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Marine Service Blog

Expert advice, maintenance tips, and industry insights from our technical writing team — over 150 combined years of hands-on marine service experience.

ElectricalFebruary 22, 2026

Lightning Protection for Boats: Control the Strike

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.

Captain RolandRead Article
AC System Builder Walkthrough: Sizing a 42ft Grand Banks Trawler with Steve Harmon
Air ConditioningFebruary 22, 2026

AC System Builder Walkthrough: Sizing a 42ft Grand Banks Trawler with Steve Harmon

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.

Captain RolandRead Article
Marine Power Upgraded: A Guide to High-Output Alternators and Lithium Integration
ElectricalFebruary 22, 2026

Marine Power Upgraded: A Guide to High-Output Alternators and Lithium Integration

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article
A/C Airlock: The 5-Minute Fix Every Boat Owner Needs to Know
Air ConditioningFebruary 22, 2026

A/C Airlock: The 5-Minute Fix Every Boat Owner Needs to Know

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.

Steve HarmonRead Article
Smooth Sailing: The Expert Technician's Guide to Marine Heads (Macerating Type)
PlumbingFebruary 21, 2026

Smooth Sailing: The Expert Technician's Guide to Marine Heads (Macerating Type)

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.

Mike CastilloRead Article
Beyond the Hype: 7 Impactful Realities of the Marine Lithium Revolution
ElectricalFebruary 21, 2026

Beyond the Hype: 7 Impactful Realities of the Marine Lithium Revolution

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article
The Silent Revolution: 6 Things You Didn't Realize About Upgrading to Marine Lithium
ElectricalFebruary 21, 2026

The Silent Revolution: 6 Things You Didn't Realize About Upgrading to Marine Lithium

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article
Marine AC Pump Replacement Guide: Scot vs Oberdorfer vs March — Which Pump Is Right for Your Boat?
pumpsFebruary 20, 2026

Marine AC Pump Replacement Guide: Scot vs Oberdorfer vs March — Which Pump Is Right for Your Boat?

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.

Mike CastilloRead Article
Marine Pump Maintenance & Troubleshooting: The Complete Guide for Boat Owners
pumpsFebruary 20, 2026

Marine Pump Maintenance & Troubleshooting: The Complete Guide for Boat Owners

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.

Mike CastilloRead Article
How to Choose the Right Marine Watermaker: Size, Type & Brand Guide for 2026
watermakersFebruary 20, 2026

How to Choose the Right Marine Watermaker: Size, Type & Brand Guide for 2026

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.

Steve HarmonRead Article
Marine Watermaker Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Complete Service Guide
watermakersFebruary 20, 2026

Marine Watermaker Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Complete Service Guide

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.

Steve HarmonRead Article
Marine Generator Maintenance & Troubleshooting: The Complete Owner's Guide
generatorsFebruary 19, 2026

Marine Generator Maintenance & Troubleshooting: The Complete Owner's Guide

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.

Mike CastilloRead Article
How to Choose the Right Marine Generator: Size, Brand & Fuel Type Guide
generatorsFebruary 19, 2026

How to Choose the Right Marine Generator: Size, Brand & Fuel Type Guide

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.

Mike CastilloRead Article
Best Marine Chartplotters 2026: Garmin GPSMAP vs Simrad NSX vs Raymarine Axiom 2
electronicsFebruary 19, 2026

Best Marine Chartplotters 2026: Garmin GPSMAP vs Simrad NSX vs Raymarine Axiom 2

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.

Bill TraversRead Article
How to Choose Marine Electronics: Chartplotters, Fishfinders & Radar — A Captain's Guide
electronicsFebruary 19, 2026

How to Choose Marine Electronics: Chartplotters, Fishfinders & Radar — A Captain's Guide

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.

Bill TraversRead Article
Lead Acid Battery Benefits for Marine Applications: Why This Proven Technology Still Dominates the Water
ElectricalFebruary 19, 2026

Lead Acid Battery Benefits for Marine Applications: Why This Proven Technology Still Dominates the Water

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article
Marine Battery Benefits: What Every Boater Gains from a Proper Battery System
ElectricalFebruary 19, 2026

Marine Battery Benefits: What Every Boater Gains from a Proper Battery System

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article
How to Choose the Right Marine Battery: A Captain's Complete Guide
ElectricalFebruary 19, 2026

How to Choose the Right Marine Battery: A Captain's Complete Guide

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article
Lithium vs Lead Acid Marine Batteries: Which Is Right for Your Boat?
ElectricalFebruary 19, 2026

Lithium vs Lead Acid Marine Batteries: Which Is Right for Your Boat?

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article
The Complete Guide to Marine Electrical System Surveys
ElectricalFebruary 19, 2026

The Complete Guide to Marine Electrical System Surveys

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.

Tom BrennanRead Article

Need Professional Marine Service?

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