Expert advice, maintenance tips, and industry insights from our technical writing team — over 150 combined years of hands-on marine service experience.
You can't prevent a lightning strike — but you can control what happens next. Learn how a properly installed Lightning Protection System turns your boat from a victim into a safe conductor, plus personal safety rules and how to protect your electronics from EMP damage.
Walk through a real AC system sizing for a 42-foot Grand Banks trawler in Fort Myers. See how the AC System Builder tool determines system type, compressor, circulation pump, and installed pricing — zone by zone, no guesswork.
A comprehensive engineering guide to upgrading your vessel's charging system with high-output alternators and LiFePO4 batteries. Covers stator technology, external regulators, serpentine conversions, ABYC compliance, load dump protection, and proper wiring for 100A–250A systems.
Your marine AC compressor is running but no cold air? It's probably an airlock. Learn what causes it, three proven methods to fix it in under 5 minutes, and how to prevent it from happening again. Includes video walkthrough.
USCG Master Captain's 25-year field guide to operating, maintaining, and winterizing the Raritan SeaEra macerating marine toilet. Covers safety protocols, electrical specs, prohibited chemicals, and court-ready maintenance standards.
The marine lithium revolution is real — but so are the risks. From BMS shutdown paradoxes to insurance implications, here are 7 engineering realities that separate a safe upgrade from a potential disaster.
Upgrading to LiFePO4 isn't a simple battery swap — it's a full electrical system redesign. From alternator traps to cold-weather plating risks, here are 6 critical realities every boat owner must understand before making the switch.
A comprehensive guide to choosing the right marine AC circulation pump. Covers Scot 67/68 series, Oberdorfer 107M replacements, magnetic drive options, sizing for BTU capacity, and installation tips from 25+ years of experience.
Keep every pump on your boat running reliably with this complete maintenance and troubleshooting guide. Covers AC circulation, freshwater, bilge, diesel transfer, and sanitation pumps with brand-specific tips.
A comprehensive guide to selecting the right marine watermaker for your boat. Learn about daily output requirements, AC vs DC power, energy-efficient models, and which brands lead the market.
Keep your marine watermaker running at peak performance with this complete maintenance and troubleshooting guide. Covers membrane care, pickling procedures, common problems, and when to call a professional.
Learn essential marine generator maintenance schedules, common problems and their solutions, when to repair vs replace, and how to extend the life of your marine generator. Expert advice from 25+ years of marine generator service.
A comprehensive guide to selecting the right marine generator for your boat. Learn how to calculate electrical loads, compare Cummins Onan vs Kohler vs Westerbeke vs Northern Lights, and choose between diesel and gasoline generators.
A hands-on comparison of the top marine chartplotters for 2026. Captain Roland compares the Garmin GPSMAP 1223xsv, Simrad NSX 3012, and Raymarine Axiom 2 Pro 12 after installing hundreds of each.
With 25+ years on the water, Captain Roland breaks down how to select the right marine electronics for your boat — from chartplotters and fishfinders to radar and autopilots. Compare Garmin, Simrad, Raymarine, and B&G.
Despite the lithium hype, lead acid batteries — AGM, Gel, and Flooded — still power the vast majority of boats. Captain Roland explains the real-world benefits that keep lead acid as the go-to choice for marine applications.
A quality marine battery system isn't just about starting your engine — it's about safety, comfort, independence, and protecting your investment. Captain Roland explains the full range of benefits.
With 25+ years of marine experience, Captain Roland breaks down everything you need to know about selecting the perfect battery for your boat — from chemistry types to sizing, brands, and installation tips.
The lithium vs lead acid debate is the biggest question in marine electrical today. Captain Roland compares cost, weight, lifespan, safety, and real-world performance to help you decide.
Everything boat owners need to know about marine electrical system surveys — from pre-purchase inspections to lightning strike assessments. Learn what ABYC-certified technicians check, common problems found in SWFL vessels, and why regular electrical surveys protect your investment and safety.
