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Refit and Upgrade
The Pros and Cons of DIY Boat Painting
When the shine of your boat’s topsides starts to fade, consider a new coat of paint. To help in the decision, we weigh the pros and cons of attempting the job (or some of it) yourself.
Using Outboards to Power Your Boat
Multiple outboards produce plenty of 12-volt amps. Use them to power your ship’s systems and you could potentially lose the genset.
Resurrection: Refitting a Classic Sportfishing Boat
The beloved Sea Lion II, a 1963 custom Whiticar, is given a new life after a passion-filled refit that nearly stalled out.
How to Stay Connected While Cruising on Your Boat
Want to get off the grid, but stay in the loop? Here are a few workarounds to keep your lines of communication open while cruising.
Are You Ready for a Restoration?
Returning an older boat to like-new condition is usually less costly than buying a new one, and it’ll make you the envy of the marina. But it comes with its own set of challenges.
A 1986 Bertram 25 Reborn
Stripped down to her bones and built back up again, this 30-year-old Bertram is all new, from stem to stern. A dream realized for a first-time boat owner.
Installing a Sunshade on Your Boat
Sometimes you just want to cast a little shade over the cockpit. We wade through all of the options.
Vetus Takes a Step Into the Future of E-mobility
Backed by its previous experiences with electric marine propulsion, Vetus introduces two new, innovative “e-mobility” products.
How to Prevent Water from Seeping into Your Boat’s Core
Nothing good happens when water seeps into cored laminate. Nip this intrusion in the bud or pay the piper later.
Nano Ceramic Coatings for Boat Hulls
Nano ceramic coatings promise the ultimate gelcoat protection. Mike Smith investigates if it lives up to the hype.
New Innovation: Volvo Assisted Docking
Volvo’s Assisted Docking aims to take the fear out of docking.
Installing a Bow Thruster
Bow thrusters are not just for bigger boats—today, there’s no reason not to have one on all but the smallest of vessels.
How to Maintain Your Boat’s Nonskid Deck
With the passage of time, nonskid decks are the first thing to go. Turn back the clock with these helpful tips.
How to Maintain Your Boat's Stabilizers
Inside tricks from the pros on maintaining your boat's stabilizer system.
Power Steering for All
Dometic’s latest product turns mechanical steering into power steering.
Installing a Vetus-Maxwell Thruster
With more new boaters on the water than ever before, many are looking to upgrade their craft with a bow thruster. We shadow the installation of a Vetus-Maxwell thruster to see how painless this project can be.
How To: Convert Your Outboard Boat to Electronic Steering
Electronic steering is smoother and does away with hydraulic lines and pumps.
How to Set Your Boat Up For Extended Cruising
Set your boat up for extended cruising now, and the next time the seagull hits the fan, you can quarantine at sea.
Time for Lithium?
Lead-acid batteries are so 20th century; lithium’s the future. Making the switch is costly, but there are major benefits.
How To Avoid Boat Theft
An all-inclusive security system protects boaters against would-be thieves and their nefarious plans. Here's what you need to know.
Billy Joel's Classic Commuter Gets Refit
When the new owners of Billy Joel’s classic commuter wanted to make changes to its design, they wisely tapped the original designer to help achieve their goals.
What to do if a Hullside Window Breaks
Sure, hullside windows let beatific visions of natural light into staterooms. But what happens if you break one?
Views of the Future
We look through it, and celebrate the light it brings in. But glass on board yachts is becoming a technological marvel.
How to Repower Your Outboard-Powered Boat
Swapping out old outboards isn't as simple as you may think, but it's worth the effort and expense to upgrade to high-tech motors.