Propane fueled refrigerators are certainly less common than electrical refrigerators on boats, but if installed correctly (typically in a gimbal mount to keep them level and the correct venting arrangement for leaking gas) they are a highly effective means of refrigeration, although they aren’t without the potential to suffer faults from time to time... Whilst certainly not … [Read more...]
Do I Need a Fuel/Water Separator on My Boat?
When you’re drilling down to the finer details of building or refitting a boat it’s sometimes difficult to know what you do and don’t need to include. We’re all prone to cutting corners, but sometimes it pays to spend a bit more now to save a lot of expense and heartache further down the line. One such ‘detail’ is whether there is a need to include a fuel/water separator in … [Read more...]
Should I Vinyl Wrap My Boat?
Vinyl wrapping is the process of attaching a vinyl film (essentially a giant ‘sticker’) to a boat over the existing paintwork or gel coat. This approach is commonly used with cars, but there is an increasing demand for vinyl wrapping in the boating world as well. Whilst certainly not for everyone there are some really great reasons to choose a vinyl wrap as the finish to … [Read more...]
Should I Use Plastic or Aluminum Fuel Tanks on My Boat?
If you’re on the lookout for a new boat or you’re overhauling the fuel system on your current boat it would pay to give some attention to your fuel tanks, and more specifically the material they are constructed from. Aluminum Tanks Pros Aluminum tanks are a much more versatile solution; aluminum fabrication shops are widespread, so if you need a custom solution in … [Read more...]
Plastics & Metals: Choosing The Right Material For Seacocks and Fittings
Thru-hull fittings might seem like a fairly insignificant part of your boat, but let’s not forget if they’re at fault, then your boat could sink. If this ever happens it’s guaranteed to ruin your day! So choosing high quality fittings is an absolute must if you plan to do any remedial work on your boat; for instance: swapping out your old engine for one with a … [Read more...]