Category Archives: Boat Maintenance

Repairing The Lower Boom Vang Mount

Posted on September 19, 2017 by captnmike

Last fall we were sailing along nicely on a medium wind day when we heard a loud bang, the bang got our attention but looking around we were not able to see anything wrong, shrouds and stays were fine and … Continue reading →

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Assembling Hoses With The Secret Sauce

Posted on February 20, 2016 by captnmike

Assembling hoses is not one of my favorite jobs on a boat, always tough to get the hose to slide on the fitting no matter what lube I tried. This last spring I re-powered my boat.  When it came time … Continue reading →

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Chafe Protection – Or keeping your boat tied up in a storm

Posted on November 13, 2015 by captnmike

As the fall storms and winds increase, chafe protection on mooring lines is often overlooked until a line parts or breaks. Lines should be protected anytime they go over or around a sharp or abrasive object. Chafe is increased anytime … Continue reading →

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Tips & Hints For Preventing or Dealing With Oil and Fuel Spills

Posted on July 28, 2015 by captnmike

Yes recreational boaters on average behave responsibly, but accidents do happen and nobody wants to see an oil spill gathering around their boat in the marina.   Small Oil Spill Kits are being given out free to help boaters keep the … Continue reading →

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Relocating the 120 VAC Electrical Panel

Posted on May 17, 2015 by captnmike

As part of the engine re-power I decided to relocate the 120 VAC Electrical Panel to give better access to the engine compartment since the original panel blocked engine maintenance access. The boat originally came with a custom 120 VAC … Continue reading →

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Let There Be Light – Testing the Streamlight Siege LED Lantern

Posted on October 10, 2014 by captnmike

I have used the Streamlight Siege LED Lantern for several months and have been quite impressed by it. For boaters, the Lantern floats, has multiple light levels, should survive a 2 meter (6 foot) drop), has a nice handle to … Continue reading →

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Making Spiral Pelican Hook Lanyards & Key Fobs

Posted on July 21, 2014 by captnmike

After I wrote the original article on Lanyards & Key Fobs, some friends saw the spiral version and wanted to know how to make the spiral key fobs. Making a Spiral Portuguese Sennit, key fob is not too difficult and the … Continue reading →

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Making Pelican Hook Lanyards & Key Fobs

Posted on May 19, 2014 by captnmike

You can save money by making your own colorful Pelican Hook / Shackle Lanyards.  They are quick and easy to make and you can pick your own colors. Key Fobs make great Christmas and Birthday gifts for your non sailing … Continue reading →

Posted in Boat Maintenance, Boating Safety, Sailing and Boating Skills | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments