Repairs, Maintenance & DIY

Simple and more advanced projects, routine maintenance, quick ways to make big differences, solving nagging problems, tips and tools to make the work easier and getting help from pros.

Published on October 28, 2019; last updated on October 25, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to make an affordable boat cockpit enclosure. Mine cost just $550 vs. a $10K estimate from a canvas shop! [More] Inexpensive DIY Cockpit Enclosure

Looking For Hard-to-Find Boat Parts?

Published on August 17, 2019; last updated on June 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Doug McQuilken

Boat Used Part Search: locate hard-to-find boat parts quickly and easily — and at affordable prices — with this search tool. [More] Looking For Hard-to-Find Boat Parts?

One Careless Moment

Published on April 22, 2019; last updated on June 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

One careless moment caused a boat fire. What happened, what we did wrong and what we did right. A chilling story of an almost-disaster. [More] One Careless Moment

GPS to Wifi iPad for Aqua Map – Under $10

Published on April 15, 2019; last updated on April 1, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

Step-by-step how to use your phone’s GPS information on a wifi-only iPad (without GPS) with AquaMap. Cost: less than $10 vs. $100 for external GPS. [More] GPS to Wifi iPad for Aqua Map – Under $10

Switching from Ablative to Hard Bottom Paint

Published on March 25, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Why we switched from ablative to hard bottom paint on our cruising sailboat, the alternative procedures for doing so and what it cost. [More] Switching from Ablative to Hard Bottom Paint

Spotless Stainless

Published on March 18, 2019; last updated on June 30, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Spotless Stainless is a dead-easy way to clean your stainless. Brush it on, wait, rinse it off. It’s that simple. Seriously. [More] Spotless Stainless

Feeling Stupid

Published on March 6, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Feeling stupid. Boat work and the cruising life can do that to you. The lessons we learned as well as how to move on and regain confidence. [More] Feeling Stupid

Tips for Hauling Out Your Boat

Published on February 27, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

If hauling out your boat is a new experience, read these tips to make it easier and less stressful. 19 things you need to know! [More] Tips for Hauling Out Your Boat

Lithium Boat Batteries

Published on January 16, 2019; last updated on August 31, 2022 by Carolyn Shearlock

Lithium batteries are a big upgrade on any boat. Are they worth the price? What advantages do they offer? Review and comparison to lead-acid batteries. [More] Lithium Boat Batteries

Ship’s Clock and Barometer for Our Boat Renovation

Published on December 27, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Learn what was important in buying a new clock and barometer as part of our boat’s interior renovation and how to keep the brass from tarnishing. [More] Ship’s Clock and Barometer for Our Boat Renovation

Repairs, Maintenance & DIY

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