I once bought a used boat that nearly landed in the back of my pickup. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but that’s what it felt like when it … [Read more...]
Brett Becker
Running Boards at the Launch Ramp — Nice Accessory!
October 1, 2013 By
If you’ve ever hung around a fisherman or spent any time in the truck they pull their boat with, you know they usually both smell. The fisherman smells … [Read more...]
Boat Trailer Types: Freedom of Choice
September 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment
When we shop for boats, we look critically at the boat. We scrutinize its condition and whether it will meet our needs -- but we probably don’t pay … [Read more...]
Front-Wheel Drive for Boat Towing?
September 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
People tend to ask me a lot of questions. I guess I have them fooled into believing I know a thing or two about boats. Trucks, too, probably. So a buddy … [Read more...]
Ethanol’s Worst Enemy
September 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Alcohol has the power to ruin lives if you let it. It also has the power to wreak havoc on a boat’s fuel system. If you need a bit of background, … [Read more...]
A Primer on Towing Safely
September 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
While towing, you can almost measure acceleration with a sundial, and you can forget about passing anything — especially a gas station. You can’t stop … [Read more...]
Oil Changes Without the Mess: Use a Drain Hose
August 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment
I think the third used boat I ever bought came with one of those hoses that attached the drain plug on the oil pan and reached to the transom drain plug … [Read more...]
Used Boat Engines: Mercury Certified Pre-Owned Program
August 20, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Just recently I learned about a program from Mercury Marine that I bet not too many used-boat shoppers know about. Conditions would have to be just right … [Read more...]
Change the Gear Oil in a Used Stern-Drive
August 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
One of the first things I do when I buy a used anything with an internal combustion engine is change the fluids. Engine oil goes first. Then the transmission … [Read more...]
Bleeding Boat Trailer Brakes: The Phoenix System
August 11, 2013 By 1 Comment
A buddy of mine called with a puzzling question. He had just bought a new-to-him boat, and the master cylinder on the surge-brake system on his trailer … [Read more...]