In Making, Storing and Using Power: See What Your Boat’s Really Doing, we look at the simple steps that help you understand how your boat generates, stores and uses power. Marine electrics don’t need to be complicated — your power budget works the same way as any other budget; you need to be clear about how much power you’re generating, how much you’re storing and how much you’re using.
Big days at sea, weekends onboard and extended passages all rely on having the power to run the boat. Once you can follow your power flow in real time, you can head out further, for longer, with confidence in your boat’s system.
Making, Storing and Using Power: See What Your Boat’s Really Doing
5 Essentials for Shared Boat Ownership
Thinking about boat sharing? In this episode, Neil breaks down the five essentials every navigator should understand before committing to shared ownership. From the different models available, to how exit terms work, private syndicates, locations, and training requirements — you'll get the insights you need to ask the right questions and make an informed decision.
Marine Electronics
This episode looks at some of the key need-to-know features of your marine electrical system. We go through the options of how you generate and store power on board, understanding the amount of power being used at all times, and how to avoid accidentally wasting power or avoiding being caught out by the batteries being run flat and not available when you need them.
Covers and Canvas
The covers on a boat are usually there to protect the boat, crew or both. Having covers set up correctly and making them simple to use will save money on maintenance and simplify the setup and pack up time whilst providing excellent protection. This episode takes you through the steps you can take to look after existing covers, adapt them to make them easier to use, and consider critical areas when purchasing new or replacement covers for your boat.
Avoiding Engine Failure
When you turn the key and nothing happens, depending on a number of factors, the next few minutes could have a huge impact on the outcome of your scenario. One of the most common errors is to rush straight into fixing the issue without taking stock of the current situation, where you are, the traffic around you, managing your immediate hazards such as lee shores, rocks, bar crossings, breaking waves, shallow water etc. This podcast helps you factor in potential engine failure into your passage planning from local adventuring right through to blue water skippering.
Learning Your Engine System
Having the confidence to identify and manage issues with your boat's engines, is an important step for preparing for bluewater adventures. This episode helps you identify where your current skill set is and what steps you could take to develop your skills in this area.
Top Tips For Marine Toilets
Marine toilets are not the most enjoyable aspect of boating, and quite often this leads to issues with maintenance and even crew seasickness. So in this episode, Neil has some tips for inducting crew in the correct use of the toilets and what you should think about for ongoing maintenance.
Understanding Your Bilge System
How does your bilge system work and what would be the priority be to get water out of the boat? In this episode, we have some Bilge System tips for ongoing maintenance and usage on longer passages.
Tweaking and Modifying a Boat
If you are looking to modify a setup on your boat whether it is from cruising to racing, or from short coastal adventures to longer offshore passages, then there are a few things to consider to make sure that your time changing things on your boat will be effective and not costly.
Through hull fittings
Do you know the where the through hull fittings are on your boat? Do you know how to check fittings for wear and replacement? In this episode, Neil has some tips for getting to know your through hull fitting layout on your boat for simple maintenance checks and responding to emergency flooding situations.
Preventative Maintenance
An important part of boat ownership is checking your vessel's condition and ensuring the systems are working regularly. In this episode, we have some tips for putting some structure into the regular checks and understanding of your boat!
Must-Have Tools for Fixing Common Issues at Sea
In this episode of Boating Insights, we discuss the must-have tools and spares that every navigator should consider having onboard to tackle simple electrical or mechanical issues at sea. From diagnosing electrical problems with a multimeter to having a robust multipurpose line for emergency towing, this episode covers the essentials to help keep your boat running smoothly. Listen now to ensure you're prepared for those unexpected challenges while on the water!
This short list highlights the essential tools and supplies you should consider having onboard for handling common mechanical and electrical issues at sea.
Essential Onboard Tools and Supplies:
This short list highlights the essential tools and supplies you should consider having onboard for handling common mechanical and electrical issues at sea.
Essential Onboard Tools and Supplies:
- MultimeterWire Strippers and Crimpers
- Spare Fuses and Fuse Tweezers
- Hose Clamps
- Sealant and Caulk Gun (Underwater Cure)
- Ratchet and Socket Set
- Spanners and Shifters
- Locking Pliers
- Needle Nose Pliers
- Utility Knife
- Spray Lubricant
- Electrical Tape
- Strong, Multipurpose Line
- Sea Anchor
- Bungs or Plugs for Through-Hull Fittings
This organised list covers routine maintenance and emergencies to prepare you for boating adventures. If you haven't enrolled in the Online Skipper Course, consider making that your next port of call. If you are already enrolled, with your lifetime access available, now could be an excellent time to revisit the Learn Your Boat module and brush up on your skills and knowledge.
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