DIY Boat Owner has long had an Ask The Expert column. But often, we get too many questions to fit in the magazine. So beginning this week, we will be running questions and answers on the website, in an effort to get more of your questions answered. And we’re starting with a good one, something [...]

For those of you who have caught the iPhone bug, Mad Mariner has a new toy. The MadApp launched this week, a free application that allows you to access the latest Mad Mariner articles, news, photos and blog posts from your iPhone or iPod Touch. We’ll be building something similar for DIY Boat Owner later this [...]

We all know the benefits of Starboard. It won’t absorb water, won’t rot, requires no brightwork and can be shaped using standard tools. That makes it the perfect material to use when it’s time to replace those infamous interlocking boards that separate the cabin from the elements on many sailboats. Mad Mariner’s story on Building a [...]

When properly cared for, an uncoated fiberglass antenna should last for 10 years or more. Totally ignore it, and you might be replacing it in five. Like all things made of fiberglass, ultraviolet rays react with the resin causing the radome to become brittle and eventually crack. Water enters through the tiniest fracture, and corrodes the [...]

Did you know there’s a formula to determine the approximate range of your antenna? To calculate the range, use this formula: Square root of the hight above the water (in feet) x 1.42 = range (in miles) – Jan Mundy

A VHF radio is often your only communication with the outside. While many boats carry two, in addition to handhelds, you should be able to make basic repairs. One frequent point of failure is the antenna. In case your whip antenna should break or fail, you should stow a mini antenna in your spares kit. These [...]

Many boaters coil radio frequency coaxial cables rather than cutting them to length and installing a connector. Coiling wires creates an inductor, which opposes the signal trying to get from the antenna coupler to the receiver. It is better to cut or buy a wire of the appropriate length. When a manufacturer warns against cutting the coax, [...]

A bow seat gives the perfect platform for resting one’s derriere when tending the anchor, navigating through the shallows or spending some quiet time alone. And this is a relatively easy winter project that could pay off come spring. Designed to fit over the top or lower rail, bow seats fasten to the pulpit with rope [...]

Recycle and reuse solvent that has been used to clean brushes and other tools. Simply strain the solvent through a paper filter funnel and store it in a sealed can marked “dirty.” Reserve solvent for first-time cleaning of paint brushes.

Removing sealant residue with the 3M Stripe Off Wheel is faster and easier than solvents or adhesive cleaners, and the residue comes off without scratches or damage to gelcoat or painted surfaces. If you’ve got sealant to peel, might be worth a try. The wheels, which fit into a drill, are readily available on the Internet or [...]