Special Section Features:

Sanitation Systems – The Heads-Up on Heads

New technology helps keep systems running smoothly.

When it comes to marine sanitation, a system that works just “OK” is usually not good enough. Either it functions perfectly and everyone’s happy, or there’s a problem that must be fixed before you launch again. Whether upgrading or refitting completely, today’s marine sanitation systems are better than ever. Components are lighter, hoses are more flexible and pumps are more powerful—and all of it is more reliable as designs have improved.

The three main components of marine sanitation include the toilet, hoses/plumbing and the holding tank. There are many ways to upgrade the toilet and plumbing; however, you’re stuck with the holding tank that was built into your boat. The size of the holding tank can limit the amount of flushes your system can handle, which in turn can limit the time you can spend on the water between pump-outs at a marina, as even greater stretches of water have been designated no-discharge zones. Haul out is the ideal time to get your system working properly. Let’s look at the three main components and what can be done to improve them…..

Propellers - Props Performance tips plus new innovations in development

Performance tips plus new innovations in development

If you’re preparing for the annual spruce up of your boat, don’t omit your propeller(s) from the maintenance list. Props may just be those “wheels” on or under the stern for which some think scraping off the barnacles and other growth is sufficient, but it isn’t. The prop is the one component of the propulsion system that actually makes the boat move through the water and therefore deserves your full attention at maintenance time.

The concept of how a marine propeller works is the same principle as an airplane wing, where the curvature from the leading edge to the trailing edge on top of the wing creates low pressure that induces lift. Installed on a boat, the suction face of the propeller is toward the bow. A pressure differential is created as the blades rotate between the relatively fast-moving water on the pressure face of the blade and the slower water flowing over the suction face. This action of pulling water in and pushing it out adds momentum, resulting in thrust moving the boat forward. Theoretically, the more pitch a propeller has, the more lift is created, translating into forward horizontal movement and speed….

Engine Room – No Haul Out Planned? Here’s Your Spring Engine Checkup Plan:

While an annual haul out is good practice, perhaps this just isn’t the year for a haul-out due to the expense involved or your own boating schedule. However, there are check-up procedures you can perform yourself to ensure your boat’s engines, generators and engine compartment are shipshape the next time you hit the water. Also, a spring check-up will help you find a problem that requires professional service.

It is common sense that boat operators should have a comfortable familiarity with their engine room or compartment. Before every trip, check the engine’s oil level and perform a general inspection of the hoses, clamps and belts. Identifying a problem is much easier in a clean engine room, so keep it tidy and free of debris and dirt….
Electrical - 7  Electrical Tests You Shouldn’t Overlook

Marine electrical systems are all too often given little, if any, maintenance until a problem occurs. The old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is too frequently applied. Routine testing and maintenance, however, can enhance the safety of any vessel and reduce the possibility of unexpected failures. Also, an electrical survey is an effective way to determine what maintenance a vessel’s electrical system may require. An ideal time to have an electrical survey performed is during a haul-out period. A qualified electrical surveyor can efficiently test the vessel’s electrical systems and provide a written report of the findings. The following is a list of seven inspections or tests that are typically performed during an electrical survey, each of which will enhance safety and reliability of any vessel while minimizing the possibility of having to perform emergency repairs….