maintenance
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.
How To Maintain A Freshwater Tank
Here's how to restore your water tank or tanks to like-new condition, with minimal effort.
Marine Sprays & Lubricants: Picks From The Pros
Our experts have spoken. Here are the top "canned goods" you should be stocking 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.
Got a Screw Loose? Time To Brush Up On Your Marine Fasteners
Using the correct fasteners for different applications can prevent onboard problems.
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.
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?
Metal Health: Get To Know Your Alloys
Alloys can be made of many materials. On boats, they’re not interchangeable.
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.
Top 10 DIY Tips
Keep these practical nuggets in your mental toolbox for when the do-it-yourself spirit takes hold.
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.
Zimmerman Marine Expands In Southport
New location will haul and service boats up to 60 feet and 65 tons.
How To Buff Your Hull The Right Way
Using a power buffer to clean and polish your gelcoat is good for you and for your boat.
Troubleshooter: How Long Will My Engine Last?
Eventually, time and wear catch up and the situation will call for a rebuild, a remanufactured engine, or a new engine.
Troubleshooter: Steering Systems
Technical contributor Steve Zimmerman on how to manage and maintain cable and hydraulic steering systems
How To Quiet Your Boat On The Cheap
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.
Freeing Rusty, Stuck, and Seized Hardware
If you own a boat you’ve no doubt dealt with the nemesis of rusty, frozen or stuck hardware. It’s inevitable, anything made of ordinary carbon steel or iron aboard a vessel will, if not adequately protected, rust or seize. In some cases, even if it is protected. Here is how to win the battle...
SMEAR CAMPAIGN: Seven Strategies for Keeping Your Displays Clean
They're pretty, expensive and help you find your way. No, we aren't talking about your spouse, but with all time and effort you put into selecting and installing all those electronic displays on your helm you owe it to yourself to keep them clean and well maintained. Here are a few tips on how to do just that.