Hate when you mistakenly catch or snag a wire, and know right away that you've disconnected something in the process? Create a loop at wiring connections with a tie-wrap to prevent inadvertent pulls on the wire from disabling the equipment. If you'd like help with the wiring systems on your vessel, call us today at #MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation! #zipties

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about your boat's canvas. Though not made like the thick, rough fabric of boating days gone by, “canvas” is the generic term used for the durable fabrics used to create cockpit and console enclosures, Bimini tops, boat and sail covers, line and gear pockets, and more. You may have heard the trade name “Sunbrella” used to describe some of these materials as well. Keeping canvas clean is an essential first step, but don’t was

Need to clean a RIB or shore-power cord? Citrus pumice-style hand cleaners work well. As a last resort, toluene and a clean rag also does the job, just make sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from the chemical solution. If you'd like to keep your boat looking clean and shiny, call us today at #MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation!

Liquid dish soap applied to your carpeted trailer bunks will help the boat slide off more easily at a shallow ramp. It makes for a smooth start to your day on the water!

We see many stern drive vessels sitting idle at the dock in the "up" position. It’s better to keep your stern drive tilted down at the dock. It doesn’t clear the water anyway, and doing so better protects the ­bellows from barnacles, cracking and deterioration. If you'd like us to look at the condition of your stern drive components, call us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation at #MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253!

One of the most neglected systems on a boat is the exhaust. You want your engine purring, and all the lights to work when you hit the "on" switch, but your vessel's exhaust system(s) need periodic checks as well, and should be on your monthly maintenance checklist. Exhaust systems carry a lot of ­water; check all fasteners, supports and plumbing to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as sinking. If you'd like us to give a thorough examine to your boat's exhaust syste

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about the importance of cockpit drains and scuppers. One cannot escape the marine fact that boats take on water. Whether from ocean spray, rain, wet things and people, water gets onto the deck. Most of the time it can be sluiced off easily, but in the cockpit this water tends to puddle without proper drainage. In these cases, a clear scupper and cockpit drain can help redirect that water back into the ocean where it belongs.

“Mysterious” leaks are often the result of failed deck plate and hatch O-rings. Start with these parts instead of attempting to "chase" leaks and water flow from other sources. You can often match the o-ring or gasket seal at your local hardware or home improvement store, or if that fails, order new parts from the plate’s manufacturer. If you'd like help in stopping those pesky leaks on your boat, call us today at #MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253 for a no-cost, no-obli

Before attempting to trace a wiring problem for a malfunctioning horn on your boat, try a squirt of spray lube first. The diaphragms can get coated with salt and won’t vibrate. Soak them good with the spray lube, and this will hopefully return your electric horn to blaring service. If you've got a maintenance issue on your vessel, call us today at #MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253 for a no-cost consultation! #horn

You can make rigging and snaking wires, hoses and cables through tight spots in gunnels and bulkheads easier by dousing a rag with silicone spray and running the cables through the doused rag before pulling them through the boat. If you've got a wiring or rigging issue on your vessel, call us today at #MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation! #silicone