Expert Advice

Watch as we answer the question, “Why is it so difficult to find replacement boat parts for my boat?”. We also provide some insight on how to find exact replacement boat parts.

Replacing electronics, and helm components can make a 20-year boat feel brand new! Here we go over Julie's helm upgrade project for her 2001 Silverton Motoryacht 453.

If you’re planning to keep your boat on the water as far into the season as you can, you want to start thinking ahead. Cold, like pain, can be difficult to remember accurately.

One of the most popular questions about king starboard is, "can it be glued?". Watch to learn all the pros and cons of gluing starboard as well as common applications, alternatives, and what adhesives to use.

Need help choosing the perfect cleat for your dock or boat? Here we give an in-depth explanation of all the options available when it comes to boat cleats.

There’s something at once thrilling and intimidating about venturing out of sight of land in your own boat for the first time. With some planning and preparation, though, your first trip offshore can be safe and fun. In this first of three parts, we’ll discuss boat concerns and pre-planning.

Floatation, propulsion, sunscreen, drink holders. That’s as close as you can get to a list of universal concerns for boaters, though the order varies according to how long it has been since the last canned beverage slid off the gunwale and into the drink.

The fact is that very few recreational boaters know much of anything about the maritime “rules of the road,” described in the official Coast Guard publication, but there are a few basic right of way concepts any responsible boaters should know by heart!

Outriggers are an essential piece of gear on any offshore fishing boat, allowing anglers to increase the amount of water covered while trolling. Here we have a look at what to consider for picking the best setup based on your boat, your fishing style, and your budget!

This project boat, an older Andros Backwater 18, was purchased from the previous owner with no hatch supports of any kind. here we go over how we added gas shock supports to the single large hatch in the forward deck, three hatches across the back deck, and the Livewell lid.

Considering gas prices these days, it’s worth trying to make the best of a bad situation by taking some simple steps to improve your boat’s fuel efficiency. Over the course of a season, even a few tenths of a mile per gallon can add up!

Here are some tools, tips, spots, and do’s and don’ts for baggin’ your bugs! This crash course is the perfect guide for going lobstering in the Florida Keys.

Marine grade butt hinges are one of the most common pieces of hardware founds on boats! When it comes to replacing or upgrading your boat hinges there are a few considerations you need to make including, hinge pin position, mounting hole location, size, shape and style.

The arrival of the rotomolded cooler about 15 years ago has turned the portable icebox into durable, multi-purpose gear as an expanding range of functionality-extending accessories hits the market. Here are some ideas for putting your cooler to work!

With little or no mechanical know-how, you can perform a few simple checks that will tell you a lot about the condition of the engine(s). Here we look at five key things to check on used outboard engines before making a purchase.

It’s tough to imagine a better low-key, family-and-friends boating activity than scalloping on Florida’s west coast. Harvesting scallops is challenging enough to be fun but easy enough for kids and adults. Make sure you have all the right gear for your next adventure!

We've all seen the videos of the unknowingly annoying "boat ramp champ", save yourself from being "that guy"! That's why we put together a collection of the things to keep in mind so you can be the one laughing, not the one being laughed at.

The ideal bottom for fishing and diving usually isn’t nice hard sand. Instead, it tends to be rocks, reefs, or wrecks, all of which make it difficult to get your anchor to set and retrieved! Here we go over everything you need to know for anchoring in these settings.

Almost any trailerable boat can be launched solo with the right gear and preparations. Launching solo can be a little tricky, so here are some tips and tricks to make it easy and stay safe. These tips also make your launching process quicker, something you and your fellow boaters will appreciate!

Is there any boat accessory more useful and versatile than the good ol’ 5-gallon bucket? Nothing is perfect, though, and there’s always room for improvement — even with a 5-gallon bucket. Here are a few ways to make yours even better!

Tell the truth — how many different knots do you use boating? For most boaters, the answer is two or maybe three, counting a cleat hitch. Still, knots are fun to learn, and knowing just a handful of simple ones can come in very handy when something unexpected happens!

If you have a father in your life who owns a boat, it’s a pretty safe bet that for Father’s Day he’d like something boat-related! You’ll need to look for a gift that can work with almost any boat and requires little or no effort to install. Fortunately, there are quite a few gifts like that available. Here are a few to consider!

Adding a swim platform and ladder to an outboard or I/O-powered boat is well within the abilities of the average do-it-yourselfer, but it does require some careful forethought and planning. Here we go over the mounting location, ways to use your platform, and some additional considerations to keep in mind when shopping for swim platforms.

Good old aluminum jon boats have a lot going for them as fishing boats. They’re tough, roomy, inexpensive and easy to transport. Jon boats are blank canvases, ready to be built out to meet your specific needs. Adding a casting deck, rod holders, and tackle storage are all easy upgrades for the DIY'er!

There is no real estate more prime for tackle storage than the aft side of the leaning post. Unfortunately, many boat builders don’t really maximize leaning post space. We have a variety of solutions to make the most of this often unused space!

There aren’t many absolutes when it comes to boat rigging. But here’s one thing that’s certain: if your electrical system doesn’t include a battery disconnect or selector switch, you need to add one. And yes, it is worth the modest cost!

Docking a boat in rough conditions isn't as hard as you may think. Here, we go over a few simple rules and concepts that govern tight-quarters maneuvering in the wind and/or current. Learn those, and you can then use them to adapt to each unique situation!

Fishing pontoons are made, not born. All of those basic fishing boat features — rod and tackle storage, bait and live wells, trolling motor rigging, and so on — have to be added. Among your first priorities should be a convenient, secure place to stow rods where they’re easily accessible.

Tilt-out units are a great way to add storage in tight spots like transoms, gunwales, and consoles. Check out things to consider when shopping for a tilt-out storage unit on your boat.

Thinking about adding new electronics or repowering? Make the transition seamless with a perfectly matched custom dash panel. Here we go over the three considerations to make when upgrading or replacing the dash panel on your boat.

We get it, winter is over and you're itching to get back on the water! Here are some tips on what you should be doing this spring to put more fish in the boat. We'll go over some fish to target and ways to catch them this spring.

Want long, accurate, and tangle-free casts? Follow these tips when it comes to choosing and spooling your reel with braided line.

Tracking down some of the fastest fish in the ocean can be a feat. The key is to find, approach and follow the birds. They're the ones that will lead you to the tuna!

We’ve dealt with 100’s of boaters that share the same issue and we are glad to share some advice and explain all of your options.

Upgrading your rocker switch covers is a quick fix that keeps your dash looking new. This is a project any boater can do in just a few minutes!