Boating Tip of the Day To get adhesive vinyl graphics in just the right spot, spray a film of soapy water on the hull. Put the graphic on, move it around, and when it looks right, work the water out with the edge of a credit card or plastic straight-edge trowel.

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about the maintenance of your boat's electronics screens. Boat electronics represent a big investment, so it pays to take care of them. Many multifunction displays (MFDs) have a touch-screen interface, but all those pinches, swipes, and taps can leave the screen with a plethora of fingerprints and dirt that needs to be periodically cleaned off. While it may be tempting to reach for the Windex or other glass cleaner, these can

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.

It's "Maintenance Monday" and today we're talking about how to make your boat's metal shine. There are many quality cleaners and sealants available for keeping the chrome and stainless steel on your boat protected, shiny and bright. After applying a light film of marine chrome or metal cleaner on your rails or metal surfaces, let sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. Then, wipe off with a clean cloth. After cleaning, you may also want to apply a quality wax sealer/protectant to c

It's "Maintenance Monday" and today we're addressing oil changes in all marine engines, excluding two-stroke outboard motors. Just like cars, boats need to have their oil changed. Four-stroke outboards, inboards and stern drive boats require regular oil changes. The frequency will vary by model but a good rule of thumb is to change the oil every 100 hours of operation or once a year. Unfortunately, there aren't any quick change oil shops for boats, so you either have to cha

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about what to do after a great day in the Gulf of Mexico with your boat. It’s no secret saltwater can wreck havoc on a boat’s hull, engine, and its mechanical and electrical components. With the exception of fiberglass, the fine salt particles will stick to the metal, where it promotes rust and corrosion. In addition, it can also settle into small spaces where it expands and crystallizes, damaging things like zippers and fast