition – T-Minus 50 Days to Launch (May 3rd) – an expedition for science and education. Mike Beemer, Skagit College Department Chair...
Our Newly Painted Boat Has Lost It’s Fever
When we purchased our 2004 DeFever pilothouse trawler, we named her Got d’ Fever, a play on words to identify our DeFever make boat, our feverish love for boating, and the vessel itself had the look of a fever with two different fiberglass shades of white (a...
Diesel Engine Training Class – April 27-28
Having your diesel engine fail while underway can ruin your day and even your well-laid plans for the summer’s itinerary. An engine dead-in-the-water can add further stress and safety concerns. Diesel engines are incredibly reliable if they are well maintained....
ESI Has Silicone-Based Bottom Coatings!
Essential Shipyard Industries (ESI), based in Friday Harbor, just opened a second facility in the Skyline area of Anacortes, providing customers with essential boatyard services, including bottom coatings. ESI has partnered with North American SeaWide to distribute...
What Does The Future Hold For Your Boat?
What is the future for a boat when it no longer sparkles? If it costs more to hold onto the boat vs the fun it provides the owner, then it’s time to step back and evaluate the options. For some, the boat is a quick sale, at any price. Perhaps a new owner is willing to...
Protect and Boost Your Prop with Crystal Prop
A new product, called Crystal Prop, is a long-lasting paint designed specifically for use on propellers, shafts, struts, and other metallic underwater surfaces. When applied to the prop, this product creates a smooth surface, which decreases water resistance, and...
Renewable Diesel – the Friendlier Choice
Did you know that Renewable Diesel is now here for boaters, and reduces greenhouse emissions? This clean, efficient new fuel for diesel engines is growing in popularity and availability. Renewable Diesel is a direct substitute for petroleum diesel fuel that is refined...
Is Fuel Polishing Necessary?
Is there a more perplexing issue than fuel management facing a new boat skipper with a diesel engine? From an early age we learn about gasoline going into cars at the gas station. Filler up, jump in the car, turn the key… vroom, off we go. Likewise, on a boat, we jump...
Benefits of Installing an Inverter Bypass Switch
by Art HebertThe bypass switch allows the owner to send power to inverted loads (usually electrical outlets, heaters, dehumidifiers etc.), by sending electric current around the inverter. This is great for periods of extended absence by the boat owner....
Clutch Plate/Drive Plate/Drive Damper
Whichever name you want to know it by, this out-of-sight, little known, sometimes misunderstood, integral part of the drive train on our boats can ruin your day and cruise if not maintained. For purposes of this article, we will settle on the name Drive...
Protecting Pretty Things – The Bilge Pump
by Aiona Hartley Isn't it pretty? It's a bilge pump. Or rather the inner windings of one. Its literal guts, if you will. This is what heats up if the bilge pump undergoes "rotor lock." Given enough heat, a bilge pump in "rotor lock" can catch on...
5-star Meals Begin with Proper Grill Care
Caring for the BBQA strong odor on my boat led me to the lazarette, where we store the propane grill. I had neglected to clean the grill during fall layup, mold had formed on the bits of baked-on food and grease that remained.Grilling is truly our favorite way to...
Propane Tank – Staying Ahead of Corrosion
A Little Rust Doesn’t Signal the EndRust is a concern in many settings, but especially true in the saltwater marine environment. Nowhere is it a bigger concern than when it comes to your steel propane tank. If your tank has rust, it doesn't mean that the...
Shore Power – How to prepare your boat and avoid ELCI Problems
Onboard ELCI – The Why and The HowIf you don’t already have Equipment Leakage Circuit Interrupter (ELCI) protection onboard your boat, you will want to read this article and learn how ELCI devices can make for safer boating and discover the various...