Maintenance & Repair

23.12.2025
METAL CORROSION IN BOATS — THE PREVENTION OF METAL CORROSION IN HULLS, ENGINES, RIGGING AND FITTINGS

Metal corrosion and its prevention on boats is a widely misconceived topic that many boat owners, or boat builders write in their own way. Topics that are written about in yachting are often talked about in a way where only a corrosion engineer can only understand it's science and knowledge. Because of this, owners have found themselves seeking knowledge which has been made very difficult, and can now get a book of this sort to fill the gap.

It is good for an owner to have a good amount of knowledge of corrosion, in case they need it for metal boatbuilding as well as knowing the conditions that are appropriate for them to corrode. To make matters extremely important, the owners should take into account the safety. Choosing certain types of equipment can lead to problems, especially since chandlery folks aren't too knowledgeable regarding this topic. It is important to consider the topic of what can effect and interact with water is also important. It can be understood well without requiring the use of maths or any confusing science. However, there are theories out there that assist with finding a certain metal for a certain type of purpose. There are many factors that can effect how the corrosion of behaviour of metals so many rules are hard to follow.

It is known that metal has one main objective: to return to it's state (ores). Finding corrosion resistant items pays off great because of this. Spending more money will reward well. Choosing cheap material may have problems later on sinking the boat. Of course in writing information it is taken great consideration of different authors and their fields. And because there is experience between my boats from my work and naval architect, there may be a lot of information aired amongst practical boat owners with centreboard bolts.

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17.11.2025
THE CARE AND REPAIR OF SAILS

Sails are intricately connected in every aspect to the material from which they are constructed, making it impossible for any book that aims to explore them in detail to overlook the process of sailcloth production and the essential qualities it must possess. The sailmaker invests considerable care and expertise in selecting the cloth for your sail; therefore, it is important to recognize this knowledge when you encounter it, as it is integral to his profession.

Much hinges on his selection, so let us examine some of the factors he must take into account. Sailcloth is typically woven by arranging threads on the loom's beam to create the warp, or lengthwise threads, and then interlacing the thread back and forth over and under the warp to produce what is referred to as the weft.

The resulting weave is compacted by beating the weft, ensuring it lies closely together; the tighter the weave, the greater the cover factor, as the weft causes the warp to crimp. When tension is applied along the warp, the lengthwise threads tend to straighten their crimp and open the weft, which increases the cloth's porosity and diminishes its ability to retain any chemical fillers that may have been incorporated; the individual threads may also slightly untwist and elongate.

However, the stretch is minimal, and no significant deformation of the cloth occurs. Nevertheless, when tension is applied at an angle to the threadline, the small squares created by the weave become distorted into diamond shapes, causing the cloth to elongate in the direction of the tension and narrow across this line.

Consequently, the cloth shifts at right angles to a line of bias tension, resulting in a fold of additional material along this line; the outcome in a sail is increased draft along the tension line and a flattening in the area from which the cloth has been drawn. A quality cloth should not remain permanently deformed after such stress but should return to its original shape once the tension is released.

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13.11.2025
ELECTRICS AFLOAT — A COMPLETE AND PRACTICAL STEP BY STEP GUIDE FOR BOAT OWNERS

In today's era of rapidly advancing technology, it is no longer feasible for boat owners to remain complacent regarding their electrical systems, as our dependence on them continues to grow. Modern yachts are equipped with many of the conveniences we enjoy at home, such as hot water, television, microwaves, heating, and refrigeration. This necessitates a comprehensive distribution system and, for many, a degree of reliance on AC shore power.

Additionally, there are navigational aids to consider. A prominent yacht designer recently expressed his belief that the traditional chart table is becoming obsolete; in fact, he no longer includes one in any of his designs for vessels under 30 feet. He stated that such boats will rely on electronic instruments for navigation, including GPS and chart plotters, thereby freeing up the space once designated for the navigational station to enhance accommodation. Furthermore, when was the last time we manually started an engine? Very few modern diesel engines even provide a hand-start option, with the only emergency starter being a spare battery.

While we may question the prudence of these advancements, it is undeniable that this is the current reality, whether we accept it or not. As sailors, it is essential for us to understand electrical systems. This book does not delve into electrical formulas—aside from the fundamental principles of Ohm's Law—but rather aims to foster an understanding of how electrical systems function and the options available for those wishing to upgrade. All recommended systems adhere to the standards and guidelines set forth by the applicable regulatory framework.

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12.11.2025
A BOATER'S GUIDE TO AC ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

The purpose of this guide is to give you a fundamental grasp of AC electrical systems commonly found in boats built by leading manufacturers in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It will also introduce you to a variety of Marinco electrical products. Before proceeding, we strongly advise you to carefully read and understand the information in your boat's owner's manual and to thoroughly inspect your onboard systems.

It's important to know the location of your panelboard, identify the circuits controlled by each breaker, and understand how your shore power system works. AC electrical systems are relatively simple and easy to comprehend. With a bit of common sense and basic knowledge, you'll likely be able to diagnose and fix many issues on your own.

However, if problems become too complex or if you need significant modifications, it's best to consult a qualified marine electrician. The concise glossary of the most frequently used electrical terminology, as applied to the boats, is also included.

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10.11.2025
100 FAST & EASY BOAT IMPROVEMENTS

The book by Don Casey is there to provide readers with necessary information about different aspects of boat maintenance, namely about the improvements they could to do to their boats and yachts. First of all, obviously, the author touched the most important aspect – safety, addressing the areas where the improvements would result in the increase in the human safety; for example, it is handrails and locker latches, life-vest cushions and track protectors, bilge pump light and many others equally critical.

Then, there is time to add some convenience to your boating experience, and this can be reached by paying attention to the details of the stuff used regularly, such as the buckets and scrubbers, racks and trays, blocks, bins, tables and others. The comfort onboard your boat can be increased by working on the curtains and dishes, seat backs, doors, cleats etc. Above is just a small portion of what was covered by the author in this book. Take some time reading it and make sure that you do use the valuable advices to improve your boat and, consequently, your boating experience.

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09.06.2025
YACHT JOINERY AND FITTING

This book has been crafted to address a significant gap in the available literature on boat joinery. It primarily focuses on, but is not limited to, internal joinery and explores related topics such as timbers, tools, modern adhesives, and other materials used to affix wood. Today, most boats are no longer constructed entirely of wood, and yacht joinery has become a specialized trade where boat builders often employ 'fitters-out' rather than traditional shipwrights.

Therefore, this book aims to provide practical, reliable information for 'fitters-out', whether they are aspiring tradespeople, home constructors, or enthusiastic yachtsmen looking to build or install shelves and fixtures in the galley-those who might be unsure where to begin. The author prioritized clarity and specificity, offering concrete information rather than vague ideas.

Many of the designs included are ones the author has personally built or used, and relevant dimensions are provided wherever possible. However, the book does not claim to cover every aspect or method - there are many ways to achieve a goal, and nothing should prevent the use of alternative approaches.

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20.04.2025
TOTAL LOSS — A COLLECTION OF 45 FIRST-HAND ACCOUNTS OF YACHT LOSS AT SEA

As Jack Coote mentioned in the preface to the first edition of this book sixteen years ago, it is not a pessimistic work. Its purpose is not to discourage anyone from setting out on a well-equipped yacht after thorough preparation. Nor should it be seen as a morbid or voyeuristic account. When a sailor loses a yacht, regardless of the reason, it is like losing a partner in great adventures. Frank Mulville described in the chapter Girl Stella’s Going: “A boat has a soul, a personality, eccentricities of behavior that are endearing.

It becomes part of a person, coloring their entire life with a romance unfamiliar to those who don’t understand a lifestyle connected with boats. The older a boat gets, the stronger its aura... People look at boats with admiration and say, “She’s been to the South Seas,” or “She’s just returned from the North Cape,” and the boat’s reputation surpasses that of its owner. “A boat is always there—you never stop worrying about her, whether you are aboard or ashore.

She might be laid up for winter in a safe harbor or hauled out in a yard... Wherever you are, part of your consciousness always remains with her. Men lie awake worrying about their bank accounts, their wives, their mistresses—actual or potential; but sailors worry about boats”. Mulville felt that losing Girl Stella was a “dead weight of responsibility”—a burden that could never be fully lifted. Similarly, Mike Richey experienced “no going back” after losing Fester. As he watched her fade into the distance—still looking as trim and beautiful as ever—he realized how deeply he loved her. “Men personify their boats like no other artifacts,” he reflected. “I felt I had failed her, that I should have stayed with the boat...

That was one of the saddest moments of my life,” he recalled. Bill Tilman expressed that the loss of Mischief meant more than losing a yacht. “It felt like I had betrayed and abandoned a friend who was stricken,” he said. “I shall never forget her.” Bob Roberts faced a scene that nearly broke his heart: seeing Thelma, the brave 27-foot vessel that had carried him safely through 7,000 miles of both calm and storm in the Pacific, pounding on rocks along a lonely shoreline. Coral had sliced through her anchor chain as if with a file.

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17.02.2025
SAILBOAT BUYERS' GUIDE

For so many years, this publication by Alan Chappell served as an excellent information source for all those planning to acquire their sailboat. It is a truly invaluable guide and a real must-have one for the future boaters. In fact, the book is the only single volume providing all necessary technical data on all boats available for sale at the time of its release. The text and table information are supplemented with numerous drawings and specifications, as well as the images and even prices of more than a thousand boats.

It was the ultimate intention of the author to demonstrate to the readers the whole choice of the sailboats in the United States, to make the process of choosing smoother and more enjoyable. Understanding that the readers do not have too much time to perform the in-depth researches, he made a ready-to-use one, covering literally all types of sailboats. All info originates from the official manufacturers so it is trustworthy. The material is arranged in three sections, devoted to the sailboards, monohull boats, and, finally, multihulls.

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