Pitch, slip and cup vital terms for props
October 23, 2009
Last month’s column just barely scratched the surface as it pertains to propeller technology. In order to better understand propeller designs and their applications it will be necessary to understand the language of propellers.
Select best prop for your needs
September 30, 2009
I have been in the boat business for many years. I know and appreciate the technological advances that have occurred in that time, but I do occasionally find myself reminiscing about the simple good-old days.
Is it cavitation or ventilation?
September 1, 2009
In a recent e-mail, a reader requested help with what he believes is a cavitation problem. He described his boat as a 1994 16-foot center console with a 1994-model 70-horsepower engine. His boat has been problem-free until recently.
Give your boat a makeover
August 4, 2009
In today’s uncertain economic climate, many boat manufacturers and dealers are reporting lower-than-normal new boat sales. I believe I have discovered a new trend. I call it the boat makeover. Instead of buying a new boat, many owners are opting to refurbish their existing boats.
Ethanol should be avoided at all costs
June 29, 2009
I look forward each month to receiving my issue of Soundings Trade Only Magazine. This magazine is full of information and news for and about the marine industry.
Avoid pitfalls when rewiring your boat
June 1, 2009
Accessory wiring in your boat can be a blessing if it is done correctly or an absolute nightmare if not. Wiring is relatively easy, but there are many pitfalls to avoid in order to have a reliable and safe system.
Manuals provide flushing directions
April 30, 2009
I have been writing columns for more years than I care to admit. In all those years, I cannot remember a single column that generated as much reader response as the one I wrote about flushing your engines. I am pleased and flattered that so many of you took the time to e-mail your questions about the topic.
Flushing will save you big bucks
February 25, 2009
I have asked many customers how often they flush out their engines, and the answer is almost always the same. They tell me they flush their engines every time they use them.
How do 4-strokes, 2-strokes compare?
February 3, 2009
I recently received the following e-mail from a reader: “I have a 22-foot bay boat with a 200-hp motor on it. The boat is heavy, but does an honest 52 mph. I want to upgrade to a new 225 hp. I have limited my choice to two motors. One is a 4-stroke and the other is a direct-injection 2-stroke.
Don’t forget winter preparations
December 31, 2008
As we move into the colder months of the year, you may be questioning whether or not you should winterize your boat. In Louisiana, our winters tend to be mild compared to our neighbors in the northern half of the country. Up north the temperature drops so much that most of the lakes and rivers turn to ice. They have no choice but to remove their boats from the water and basically park them until springtime arrives.
Boating gifts keep on giving
December 2, 2008
Christmas is just around the corner, and you are probably busy trying to figure out what gifts to get for your many friends and loved ones on your list.
Don’t forget the basics of ownership
October 23, 2008
I don’t think I will ever forget one day when my dad and I were working behind the parts counter at our dealership, Big M Marine. A customer walked up to the counter, and after the usual greeting, he regaled us with a tale of his recent fishing trip to Venice.
You can salvage your submerged boat
September 23, 2008
It was just a little over three years ago when Louisiana was dealt a horrific one-two blow from Katrina and Rita. Now, thanks to Gustav and Ike, boat owners in Louisiana are facing many of the same problems that existed back then.
Time for duck hunters’ wake-up call
August 29, 2008
Each year when duck season closes in January, most hunters simply park their mud boats and forget about them. We usually have other things such as fishing, cruising and water skiing on our minds.
Stories
