Jack plates perform two key functions. One is setback, which distances an outboard from the boat’s transom, allowing the propeller to run in less-turbulent water. Jack plates also move an outboard up and down to optimize performance and enable a boat to venture into shallower water than it might oth …

Unless you are an expert welder who also happens to have access to a hydraulic press, the chances of your completing a major boat propeller repair or reconditioning job successfully are slim and none. And Slim doesn’t work here anymore. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t perform minor repair and maint …

Nautical charts show all the features necessary for your safe navigation from here to there. To get that information, however, you must know how to read a chart. Several outstanding boating safety organizations teach people how to use nautical charts, and every boater should use those opportuni …

Nothing is more exhilarating that the smell of the sea and the wind in your hair as you sail carefree under a warm sun. If you enjoy boating, there’s no reason not to take your best friend with you. After all, dogs love going places with their owners.Most dogs enjoy water, they are instinctive swim …

Removing a sterndrive is important for annual service and inspection. Here, we detail the five basic phases of removing a MerCruiser Bravo drive. Other drive models and drives made by other makers will come off similarly, but not exactly like the process outlined here. We will call out some of …