It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about the maintenance and testing of the Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) on your boat. PFD's are very often neglected in the maintenance area of the equipment on your boat, but are just as important as navigation equipment and the engine(s). There are two types of PFD's: Inherently Buoyant PFD's and Inflatable PFD's. Start by examining the nylon fabric for rot or holes, and inspect the strapping for the same. If there

It's "Maintenance Monday", and with the alarming frequency of boat fires in our Southwest Florida region lately, we're talking about marine battery chargers. The size of battery-charging equipment has grown to keep pace with larger and more sophisticated batteries. As charger output current has risen, cable sizes have increased in order to limit voltage drops or overheated conductors. This has led to direct-current cabling, which carries the charging current, and is much larg

Boating Tip of the Day Dock lines should have 1⁄8" of diameter for every 9' of LOA (length overall). In other words, a 36-foot boat should have 1⁄2" diameter dock lines. #docklines #safety

It's "Maintenance Monday" and today we're talking about a problem that's grown to alarming proportions in Southwest Florida, and that's the theft of boats, motors and trailers from storage yards. A starting point in theft deterrent is locks, locks, and more locks. Lock the engine to the vessel, lock a chain around the tires and wheels, lock the cabin, and under no circumstances store the keys in the boat. You may think you have a clever hiding place for your keys. Trust me, f