Expert Advice

Stay safe: Understanding the new Queensland lifejacket standards
Starting 1 December 2024, new Queensland lifejacket standards come into effect, introducing important updates to enhance safety on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned boater or a weekend adventurer, understanding these changes is essential for compliance

Caring for Gelcoat: Club Marine Article
Aquamarine Services Director, Scott Cumming, regularly writes for Club Marine Magazine. This latest article covers caring for gelcoat. Fresh gelcoat on a fibreglass boat not only looks good, it’s also a protective layer between the laminate

Steering Systems: Club Marine Article
Aquamarine Services Director, Scott Cumming, regularly writes for Club Marine Magazine. This latest article discusses steering systems. This article explores the types of steering systems found in high-performance boats, with a focus on single-outboard-powered monohulls or

Navigation lights positioning
During our daily surveys, we frequently discover navigation lights that are improperly installed or configured, making a vessel unsafe during use. To ensure safety, properly installed navigation lights are essential for preventing collisions at night or

Boat insurance survey due? Here’s how to save money.
Save money on your next boat insurance survey Maintaining the required state and marina insurance on your vessel often necessitates periodic surveys. Typically, insurance companies require these surveys every five years after your boat reaches seven

Vessel deck maintenance: Club Marine Article
Michael Weston, Aquamarine Services yacht repair specialist, regularly writes for Club Marine Magazine. This latest article discusses vessel deck maintenance. One of the main causes of deck core saturation damage is water leaks through where deckmounted

Bonding system maintenance: Club Marine Article
Yacht repair specialist and Marine Surveyor Michael Weston, of Aquamarine Services, has seen more than his share of boats in dire need of maintenance. He shares some useful DIY suggestions for bonding system maintenance for boat

New Australian life jacket standards
Did you know that on January 1, 2021, new Australian Standards were implemented for life jackets?
The new standard requires the Australian Standards number, AS4758, to be printed somewhere on the jacket labelling. This standard replaces life jackets previously sold in Australia before 2010, including those that are marked with the numbers AS1512, AS1499 and AS2260, the previous Australian Standards numbers.

Transom shield maintenance tips
Transom shield maintenance tips: Essential advice for stern drive boat owners Owning any type of boat comes with significant maintenance responsibilities. In this article, we take a closer look at stern drive boats. One critical component

Checking your keel bolts
Checking your keel bolts: Essential maintenance for boat owners When was the last time you lifted a floorboard? It might be a good space to store some stuff. However, too often, items stored in the bilge

Wood Rot
Essential tips for boat owners For those unfamiliar with marine timber, wood rot can be a challenging topic. It has several causes and can be time-consuming and expensive to repair. If not repaired correctly, it can

Boating checklist
General safety obligations: Boating checklist You’re preparing for a wonderful day on the water. Before you do anything else, make time to complete this boating checklist. The Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 imposes a general safety obligation

Your windlass and ground tackle
It is a beautiful day for a boat excursion. You have completed your safety checks, your guests know where the life jackets, first aid kit, and flares are, and the VHF radio is working. But have

How to Properly Dispose of Expired Marine Flares
As we all know, flares are required by law on almost every vessel, from jet skis to ships. Flares are crucial safety items used to signal planes and other boats when you need assistance. It is

What To Do With An Expired EPIRB
Essential safety information Why should be you aware of what to do when you have an expired EPIRB? Understanding your EPIRB (Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon) is crucial. An EPIRB, when activated, helps search and rescue personnel

Propeller basics
Most boats come with a propeller specified for their particular use. This specification is often calculated by the vessel designer, manufacturer, engine supplier, or a combination of these experts. This article aims to help you understand

What does a galvanic isolator do, and do I need one?
Does your vessel need a galvanic isolator? Is your vessel connected to AC shore power? Is your vessel moored or slipped near other vessels? Is the shore power 50 or 60 hertz and less than 600

Gate Valves Must Go
Replacing a Gate Valve: A Professional Guide If you have prehistoric gate valves attached to the skin fittings on your vessel, it’s time to consider replacing them with ball valves or seacocks. Types of Valves Gate

Dock lines on your vessel
Choosing the right dock lines: An expert guide When selecting dock lines, always opt for nylon rope. Other materials like polypropylene degrade faster in the sun, lack the necessary stretch, and have a lower breaking strength.

Choosing an anchor
When choosing an anchor, it is crucial to consider it as one of the most important pieces of safety gear for your boat. Regardless of your vessel type, a reliable anchor will prevent your boat from

Have You Checked Your Vessel Engine Belts Lately?
Maintaining your vessel: Expert advice When was the last time you checked your engine room to ensure everything looked fine? A crucial item on your checklist should be your vessel engine belts. No one wants a

Smoke Alarms On Your Vessel
Importance of installing smoke alarms on your vessel While not legally required, installing smoke alarms on your vessel is an easy and inexpensive way to significantly enhance safety for your family and guests. Unlike homes, schools,

Where Are Your Life Jackets?
Ensure life jackets are accessible During surveys, whether pre-purchase or for insurance, it’s astonishing how often life jackets are hidden, missing, or not easily accessible. These life-saving devices are essential for safety, yet they are often

Percussion testing – What is it?
Introduction to percussion testing Percussion testing, also known as ‘tapping,’ is a valuable non-destructive inspection method for assessing the condition of fiberglass hulls, decks, and other composite vessel components. Widely used across various industries, including aviation

Fastener Holes: To Seal or Not to Seal
The Importance of Sealing Fastener Holes on Your Vessel Fastener holes are commonly found on decks, bulwarks, hardtops, flybridge tops, cockpits, bilge areas, and swim platforms. You might have noticed these when your boat was last

Checking your Battery Cables
Checking your battery cables in an important step in your vessel maintenance. When was the last time you checked yours? While you’re there, you should also look at the condition of the insulation around the conductor,

Shore power system maintenance
Proper maintenance of your shore power system starts at the dock power pedestal. Mid-sized boats in local marinas typically use a system combining circuits with circuit breakers, female receptacles, and a hinged lid to keep water

Seacock Maintenance
Proper seacock maintenance is crucial for the safety and functionality of your vessel. Seacocks are valves fitted to through-hull fittings, allowing water to flow into the boat for systems like engine cooling, generators, or desalinators. They

Commercial vessel classifications: The difference between a classification 1C survey and 2C survey
Understanding commercial vessel classifications If you own or operate a commercial vessel, understanding commercial vessel classifications is crucial. These classifications define the regulations and operational limits for various types of vessels. For instance, passenger vessels carrying

Bilge Pumps and High-Water Alarms
Understanding bilge pumps Bilge pumps are essential for managing spray, rainwater, and normal water accumulation from seepage, spillage, or melting ice. Most boats have one or more for these purposes. Limitations of bilge pumps Bilge pumps

Seacock accessibility
Seacock accessibility is crucial for the safety and maintenance of your vessel. A seacock is a valve used to control the intake or discharge of water through the hull, operated by a lever moving through a

What is a boat insurance survey?
A boat insurance survey is essential for insurance companies to decide whether they should insure a specific vessel. This type of survey is less detailed than a pre-purchase or condition survey, focusing solely on helping underwriters

Bonding wire maintenance
Bonding wire maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your vessel. Bonding wires connect all metal components in your boat, preventing corrosion and ensuring proper electrical grounding. Regular maintenance of these wires can extend

Vessel Safety Meeting Checklist
Conducting a vessel safety meeting is essential before any trip to ensure the safety of all on board. A well-prepared vessel safety meeting checklist can make this process smooth and efficient. Location & accessibility First, ensure

Cleaning your sea strainers
Properly cleaning your sea strainers is crucial for keeping your engine cool and efficient. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your vessel’s engine. Here’s a comprehensive guide to cleaning your sea strainers. Regularly inspect

Vessel battery maintenance
Proper vessel battery maintenance is critical for ensuring safety and comfort while boating. Regular checks can prevent unsafe situations and avoid unpleasant conditions, such as being unable to start the engine or losing power to essential

How To Prepare For A Marine Survey
When you prepare for a marine survey, whether for insurance, pre-purchase, or damage assessment, it is crucial to ready your vessel for a thorough inspection. A well-prepared vessel ensures an informed representation of your current or

Galvanic Corrosion In The Marine Environment
Galvanic corrosion, also known as marine corrosion, is a significant issue for boats, often leading to severe damage if not properly managed. In the images provided, you can see the consequences of using the wrong materials

Marine Diesel Cooling Systems
Maintaining your vessel’s marine diesel cooling systems is crucial for reliable performance. Marine diesel engines are often the preferred choice for cruising boats over 40 feet, thanks to their durability and efficiency. However, to keep these

Selling my boat – Top tips
As the Managing Director of Aquamarine Services and an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor, I’ve observed numerous buyers, sellers, and brokers navigate the sales process. When selling a boat, certain consistent factors can significantly enhance the outcome. Here

Tools to keep on your boat
As the Managing Director of Aquamarine Services and an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor, I often get asked about essential tools to keep on your boat. While you can’t prepare for every eventuality, having the right tools onboard

Risers and Manifolds
As the Managing Director of Aquamarine Services and an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor, I often encounter the topic of “risers and manifolds” during the sale process of petrol-engined, sterndrive boats. Understanding these components is crucial for boat

What type of pre-purchase inspection?
Selecting the right type of pre-purchase inspection is crucial when buying a vessel. As the Managing Director of Aquamarine Services and an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor, I understand the importance of tailored inspections to meet client needs.

Preventative vessel maintenance
Preventative vessel maintenance is essential for keeping your boat in optimal condition. As the Managing Director of Aquamarine Services and an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor, I have witnessed firsthand how regular maintenance can save boat owners from
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