Systems & Propulsion

Marine Oil Filter Comparison Test

We've followed countless debates about the best engine oil and the right time of year to change it, as well as quite a few...

Mailport: fuel tanks, chain hooks, bilge pumps, and hypothermia

Fuel Tank Wisdom Simple tank fill advice from an old fuel oil delivery guy - when filling your boat diesel tank listen to the sound...

Air Conditioning at Anchor

We often get this question. My car has air conditioning when I'm running down the street so why can't my boat? First, your car...

Calculating the Right Air Conditioner Size

Estimating size has always been tricky, because it depends on the insulation value of the boat, climate, and how quick you want the boat...

How To Connect Small Wires

The popularity of micro-electronics and LEDs has greatly increased the number of small wires on board, and whether the added eyestrain is a fair...

Testing VHF Coaxial

The loss in RF coaxial cable increases substantially and quickly, when there is water intrusion. Coax that uses foam dielectric, like RG8X and LMR...

Antenna Gain and VHF Transmission Range

Recreational marine VHF antennas are usually broken down into three categories: 3- and 4-foot sailboat antennas (3dB gain), 8-foot powerboat antennas (6 dB gain)...

Seacocks for Thin Hulls

A proper below-the-water line sea cock consists of three parts: the outside portion or mushroom, which threads into the flanged valve, the flanged valve,...

Stuffing Box Care

Only boats with inboard engines have stuffing boxes. To locate yours, trace the propeller shaft from the transmission to the point where it exits...

Prop and Shaft Check

A vessels drive train is typically defined as the components between the engine transmission coupling and the bitter end of the propeller shaft. For...

The No Expense Spared Antigua 60 Cruising Sailboat Soolaimon

Join us for a boat tour of the gorgeous Antigua 60 cruising sailboat Soolaimon. She boasts electric winches, a mighty Lofrans electric windlass, and...