CAPT. BILL PIKE

How To Bleed A Diesel Engine
Got an airlocked engine on your hands? Here's how to fix it.
Pro Tip: How To Maintain A Working Windlass
When it comes to your windlass, what you "don’t" see is what needs the most TLC.
A DIY Decalcifier for AC Units and Engines
This little DIY project will help you descale air-conditioning units or engines and save you a pile of money.
How to Paint Smooth Curves
This cool little trick works on all sorts of paint tasks where masking or varnishing tape must be applied on a curve.
Fiberglass Spider Crack Repair Done Right
Sure, there are a number of fast fixes out there for fiberglass cracks—but if you want it done right, follow these five easy steps.
A Quick Fix for Foul Fenders
Chances are your fenders are, or at some point in the future will become, a mess. Here's how to handle it.
A Modest Alternative to Marine Lumber
You'll be surprised to learn just how well this wallet-friendlier alternative holds up for some DIY jobs.
Quick Tips for Top Teak
Do you know the Golden Rule of Teak? Learn that and more in two minutes or less.
Why the "Cheater Pipe" is a DIY Boater's Best Wingman
Is a rusted nut stalling your install? Here's an easy way to get more leverage.
How To Maintain A Freshwater Tank
Here's how to restore your water tank or tanks to like-new condition, with minimal effort.
Are Two Pumps Better Than One? You Bet.
When the freshwater pump goes, your crew's sanity follows. Here's how to avoid an unpleasant dry spell.
How To Keep OBS (Old Boat Smell) In Check
The main culprit is often a grubby bilge that contains oil, oil residue, and a lot of crud. Here's what you can do.
How to Free Up a Seized Marine Fastener
Here’s a DIY technique that just might get that darn screw to turn.
Hose Clamp Smarts
Here's why spending a few hours this weekend checking all of your onboard hose clamps is a great idea.
A Quick Tip on Hose Replacement
Why you should "bite the bullet" and change out all related hoses when replacing any hose-fed ancillary on board.
Why One Toolbox Aboard Is Not Enough
Multiple toolboxes, each labeled with its contents, will help you maintain DIY momentum—and your sanity.
The Importance of Book Keeping
Creating a library of owner’s manuals and other stuff has real, hands-on advantages.
How To Resize a Hole in a Deck or Bulkhead
Need to turn a small circular hole in a bulkhead, deck or other surface into a larger one? Here's a tip.
The Plumber's Snake Trick
With a "marinized" magnetized plumber’s snake, you may be surprised at what treasures come up.
DIYers: Behold the Japanese Saw
A Japanese saw may be the perfect tool for certain precision projects on board.
How To Know When To Change Your Boat's Water Hoses
A failing potable-water hose can present a sticky situation. Here's the tell.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Wiper Blades
The worst time to discover your windshield wipers are shot is when you really need ’em.
How A Smartphone Can Be A DIYer's Best Friend
A smartphone’s not just for talking, you know.
How To Nix Those Pesky Drips
PEX tubing and SharkBite fittings can make leaking plumbing systems sound.
How To Bust Rust On Stainless Steel
Believe it or not, getting rid of rust on stainless steel can be both an easy and satisfying task.
Time For A Mid-Summer Tune-Up
Vibration, galvanic corrosion, calcium buildup—oh my! Why not take a few minutes this weekend and give your boat a once-over?
How To Bond Starboard To Itself Or Other Surfaces
This straightforward little product seems to robustly bond Starboard without all the complicated prep.
How To Remove Pencil-type Zinc Anodes
To heck with knives and forceps. There’s a much easier way to extract pencil-type anodes from tight spaces.
How To Re-Bed Your Deck Hardware For the Long Haul
Time to re-bed...again? This time, make it last. Here's how.
How to Keep Your Fuel System Healthy
Avoid diesel fuel filtering system clog-ups with this handy tool.
How to Drill Holes in Stainless Steel
Drilling stainless steel can be a hot mess. Here's a quick tip for keeping your cool.
How To Make Incompatible Electrical Wire Size Compatible
Large 10- to 12-gauge butt connectors? Much finer wire? Try this trick and keep right on chuggin’.
How To Fix a Common A/C Problem for Under $10
Sometimes, all your marine air conditioner needs is a couple of shots from a common dock hose.
Why You Need an Exhaust Temperature Alarm
Installing an exhaust temperature sensor and alarm can save your bacon.
How to Make Your Paint Last Longer
Two-part marine paints are finicky. Here’s how to handle them.
How To Nix That Pesky Fiberglass Dust
Forget to wear a long-sleeved shirt when grinding fiberglass? Try this trick.
How To Remove Rust From Tools
The fix for rusty wrenches may surprise you.
The Ol' Wooden Plug Trick
Here’s another nifty usage for the tapered wooden plugs designed to prevent a sinking if a through-hull or other fitting fails.
Cutwater C-32 Command Bridge
The editors discuss a category that is quickly picking up steam with the introduction of the Cutwater C-32 Command Bridge.
The Story of Evinrude Outboard Motors
Evinrude built the first outboard motor, and an empire that endures today.
Lessons Learned from Navy Tragedies
Two Navy destroyers; two tragic collisions. Capt. Bill Pike investigates what went wrong in the Pacific.
A Visit From The Misguided Angels
On the bright side, boaters are a helpful bunch. However, there are those twisted souls among lend a "helping" hand when it is the least helpful—an ode to the misguided angels of the docks.
How NOT To Leave The Docks
We spend an awful lot of time explaining how one should go about matters of the boat. This is not to say we aren't experts of the adverse as well - here is one such example of how NOT to go about getting to the fuel docks.
The Story Of 'Oh Wooden Aye'
My wife and I spent a lovely few days exploring Savannah, where I came across a very cool downeast boat tugging the lines at Thunderbolt Marine.
ESI Fuel-Polishing System: The Benefits Of Filtering Your Fuel
How do you guarantee squeaky-clean fuel? Try an ESI Total Fuel Management fuel-polishing system like the one we’re installing on Arawak, our 1996 Grand Banks project boat down in the U.S Virgin islands.
The Secret To Passing The Power-Cruising Torch
The marketing side of our industry constantly racks its collective mind trying to figure out how to get that next generation on the the water. Could the real secret lie in a freshly varnished helm?
Properly Handling A Man Overboard Emergency
Man Overboard! Those are two of the most panic inducing words you can ever hear on a boat. But, fear not (really, don't panic)! Here are some essentials for dealing with a MOB emergency and making sure everyone makes it back to the docks in one piece.