Boat Repair and Survey Topics
This page is a map of the guide. Each topic below links to an article that explains the basics, the typical failure points in South Florida conditions, and the questions worth asking a marine technician or surveyor. Nothing here is a service offer: the site is an independent reference.
Engines and Drives
- Boat engine repair basics
- Why outboards overheat in South Florida
- Outboard lower unit and gear oil
- Sterndrive and I/O drives
- Water pumps and impellers
- Propeller damage, repair and replacement
Fuel, Electrical and Onboard Systems
- Fuel system problems and ethanol fuel damage
- Marine batteries and marine electrical systems
- Marine generators
- Marine air conditioning
- Steering systems, trim tabs and bilge pumps
Corrosion, Storms and Maintenance
- Saltwater corrosion protection and sacrificial anodes
- Hurricane season preparation
- Engine maintenance in South Florida
Buying and Checking a Boat
Two articles cover the buyer's side. Boat and engine surveys explains the pre-purchase survey, the sea trial and how engine checks fit in. Boat inspections covers the safety equipment and condition checks that owners can do themselves or request from an independent inspector. Choosing a boat that suits your budget and your waters is a separate question that no single article can settle: compare several boats, read the manuals and ask each seller for maintenance records.
For anything specific to your own boat, rely on a qualified professional who can see it. If something in these articles looks wrong or out of date, send a correction.