Featured · Boating
How to Test a Boat Battery With a Multimeter
Quick answer: Set a sound multimeter to DC volts with the black lead in COM and red lead in the voltage jack, turn loads and charging sources off, ventilate…
10 min read ·
Latest guides
Boating
Gelcoat vs Paint: How to Identify Your Boat’s Finish
Quick answer: Most production fiberglass boats leave the mold with gelcoat, but repairs, refits and some premium finishes may add paint over gelcoat. Do not…
9 min read
Boating
Boat Compound vs Polish vs Wax: What Each Step Does
Quick answer: Compound removes a small amount of weathered or scratched surface with relatively aggressive abrasives. Polish uses finer correction to improve…
9 min read
Boating
Marine Wire Gauge Guide for 12-Volt Boat Circuits
Quick answer: Choose marine wire from the greater size required by allowable voltage drop and conductor ampacity after all derating. Use the complete…
10 min read
Boating
How to Size Fuses for a Boat Switch Panel
Quick answer: A boat fuse primarily protects the conductor, not the switch label. First size the wire for load, voltage drop and derated ampacity. Then choose…
9 min read
Lakes
Dogs Near Alligator Lakes: A Safety Checklist
Quick answer: Keep dogs on a short, non-retractable leash and well away from the water edge in alligator habitat. Do not allow a dog to swim, drink from the…
9 min read
Lakes
How to Check Whether Alligators Live in a Lake
Quick answer: To check whether alligators may live in a lake, start with the American alligator range and the responsible state wildlife agency, then identify…
9 min read
Lakes
Alligator Safety at Lakes: Distance, Dusk and Warning Signs
Quick answer: At a lake in American alligator habitat, keep a substantial distance, never feed or approach the animal, keep children and pets away from the…
9 min read
Lakes
Fishing Around Alligators: Safety and Legal Considerations
Quick answer: When fishing around alligators, keep substantial distance, never cast toward or feed an animal, secure bait and catch, and put fish scraps in a…
9 min read
Lakes
What to Do If You See an Alligator While Boating
Quick answer: If you see an alligator while boating, keep everyone inside and under control, do not feed or approach it, and let the operator create distance…
9 min read
Fishing
Walleye Fishing in Lakes: A Seasonal Strategy Guide
Quick answer: Build a lake walleye plan around low light, temperature, forage and a route between shallow feeding water and deeper structure. In spring, begin…
11 min read
Fishing
How to Catch Bass From Shore at a Lake
Quick answer: To catch bass from shore, confirm legal access and walk a short route that connects several habitat changes: shade, vegetation, rock, wood, a…
11 min read
Fishing
Bluegill and Panfish Fishing for Beginners
Quick answer: A beginner bluegill setup can be one light spinning or spincast rod, light line, a small hook, one small float, minimal split shot and a small…
9 min read