Expert Advice

Caring for Gelcoat
Tips & Advice

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

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Club Marine: Steering Systems
Tips & Advice

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

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Visibility ranges for vessel navigation lights
Tips & Advice

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

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Vessel deck maintenance
Uncategorized

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

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Tips & Advice

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.

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Tips & Advice

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

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Keelbolts
Tips & Advice

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

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Wood rot
Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Choosing an anchor
Tips & Advice

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

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Expired EPIRB
Tips & Advice

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

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Propeller basics
Tips & Advice

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

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Gate valve
Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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.

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Choosing an anchor
Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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,

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Life jacket
Tips & Advice

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

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Commercial vessel surveys undertaken by Aquamarine Services
Tips & Advice

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

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Fastener holes: to seal or not to seal
Tips & Advice

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

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Checking your battery cables
Tips & Advice

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,

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Shore power system
Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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High water alarm
Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Marine Diesel Cooling Systems: Cummins Aftercooler
Tips & Advice

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

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Selling my boat
Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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

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Risers and manifolds
Tips & Advice

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

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Tips & Advice

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.

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Preventative vessel maintenance
Tips & Advice

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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Let Us Assist You

Please contact us to discuss how we can assist you with your boating lifestyle needs. Let us assist you with industry knowledge, deep technical understanding and your needs as a boater to your advantage.