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Free Education Library

Boat Maintenance,
Explained Simply

Over 100 articles and guides to the systems, parts, and tasks that keep your boat running. Written by boat owners, for boat owners.

Browse CategoriesGet Started

Free plan available. No credit card required.

Browse by Category

Pick a system and dig in. Every article covers what the part is, what it does, why it matters, and how to maintain it.

Anchoring & Mooring

Windlass, ground tackle and rode

9 articles→

Deck

Deck hardware, hatches and fittings

6 articles→

Electrical

Batteries, wiring and shore power

13 articles→

Engine

Engines, fuel systems and cooling

24 articles→

Galley

Stoves, refrigeration and cooking equipment

3 articles→

Hull & Keel

Hull structure, keel and rudder

9 articles→

Instruments & Navigation

GPS, depth sounders and autopilots

10 articles→

Plumbing

Bilge pumps, freshwater and marine heads

10 articles→

Rigging & Sails

Running rigging, standing rigging and sails

25 articles→

Safety Gear

Life jackets, flares and fire extinguishers

23 articles→
Our foundation

Education is the first step

Nobody takes care of something they don't understand. Once you understand what you own, everything downstream gets easier: the care, the schedule and the money.

The loop
You take care of what you understand.
Learn
Step 1

Know the systems you own and what each one actually does.

Care
Step 2

Care follows understanding. That part is automatic.

Track
Step 3

Turn care into a schedule, with reminders that arrive before the breakdown.

Plan
Step 4

Put money aside for the next job so the bill never surprises you.

Our foundation

Education is the
first step

Nobody takes care of something they don't understand. Once you understand what you own, everything downstream gets easier: the care, the schedule and the money.

Step 1
Learn

Know the systems you own and what each one actually does.

Step 2
Care

Care follows understanding. That part is automatic.

Step 3
Track

Turn care into a schedule, with reminders that arrive before the breakdown.

Step 4
Plan

Put money aside for the next job so the bill never surprises you.

…and the next repair teaches you something new, so the loop starts over.

Featured Articles

One pick from each category to get you started.

Anchoring & Mooring

Anchor Rode

The anchor rode connects your boat to the anchor. It can be all chain, all rope, or a combination of both, most commonly 20 to 50 feet of…

Read article
Deck

Deck Drains & Scuppers

Deck drains and scuppers are openings and channels that remove water from the deck, cockpit, and other horizontal surfaces to prevent acc…

Read article
Electrical

AC/DC Electrical Panels

Electrical distribution panels are central control points that manage and protect a boat’s electrical circuits. DC panels distribute 12 V…

Read article
Engine

Air Filter

The air filter is a canister mounted on the engine that filters incoming air to remove debris before it enters the intake. Both diesel a…

Read article
Galley

Backup Cook Stove

A portable backup stove provides a way to cook if the main galley stove fails. These are usually compact, single-burner units that can be…

Read article
Hull & Keel

Bottom Paint

Antifouling bottom paint is specialized marine coating containing biocides that prevent marine growth like barnacles, algae, and marine w…

Read article
Instruments & Navigation

AIS Transceiver

An AIS transceiver is a system that automatically broadcasts your vessel's position, course, speed, and identification while simultaneous…

Read article
Plumbing

Accumulator Tank

An accumulator tank is a small pressurized tank installed in the freshwater system between the pump and the faucets. Inside, a rubber bla…

Read article
Rigging & Sails

Blocks & Sheaves

Blocks are pulleys used throughout a sailboat's rigging system to redirect lines and provide mechanical advantage. They can be fixed, swi…

Read article
Safety Gear

Anchor Alarms

Anchor alarms are electronic systems (either stand-alone apps or features in GPS chart plotters) that monitor your boat's position while…

Read article

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