Refit and Upgrade

Learn how to fix stress cracks, dock dings and other fiberglass injuries. And learn when its time to call in the pros.

• By Mike Smith
  Aug 15, 2018

Have you ever seen a pod installed on a yacht in under 5 minutes? Here's your chance. Discover how the team at Sabre Yachts installs their pods. (Hint: It involves muscle and a long chain!)

• Aug 6, 2018

A creative restoration project brings an old Bertram back to life and gets a guy who loves boating on the water again.

• By Jeanne Craig
  Jun 21, 2018

Computers are great, but some propellers still demand a craftsman with a hammer.

• By Mike Smith
  Jun 11, 2018

They installed a Seakeeper gyrostabilizer on their Carver 57, and suddenly a couple with two young children were cruising in a big way.

• By Ben Stein
  May 18, 2018

Imtra’s new Zipwake interceptor system is a small addition to your transom that can add up to big gains in performance.

• By Daniel Harding
  Apr 27, 2018

Is paint passé? In some cases, maybe. Vinyl wrapping is faster and cheaper, and can make a mean-looking logo.

• By Mike Smith
  Apr 20, 2018

Fuel tank have to go? Here’s how to replace it.

• By Mike Smith
  Apr 16, 2018

Could we be on the cusp of an electric propulsion revolution?

• By Jeff Moser
  Feb 27, 2018

Clarion, a longtime automobile audio provider, wanted to show Capt. Bill Pike what it can do for marine stereos. Find out his take here.

• By Capt. Bill Pike
  Feb 6, 2018

Replacing an old, inefficient, or obsolete self-contained air-conditioning unit is easy—all you need is a few simple tools, a little forethought, and a comprehensible set of instructions.

• By Capt. Bill Pike
  Jan 26, 2018

We tested Imtra’s new ZipWake trim tab system and its claims of improving a boat’s performance and fuel efficiency. The results surprised even us.

• Jan 26, 2018

Allowing adults and youngsters alike to cool off in the water without having to tread water, the benefits of adding a hydraulic swim platform to your boat can’t be overstated. Here’s how to add one to your boat.

• By Mike Smith
  Jan 19, 2018

If your old outboards are sputtering, it may just be time to upgrade.

• By Mike Smith
  Jan 12, 2018

If you need (or will need) to enlarge an existing hole previously cut with a hole saw, either slightly or dramatically, read this.

• By Capt. Bill Pike
  Nov 22, 2017

Maintaining gyro stabilizers keeps your boat on an even keel.

• By Mike Smith
  Oct 26, 2017

Has your relationship with your boat lost its spark? Before calling the broker to file for divorce, think about renewing your vows with a refit.

• By Mike Smith
  Sep 25, 2017

Creating Comfort. Does your boat need a makeover? For an easy update, upgrade the soft goods. Learn more here.

• By Mike Smith
  Sep 6, 2017

When a cloud-computing expert decided to go cruising, there are no half-measures. Here’s how he refit his Kadey-Krogen 58 with an office to allow him to cruise full time while still working. Read about it here.

• By Jason Y. Wood
  Aug 30, 2017

Evinrude’s new IDock joystick control makes dockside maneuvering more intuitive.

• By Peter Frederiksen
  Aug 22, 2017

Each type of marine refrigeration system has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on how you use your boat. Read this before you make a decision.

• By Mike Smith
  Jun 7, 2017

Repowering is not to be taken lightly, but with some expert help and good advice a fine old boat can run like new. Learn more here.

• By Mike Smith
  Apr 19, 2017

Feeling more vibration on board than you are used to? A prop issue? Well, unless you’ve hit something recently, or run the old girl aground, it’s possible you have bad isolation mounts.

• By Capt. Bill Pike
  Apr 12, 2017

Could this be the bilge-pump system of the future?

• By Daniel Harding
  Apr 4, 2017