Steve Zimmerman

Whether hauling out annually or less often, follow this haul-out game plan to get the most from your time "on the hard."

Think you'll always remember to return later to finalize the installation? Think again.

We love engine mounts, perhaps the hardest-working hardware in your engine room. Here's how to make sure they love you back.

Conducting your own personal test run can diagnose all kinds of problems before the big day.

Our experts have spoken. Here are the top "canned goods" you should be stocking on board.

Expert troubleshooter Steve Zimmerman's top seven technical tips for boat shoppers.

Using the correct fasteners for different applications can prevent onboard problems.

Alloys can be made of many materials. On boats, they’re not interchangeable.

Keep these practical nuggets in your mental toolbox for when the do-it-yourself spirit takes hold.

Moisture is the enemy. Here’s how to keep it out—and what to do if it gets in.

How to extend the life of your teak decks—and what to do when they fail.

Our expert troubleshooter, Steve Zimmerman, unpacks the often confusing metric of fuel burn.

Corrision Prevention Tips from the Boatyard

Here's what to expect if you hire a professional inspector, and how to proceed if you want to inspect your own engine.

Manage these engine exhaust system components to keep your diesels firing on all cylinders.

Boat buyers often take strong positions on galley stoves, insisting that they would never expose themselves to the risks of an explosion posed by propane.

Let’s imagine that the boat has been hauled, and a dozen or so blisters can be observed. How do you determine the severity of the problem? Should you walk away, or perhaps renegotiate in hopes of lowering the price?

An Inexpensive Piece of Gear Can Diagnose an Engine’s Illness; Both cheap and easy to use, a handheld pyrometer could be one of the most useful tools in your collection.

In my many decades of working on boats, it is quite possible that the most reliable tool i have ever carried is not actually a tool at all; its my little black book.

Like the proverbial tail wagging the dog, a $50 solenoid can stop a $3,000 windlass from raising the anchor or prevent the engine from starting. Knowing how these simple devices work may save your cruise.

If you are commissioning your own boat, it can be a challenge to prioritize your time. What should be done before launching? What should be done just after launching? And which tasks can be tackled during the season?

If you are commissioning your own boat, it can be a challenge to prioritize your time. The late author and consultant Stephen Covey taught people how to manage their time by dividing the demands into four quadrants: