CAPT. RICHARD THIEL

Many boaters haul out as soon after Labor Day as practical. But for the hearty and adventurous, the autumn cruising gamble can be rewarding.

Horizon Power Catamarans would like all of you hardcore cruisers to set aside your preconceptions about multihull cruising boats for just a moment and consider a power cat for your next boat.

Brand Awareness: Should you buy your oil and filters from the same company that built your engines? Are the savings in using an off-brand worth it? Capt. Richard Thiel digs into some black gold.

When you think of it, it makes perfect sense. An owner may become acclimated to a substandard cruising speed or an above-average fuel bill, but a boat that’s loud will drive everyone crazy.

One of the most valuable metaphors I learned while attending diesel-technician school came from an instructor who directed us in his clipped Prussian accent to think of the internal combustion engine not as an engine but as an air pump. I remember exchanging stupefied glances with my fellow students as we all wondered if he’d been into the schnapps again.

I think it’s time to balance all those cautionary articles on diesel maintenance with one that assures you of what an amazingly simple and durable piece of hardware your diesel is and how little care and feeding it needs to do its job.

The One-Hour Mechanic: Perform these ten quick and simple checks now and increase your odds of enjoying a trouble-free boating season.

Power plants are always moving forward (pardon the pun) and there is a seemingly endless supply of latest and greatest in the works; Here are a few things I spotted at the recent shows. I'm also slapping you readers with a little quiz, juuust to see if you all have been paying attention to my ramblings.

Engine-room fires and other related mishaps are rare but by no means inconceivable. So while you’re keeping that sharp eye out for pirates and hurricanes, don’t forget also to check on your engine room.

The ABCs of Marine Batteries. You need to know the differences between battery types before you can pick the right setup for your boat. Here are a few tips to get started.

As part of my research for a story I was writing, I once asked a fellow marine writer, who was also a well-known naval architect, to explain the basics of hull design. His answer was short and pithy. “Hull design is like sex: Everyone knows the basics; it’s the details that separate the good efforts from the bad.”

Few things are scarier and deadlier than a fire on a boat. Think that red tank in your Engine Room will protect you from fire? There is a chance it won't. Surviving a boat fire is all about prevention, here is how to exit the smoke.

Most of what I’ve learned from my fellow boaters has been valuable, but every once in a while someone tries to pass off something that’s totally bogus. My particular area of expertise is engines, so I’m pretty sensitive about pontifications on that subject.

High-tech engine oils are touted as the latest thing to protect against wear, but do the benefits translate to marine engines?

You might find serenity aboard, but the truth is all boats make noise. Avoid the rattle, hum and other unwanted yachting sounds. A truly quiet boat stops noise in the engine room—before it gets to you and your crew.

What’s the best cruising speed for my boat? Am I running my motors too hard, to the point that something is going to break or they’ll wear out prematurely? Searching for the Sweet Spot: Do you know the best cruising speed for your boat? If not, here’s how to find it.

It All Starts in the “Basement.” Smart engine-room design doesn’t happen by accident. But it’s not as complicated as you may think. These basic principles will ensure yours is safe and accessible.

Most boaters would like to go a little faster and burn a little less fuel, but some take this desire to a whole new level. For the average boater, a ten-percent improvement in top speed works out to maybe three knots; could tweaking your props in search of their sweet-spot hold the key?

So you’ve found your next ultimate boat—you know, the one you’ll never sell. Just like the last one. Buying a boat? Add these steps to your engine survey to make sure there are no ugly surprises later.

For many, the subject is at best of passing interest and at worst an arcane oddity. But many serious boaters consider it an interesting technology that can be a meaningful part of their maintenance regimen. If you fall into the first category, read on at your risk but please don’t snore.

Do you use a fuel additive? If so, why, and how did you choose it? Are you sure you need it? If you haven’t considered these questions you could be damaging your fuel system or wasting your money. Or both.

What’s Next for Marine Propulsion? Think beyond internal combustion to see what will make boats go in the future.

When something goes wrong on your boat, a few simple rules can keep you from making things worse.