Columns
A question about fuel economy
With the cost of gasoline going up, fuel economy has become a regular topic in the e-mails that I receive. A recent question dealt with the addition of a hydrofoil fin on a reader’s outboard motor.[…]
The Boat Doctor
Columns
It’s time to perform a safety gear tune-up
Summertime is here. The kids are out of school. Boaters all over are making plans to hook up their boats, load up the family and head out on the water for some special boating pleasure.[…]
Columns
Do your homework before buying a used boat
Every used boat should be taken out for a test ride before being purchased, but there are several steps to take before then.[…]
Columns
Water leaks in the bilge can be difficult to diagnose
I was recently contacted by a reader with a problem. He is concerned because every time he removes the drain plug from his boat after a typical fishing trip there is an excessive amount of water accumulation in the bilge of the boat.[…]
Columns
Instrument panels not that tough to fix
I get a lot of requests for help with fuel- and ignition-related problems, but lately I have noticed an increased number of boats coming through my shop with problems with the instruments on the dashboard.[…]
Columns
Ethanol problems are on the rise
In June 2009, I wrote a column warning about the problems that many boaters were experiencing due to the use of ethanol-blended gasoline.[…]
Columns
Diagnose, don’t assume, when problems arise
Sometimes when working on your engine, it can be very tempting to jump to conclusions without properly and completely diagnosing the problem.[…]
Columns
Not all fuel problems caused by ethanol
Last year, I wrote a column urging readers to avoid ethanol at all costs. Ethanol has caused many problems ranging from sludge in the fuel tank to deterioration of the fuel lines. It absorbs moisture from the air.[…]
Columns
Hurricane plans should include your boat
We are approaching the middle of another hurricane season. Have you finalized your plans in case a storm comes your way? Did you include your boat in that plan?[…]
Columns
Oil spill could destroy your outboard
We are right in the middle of our prime boating and fishing season, and I am getting calls and e-mails daily from concerned boaters who are not willing to just roll over and play dead.[…]
Columns
Still lots for Louisiana boaters to do
I remember looking through some old photographs that my mother had when I found one of my mother and dad sitting in one of dad’s race boats. The third person in the boat was me.[…]
Columns
Are DC alternator chargers worth the money?
I recently received an e-mail from a reader asking if I could help identify which wire is the ignition wire for his 1999 outboard motor. He stated that he was considering hooking up an onboard DC alternator charger.[…]
Columns
The doctor orders a spring check-up
Wow, what a winter we had! We saw record rainfall totals, cold temperatures, high winds and tides so low that many waterways were reduced to mud flats.[…]
Columns
Shows offer tremendous opportunities
It seems that the boating season is getting off to a slow start this year. I wonder if it has something to do with a certain football team winning the Super Bowl.[…]
Columns
Take steps before storing duck boats
Duck season has come to an end. What will you do with your duck boat now?[…]
Columns
NMMA cancels New Orleans Boat Show
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.[…]