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Boat Doctor

2016 July 1 - 12:00 am

Why are my halyards fraying?

My Tayana 48 came with wire and rope halyards and as part of my refitting efforts I replaced them with high-quality Dyneema double braid last summer. After wintering in the Caribbean on the boat and bringing the boat back this spring, I found that the cover on a couple halyards and the topping lift has worn through. I bought what I thought was good cordage, so why did this happen? I also broke the block on the mainsheet. It was an older block, but appears to have been made of plastic with metal strapping. I’d like to replace it with an all-metal block so I don’t risk breaking it again, but I’m not sure what kind I should look for.

Boat Doctor

2016 May 3 - 12:00 am

How do I track my boat's systems?

I’m the kind of person who likes to know how things work and a few systems on my boat have me stymied. A few years ago I installed a Frigoboat keel-cooled refrigerator. It works great, but I am trying to figure how many times per day it runs and for how long. It’s so quiet that I can hardly tell when it is running.

Technique

2016 May 1 - 12:00 am

Installing an electric head

Simple electric heads are better than they used to be and can easily replace a manual model

When a marine head goes bad there is usually a story to tell, and it’s never a good one. A clog or a leak can ruin a weekend. Even a properly working head can be awkward to explain to guests, “Well, you do your business, flip this lever, pump this lever and then don’t forget to flip that lever back or you can sink the boat!” Invariably, the guest has a problem. Often they ask for assistance that is neither fun to request or give. Or worse, they don’t ask.

Boat Doctor

2016 March 1 - 12:00 am

How do I install an AIS antenna?

I am adding an AIS transceiver to my boat. After a few close calls, I decided that not only do I want to know where other boats are, I’d like them to be able to see me as well. It looks like the AIS will work well with my chartplotter but I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing with the antenna. I’d appreciate your guidance.

Technique

2016 January 25 - 12:00 am

Offshore sail repair

Arm yourself with a proper sail repair kit and a bit of knowledge to keep a passage intact when your sails aren't

Sail repair is a crucial offshore skill, many times it can save a passage. It takes a little planning to build a kit and to study some basic skills, but it is manageable for anyone.

Boat Doctor

2016 January 1 - 12:00 am

Why do I need to clean new fasteners?

Dear Boat Doctor, I am installing some new Harken winches on my boat, and I was told to clean the fasteners and use Loctite to prevent them from “galling.” I agreed, but I’m not entirely sure I

Boat Doctor

2015 November 24 - 12:00 am

Why does the tachometer read high?

I just bought a used Catalina 36 MkII. I’m thrilled with the boat but I have an issue that came up during the survey that I’d like to resolve. The tachometer appears to read high. The boat idles at the proper speed, but the tachometer reads more than 1,000 rpm. A similar problem occurs at cruising speed as well. I discussed it with the surveyor and he suggested it was related to the alternator. What’s the issue here and how do I fix it?

Retrofits

2015 November 23 - 12:00 am

RETROFITS: Manta 42 MkII

Comfortable two-hull cruising awaits after a refit focused on warm-water sailing

Multihulls have never been more popular. In-water boat shows now dedicate huge amounts of space to them and sailors are interested in them for more than just chartering. Sailors who want to spen

Retrofits

2015 November 23 - 12:00 am

RETROFITS: Catalina 36 MkII

A perfect weekend cruiser in good shape gets performance-minded upgrades

The Catalina 36 hits a sweet spot among weekend cruisers. It’s big enough to be comfortable and capable, but small enough to easily manage it shorthanded and it comes at an approachable price.

Technique

2015 October 22 - 12:00 am

Installing alternate power sources

Solar, wind can power a boat at anchor with system that take up less space than ever

Installing solar and wind power is easily than ever and gives you greater freedom to take your boat off the grid.

Boat Doctor

2015 October 15 - 12:00 am

What features do I need in a PFD?

I am going offshore this winter and the skipper said I need a specific inflatable life jacket, one with crotch straps and a spray hood. The problem is that I’m finding it hard to find one that incorporates both of these. Any suggestions?

Boat Doctor

2015 October 15 - 12:00 am

How do I install a battery monitor?

I would like to install a battery monitor that will show the state of the charge of my batteries. I have basic mechanical and electrical skills and would like to try to install it myself. What’s the best way of doing it?

Boat Doctor

2015 September 18 - 12:00 am

Avoid the dangers of poorly installed shaft seals

I recently had a scary experience on my boat when my PSS dripless prop shaft seal began to leak in a rather dramatic fashion. The water rose above the floorboards. I was able to get it under control and later consulted with the boatyard, determining that the shaft collar was not correctly installed. The stainless ring on the prop shaft slipped and allowed water to enter the boat.

Boat Doctor

2015 August 18 - 12:00 am

What's a quick-drying filler for gouges?

Dear Boat Doctor, There are some deep gouges in the bottom of my boat that I need to fill when I pull the boat out. I have used epoxy in the past, but it was a pain to thicken and to

Boat Doctor

2015 August 18 - 12:00 am

How do I connect solar panels?

Dear Boat Doctor, I want to install two solar panels on top of my bimini and I am a little confused about how to hook them up. Each panel has two black plugs on it and my charg

Boat Doctor

2015 July 1 - 12:00 am

How long should running rigging be?

My Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40 came with running rigging lines that all seemed needlessly long. The extra line adds to the difficulty of housekeeping, and in rough going sometimes creates a mess under foot that creates what I would call a hazard. After a few years, I cut all lines to their longest useful length.I have two friends with similar-sized boats, and they have many feet of extra line that ends up piled on the cabintop. They are resistant, saying “You never know when you will need it,” or “The rigger left it for a reason.” How do you see it?

Boat Doctor

2015 June 1 - 12:00 am

Is it bad to sail with only a headsail?

Dear Boat Doctor, I sometimes get a little lazy when sailing my Catalina 36 and just use the roller furling genoa. I endure a bit of ribbing on the dock for this, but I’ve also been told that I’

Boat Doctor

2015 June 1 - 12:00 am

What kind of batteries should I buy?

Dear Boat Doctor, I need to replace the batteries in my house bank. They are about 6 years old and just don’t seem to hold a charge as long as they used to. But how do I know what type to buy?

Technique

2015 June 1 - 12:00 am

Optimizing electrical systems

Tweak your boat’s battery bank and wiring to make the most of your power

An unreliable electrical system is seldom dangerous but can be a major inconvenience. The good news is that new, affordable technology and good old solid electrical engineering can combine to make a n

Boat Doctor

2015 April 30 - 12:00 am

How can I spruce up my rusty anchor?

I just bought a new-to-me Baba 40. I love the boat and have spent lots of time cleaning it up and just making it mine. It came with a nice Bruce anchor, one of the original well-built ones. I really like the anchor but it could look better, it’s pretty rusty. Can I have it galvanized or can I paint it?

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