It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about how to check the oil level in a four-stroke outboard engine. Checking the oil level in a four-stroke outboard should be part of the “pre-flight” routine of every outboard owner. But I’m guessing many outboard owners go an entire season without lifting the cowl, because our boats–like our road vehicles–are so reliable and maintenance-free these days that we don’t give much thought to oil and filters. I know that more o

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about dock courtesy, with a few tips to make dockside boating safer and more pleasant for you and your dockside neighbors. ALWAYS neatly coil or flemish excess line, both on the dock and onboard. This not only looks more professional, but can prevent someone from tripping over a loose line and falling. Guess who would be at fault if it were your line they tripped over? ALWAYS turn off all AC breakers on board, then turn o

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about your vessel's through-hull fittings. Every through-hull fitting in your boat is a potential hole that could sink you in a matter of minutes. Although they are out of sight and, at times, difficult to get at, through-hulls need careful routine checking, at minimum every three months. Many through-hulls such as engine-cooling intakes and sink or cockpit drains, tend to be left open continuously and the valves may stick in

It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about something that I witnessed this past week, and that's forgetting to put the drain plug in the boat prior to launch. In the rush to launch a boat from its trailer, many boaters forget to place the boat plug into the drain hole. The problem, although usually not tragic, can certainly be embarrassing! The moment the boat hits the water, water starts to fill the boat. With john boats and utility craft, the taking on of wat