Systems & Propulsion

Additives vs. Gum, Sludge

If we used our boats like the family car, back and forth to work each day, fuel would never sit for more than a...

Testing Boat Fuel Stability in Diesel and Gasoline

We followed standard boat test methods for storage stability. Diesel was tested using ASTM method D 4625, Standard Test Method for Middle Distillate Fuel...

Reduce Gasoline Evaporation in Boats with These Tips

Sometimes it is not what has been added to your fuel that matters, but what is missing. The most obvious difference between gasoline and...

AGM Batteries Test Update

In our recent test of absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, we cycled five different batteries through 30 deep cycles to 11.7 volts but only...

Watering Batteries

Our May 2015 report on absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries got us thinking about wet cell-batteries. While it is easy to find distilled water...

Tap Water thats Better than Bottled

If youve followed the first two installments in this three-part series on ensuring safe, fresh-tasting drinking water onboard, youve cleaned your freshwater tank, pre-filtered...

Making Sense of Water Filter Certification

Only a few states require National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certification for water filters, and the requirement applies only to a small number of original...

Preventing and Treating the Tainted Tank

Foul tank water is completely preventable. Here are some dos and don'ts for a healthy water tank. Dont place glycol or other winterizing agents...

Water Testing Tools

Swimming Pool Test KitWithout a TDS meter and microbe test kit, there is no way of knowing what is being washed from the clouds,...

Whats the Voltage for Charging Gel Cells?

I just received the latest Waypoints e-letter about gel batteries, where you state they must be charged at no more than about 14.1 volts....

HOW TO BUY A CHEAP SAILBOAT – $20,000 or less!

Buying a sailboat on a budget of $20,000 is easy! Today we’re looking at a Pearson 31, a Hunter 31, a Bristol 29.9, and...

Latest Sailboat Review

Catalina 34 Used Boat Review

American sailboat manufacturers have had their highs and lows, and many have dropped right off the map. But Catalina has been going strong for...