Boat Maintenance

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How to Winterize a Boat: Step-by-Step for Outboard, Sterndrive, and Inboard Engines
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How to Winterize a Boat: Step-by-Step for Outboard, Sterndrive, and Inboard Engines

To winterize a boat, get every drop of water out of the engine and cooling system before the first hard freeze. Fill the fuel tank to 95 percent wi...

9 min read Updated Oct 2026
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EPIRB vs. PLB: Which Emergency Beacon Does Your Boat Actually Need?

EPIRB vs. PLB: Which Emergency Beacon Does Your Boat Actually Need?

An EPIRB is registered to your boat, transmits for at least 48 hours, and a Category I model floats free and switches on by itself. A PLB is regist...

Oct 21, 2026
Boat Fuel Tank Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Size, Material, and Fittings

Boat Fuel Tank Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Size, Material, and Fittings

Size a boat fuel tank from your engine's fuel burn, not your boat's length. Multiply the hours you will run by gallons per hour, then divide by 0.6...

Oct 21, 2026
How to Choose the Right Marine Grill for Your Boat

How to Choose the Right Marine Grill for Your Boat

For most boats, propane is the most popular fuel. It's small, lights fast, handles wind well, and is easy to store, using either throwaway one-poun...

Jul 20, 2026
How to Choose and Size an Anchor Windlass

How to Choose and Size an Anchor Windlass

Size an anchor windlass by the weight of your gear. Add up the weight of your anchor, chain, and rope. That total should be less than the windlass'...

Jul 20, 2026
Boat Trailer Roller Replacement: Types, Sizing, and Step-by-Step Install

Boat Trailer Roller Replacement: Types, Sizing, and Step-by-Step Install

IntroductionWorn boat trailer rollers are easy to ignore until they crack, flat-spot, or seize, and then they stop supporting the hull and start sc...

Jun 29, 2026
Marine Gas Systems – Frequently Asked Questions

Marine Gas Systems – Frequently Asked Questions

Marine Gas System Safety OverviewA properly installed and maintained marine gas system is essential for onboard safety, insurance compliance, and p...

May 12, 2026
How to Choose the Right Boat Hatches & Hatch Covers for Your Boat

How to Choose the Right Boat Hatches & Hatch Covers for Your Boat

Many boats rely on deck hatches to provide access to storage compartments, bilge areas, and cabin spaces, but not every hatch is designed for every...

Mar 11, 2026
The Ultimate Guide to Marine Hardware: Deck Fittings, Hatches & Rail Systems

The Ultimate Guide to Marine Hardware: Deck Fittings, Hatches & Rail Systems

If you own a boat, the metal parts on your deck are more important than you think. Marine deck fittings, boat hatches, and marine railing systems k...

Feb 27, 2026
Harbor Master Cleaner & Degreaser: A Proven Marine‑Grade Solution Returns

Harbor Master Cleaner & Degreaser: A Proven Marine‑Grade Solution Returns

For years, Harbor Master Concentrated Multi‑Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser was one of the most requested marine cleaning products across LFS locat...

Feb 19, 2026

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How to Winterize a Boat: Step-by-Step for Outboard, Sterndrive, and Inboard Engines

How to Winterize a Boat: Step-by-Step for Outboard, Sterndrive, and Inboard Engines

To winterize a boat, get every drop of water out of the engine and cooling system before the first hard freeze. Fill the fuel tank to 95 percent wi...
EPIRB vs. PLB: Which Emergency Beacon Does Your Boat Actually Need?

EPIRB vs. PLB: Which Emergency Beacon Does Your Boat Actually Need?

An EPIRB is registered to your boat, transmits for at least 48 hours, and a Category I model floats free and switches on by itself. A PLB is regist...
Boat Fuel Tank Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Size, Material, and Fittings

Boat Fuel Tank Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Size, Material, and Fittings

Size a boat fuel tank from your engine's fuel burn, not your boat's length. Multiply the hours you will run by gallons per hour, then divide by 0.6...
How to Choose the Right Marine Grill for Your Boat

How to Choose the Right Marine Grill for Your Boat

For most boats, propane is the most popular fuel. It's small, lights fast, handles wind well, and is easy to store, using either throwaway one-poun...
How to Choose and Size an Anchor Windlass

How to Choose and Size an Anchor Windlass

Size an anchor windlass by the weight of your gear. Add up the weight of your anchor, chain, and rope. That total should be less than the windlass'...
Boat trailer keel roller replacement kit with old worn roller, new poly roller, shaft, end caps, cotter pin and marine grease

Boat Trailer Roller Replacement: Types, Sizing, and Step-by-Step Install

Introduction Worn boat trailer rollers are easy to ignore until they crack, flat-spot, or seize, and then they stop supporting the hull and start s...
Marine Gas Systems – Frequently Asked Questions

Marine Gas Systems – Frequently Asked Questions

Marine Gas System Safety Overview

A properly installed and maintained marine gas system is essential for onboard safety, insurance compliance, and peace of mind. Many boats—especially older vessels or those with DIY modifications—may have gas systems that have not been inspected for years and may rely on outdated, incorrect, or non‑marine‑grade components.

Key risk areas include unsuitable regulators, expired hoses, improper fittings, poor pipe securing, and unsafe cylinder storage. Gas work should only be carried out by competent individuals, as unqualified installations may not be insurable and cannot be certified. Safe systems use LPG‑approved, marine‑grade materials, include proper shut‑off valves and test points, and store cylinders in gas‑tight lockers that drain overboard.

Regular inspection, correct materials, safe operating habits, and the use of gas alarms all play a critical role in reducing risk and ensuring your gas system meets modern safety expectations.

How to Choose the Right Boat Hatches & Hatch Covers for Your Boat

How to Choose the Right Boat Hatches & Hatch Covers for Your Boat

Many boats rely on deck hatches to provide access to storage compartments, bilge areas, and cabin spaces, but not every hatch is designed for every...
Illustration showing marine hardware such as: Deck Fittings, Hatches & Rail  Systems

The Ultimate Guide to Marine Hardware: Deck Fittings, Hatches & Rail Systems

If you own a boat, the metal parts on your deck are more important than you think. Marine deck fittings, boat hatches, and marine railing systems k...
Harbor Master Cleaner & Degreaser: A Proven Marine‑Grade Solution Returns

Harbor Master Cleaner & Degreaser: A Proven Marine‑Grade Solution Returns

For years, Harbor Master Concentrated Multi‑Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser was one of the most requested marine cleaning products across LFS loca...