Mixer elbows and heat exchangers
Tucked away out of sight behind your inboard engine lies the exhaust mixer elbow. Its function is to cool the engine exhaust gases by mixing them with the cooling water discharged from the engine heat exchanger.
Diagnosing foul fuel
Clean fuel is a power cruising priority, and it’s important to pay heed to what goes into the tank(s) and what’s sloshing around in the sediment bowl of every filter. But more often than not it’s what lies between the fuel fill and the primary filter that hides the problem.
Navy interested in laser flares
Recall the grisly final scene in the movie Dead Calm involving a flare gun? Picture the bright flares firing briefly over the doomed Titanic.
Installing a propane gas stove
One upgrade we had long wanted to add is a propane stove. Our switch to propane came soon after we discovered it was possible to fill a propane tank just about anywhere if you have the right fittings.
Shifting sands off Hatteras a hazard to navigation
The United States Coast Guard 5th District is warning mariners approaching Hatteras, N.C., to be aware of shoaling sands that have recently encroached on navigable channels.
Sugru: One third of the ultimate tool kit
Every mariner knows the things that drive us crazy: things that leak, things that slip, things that squeak, things that rattle, and things that leave marks.
Installing a life raft on the coach roof
Whether you are buying your first life raft or upgrading to a new one, make sure that proper installation is as high a priority as choice of equipment.
Practical wiring
All boat owners have tales of woe about electrical problems aboard their vessels.
Engine seawater pump rebuild
Long distance voyagers should carry a spare seawater pump for their engine.
Eliminating deck rot
Have you ever walked forward and heard an ominous creaking noise from the deck of your boat?
AIS transponder installation
After enjoying the benefits of an AIS receive-only unit for the last four years, we upgraded to a full transmitter-receiver.
