Technical Boat and Yacht Articles
Closed-loop Cooling- Flush Your Inboard SystemBy Chris CaldwellSo how do you flush your inboard cooling system?Read the article→
Marine DC Electricity for BoatsBy Jim HealyThis Article discusses DC Electricity concepts and terminology at an introductory level. This article is intended to help those with little or no background or training…Read the article→- The Boat SurveyBy Jim HealyA boat survey is a multi-step business process that is initiated by a boat owner or prospective boat buyer. The purpose of the survey is to establish the safety, seaworthiness and market value of the vessel. The survey process consists of the following steps…Read the article→
- Ship’s Radio Licenses, Ristricted Radiotelephhone Operator’s PermitBy Jim HealyIt is key to understand that the requirement for a Ship’s Radio License and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit is imposed on US registry vessels by the US government (via the FCC via International Telecommunications Union treaty). It is not a requirement of any particular foreign jurisdiction.Read the article→
- Cleaning the A/C Raw Water LoopBy Jim HealyAboard Sanctuary, our normal summer and winter locations are mostly in brackish waters. Local water temperatures rise into the mid-to-high 80s in the summer months. Routine preventive maintenance is required to avoid the build-up of sea growth in the raw water circulation plumbing system.Read the article→
- EPIRB/PLB vs Satellite Messenger/Communicators (SPOT)By Jim HealyTrue Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) operate on “official” GMDSS/SOLAS radio frequencies to communicate with the international, government-operated emergency satellite network. PLBs have some limitations compared to Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon devices (EPIRB), but use the same satellite communications network. This system is monitored by government (often military) emergency response agencies.Read the article→
- Data Security and the InternetBy Jim HealyAlthough a different technology study from connectivity and networking, the security of data connections in a wireless network is a serious concern for users of any kind of mobile connectivity platform. This is one of the most complex and jargon-prone areas in the discussion of small, mobile platforms like the SOHO networks found on boats and RVs. I mean to keep it as simple as possible!Read the article→
- Wireless IP Cameras to Monitor Engine RoomBy Jim HealyBoaters are universally warned to be diligent about performing engine room checks to identify developing problems before they become serious. So now, truthfully, are you methodical about doing hourly checks?Read the article→
- Polybutylene (PB) Plumbing in Drinking Water SystemsBy Jim HealyCruising south in 2017, I became aware that my house water pump was cycling on and off at random intervals. I proceeded to change our water pump head/valve assembly…Read the article→
- Navigation Via PC or Tablet ComputerBy Jim HealyA long-time cruising friend recently asked: “I’ve been researching a replacement for my circa 2000 RayMarine navigation system.Read the article→
- Diesel Engine MaintenanceBy Jim HealyWhat I mostly got from that course was the personal confidence that diesel engine maintenance is the same as, or simpler than, maintaining a gasoline engine. My conclusions were…Read the article→
Halting Boat Engine WearBy Capt. Barry KallanderThe most common cause of wear in a diesel engine is contamination of the crankcase oil…Read the article→
Automatic Identification System (AIS)By Jim HealyThe Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a complex and sophisticated system of marine navigation technologies…Read the article→
Check Your Fire Suppression SystemsBy Capt. Craig ParkhurstCorrect design, installation, and maintenance are critical to the reliability of your fire suppression system.Read the article→
Hydraulic Fluid AnalysisBy Capt. Craig ParkhurstWhen was the last time you changed the hydraulic fluid in your stabilizer system or integrated hydraulic system?Read the article→
Disclaimer: Curtis Stokes and Associates does not necessarily agree or promote the content by the above authors. This content is to be used only with the reader’s discretion.
