Guide Library
Deep-dive technical articles for long-term reliability.
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Bleeding Air From Diesel Fuel Lines
A critical skill for every sailor. Learn how to restart your engine after running dry.
Re-bedding Deck Hardware
Stop the drips. How to properly seal cleats and stanchions to prevent core rot.
Battery Bank Health Testing
Don't get stranded. Use a multimeter to verify your house bank capacity.
Servicing Your Outboard Impeller
Ensure cooling system efficiency by replacing the water pump impeller.
Restoring Teak Brightwork
Stripping, cleaning, and oiling exterior wood trim for longevity.
Caulking a Wooden Boat Deck
Keep the water out. Learn to pick, prime, and pay seams with marine-grade caulking compound.
Varnishing a Wooden Boat: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation, sealing coats, brush technique and sanding between coats for a deep, lasting gloss.
How to Strip Old Varnish Back to Bare Wood
Heat guns, scrapers and chemical strippers — remove failed varnish without damaging the wood.
Wooden Boat Sealants: Which to Use and Where
Polysulphide vs polyurethane vs butyl — match the right sealant to seams, fittings and joints.
Plank Repair and Scarphing
Remove a damaged plank and fit a tapered scarf joint replacement for a watertight hull.
How to Steam and Bend Timber
Build a steam box, steam oak for the right time, then bend planks and ribs into shape without splitting.
Antifouling a Boat Hull
Preparation, paint choice and application so the antifouling lasts the whole season.
Winterising a Boat
Engine antifreeze, fuel treatment, batteries and damp control — the full layup checklist.
Servicing Seacocks and Through-Hulls
Strip, grease and inspect every through-hull valve so a seized seacock never catches you out.
Gelcoat Repair
Fix scratches, chips and crazing with colour matching, wet sanding and polishing to a shine.
Teak Deck Care
Clean without wearing the wood away, check caulking and plugs, and decide on oil or bare.
Boat Drinking Water Care & Sanitizer Tablets
Clean the tank, dose potable-water tablets safely, flush the system and keep drinking water fresh.
The Broads Boat Safety Certificate
What the BSS examination checks, why boats fail, and how to set a four-yearly renewal reminder.