NMMA cancels New Orleans Boat Show
January 2010
On Nov. 24 there was an article in The Times-Picayune, section C page 6, titled, “Boat show canceled.” It really wasn’t an article. It was a single paragraph comprised of a total of 82 words. It simply stated that The New Orleans Boat & Sport Show would not take place in 2010. The show had been scheduled for Jan. 6-10. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which owns and produces the show, blamed the cancellation on a lack of exhibitors due to the current economic situation.
Hull design dictates propeller type
December 2009
The design of your boat’s bottom will affect the type of propeller you will need. In the simplest of terms, there are two hull designs: displacement and planing.
Pitch, slip and cup vital terms for props
November 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
October 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 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 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
July 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 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
May 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
March 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 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
January 2009
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 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.
Ask Captain Paul
The Boat Doctor 
