Repair & maintenance guides
Plain-English, step by step, written for owners. Pick your engine to see the guides that apply to it.
340 of 509 guides · page 15 of 15
Where Is the Water in My Bilge Coming From? A Step-by-Step Leak Finder
Track down the source of water in your bilge, from the cheapest clues (when it appears, salt or fresh) to the usual suspects: rain and deck drains, the freshwater system, AC condensate, the shaft seal, raw-water hoses and through-hulls. Fix the leak instead of relying on the bilge pump.
Where to Clean Fish and Get Rid of the Waste: Marina Rules, State Laws and Fishing Line Recycling
Tossing fish guts over the side is legal in some places and a fine in others, and filleting at sea can break size-limit rules. Learn when to keep fish whole, how to use a cleaning station, what to do with carcasses, and how to recycle old monofilament line, with dated examples from state and federal rules.
Winter Boat Cover vs Shrink Wrap: Support, Ventilation, Safety and Spring Removal
Choose between a reusable winter cover and shrink wrap, build a support frame that sheds snow, vent it so the boat doesn't mildew, and know the fire risks before you try DIY shrink wrap. Includes spring removal and recycling.
Winter Layup Master Checklist (Step-by-Step, With Links to Each Job)
One ordered checklist for putting any boat away for winter, from booking storage and treating the fuel to winterizing the engine, water systems, head and batteries, then blocking, covering and securing the boat. Each step links to the detailed BoatMend guide for that job.
Safety: BoatMend is for information only and does not replace a certified marine technician. You are responsible for your safety and your boat. Read the full disclaimer.