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Straight answers on choosing, sizing and installing marine gear, written to help you buy the right part the first time.
Mechanical (cable) steering is affordable and fine for smaller outboards within the system's horsepower rating. Hydraulic steering is smoother, removes most of the "torque steer" you feel through…
Read the guideChoose a control by mount style (top mount binnacle or side mount), engine count (single or twin), and whether you want a trim switch in the handle. For…
Read the guideA boat seat is a system: seat + swivel + pedestal + base. Pick a seat style for how you use the boat (folding fishing seat, high-back, or…
Read the guideA power boat under 12 meters (39.4 ft) needs red (port) and green (starboard) sidelights visible 1 nautical mile and a white light visible 2 miles: either a…
Read the guideDecide first whether you want lights on the boat (12V surface-mount or thru-hull transom lights) or at the dock (120V lights that sit on the bottom or hang…
Read the guideBuy a marine-rated stereo and speakers, not car audio. Look for a water resistance rating (IPX6 or IPX7), UV-resistant materials and corrosion-resistant hardware. Pick a head unit with…
Read the guideThe right propeller lets your engine reach the top of its rated wide-open-throttle (WOT) RPM range with a normal load. If you are below that range, drop pitch.…
Read the guideSize thrust to your boat's loaded weight. A common rule of thumb is about 2 pounds of thrust per 100 pounds, with more for wind and current. That…
Read the guideWhen replacing a marine gauge, match three things: the sender type and resistance range (for example 240 to 33 ohm U.S. standard versus European ranges such as 10…
Read the guideEvery boat with electronics should still carry a magnetic compass, because it works when GPS, batteries and screens do not. Pick the mount style that fits your helm…
Read the guideAn NMEA 2000 network is a backbone cable with a terminator at each end, a power tee feeding 12V into it, and a T-connector plus drop cable for…
Read the guideChoose your autopilot by your steering system first. Boats with hydraulic steering need a reversing hydraulic pump sized to the steering cylinder. Sailboats with a wheel can use…
Read the guideAn AIS receiver lets you see ships and other AIS-equipped boats on your chartplotter. An AIS transponder (transceiver) lets you see them and lets them see you. For…
Read the guideFor most recreational boats from about 20 to 40 feet, an 18 to 24 inch radome is the right radar. Choose an open array (3.5 feet and up)…
Read the guideMost powerboats should run an 8 foot, 6 dB VHF antenna. Sailboats should use a 3 foot, 3 dB antenna at the masthead, and larger sportfish and yachts…
Read the guideEvery boat that leaves sight of the dock should have a fixed-mount VHF (25 watts, wired to a tall antenna) as its main radio, plus a floating handheld…
Read the guideThe transducer matters more than the screen. Pick a fishfinder with CHIRP sonar, add down imaging or side imaging if you fish structure, and choose the transducer mount…
Read the guideBuy the biggest screen your helm can fit (about 7 inches for small boats, 9 to 10 inches for most center consoles and bay boats, 12 to 16…
Read the guideMatch your cordset to your boat's inlet (30A 125V, 50A 125V or 50A 125/250V), use a length that reaches the pedestal without an extension cord, and keep every…
Read the guideIf your boat plugs into shore power and your anodes are wearing away fast, you probably need a galvanic isolator. It goes in the green grounding wire from…
Read the guideEvery boat battery needs to be held down so it cannot shift (ABYC guidance is no more than about 1 inch of movement under a hard pull) and…
Read the guideThe trailer parts that matter most are the winch, tie-downs, bunks or rollers, tongue jack and wheel bearings. A common rule is a winch rated for at least…
Read the guideBoat trailer bearings fail because water gets in. Use marine-grade, water-resistant grease, fit bearing protectors, let hot hubs cool before backing into the water, and repack or inspect…
Read the guideUse nylon dock lines, because nylon stretches and absorbs shock. A common rule is 1/8 inch of diameter for every 9 feet of boat length: 3/8 inch for…
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