Technical Boat Articles

Technical Boat and Yacht Articles

Please find below yacht and boat technical articles submitted by boat owners, yacht consultants and others for Curtis Stokes and Associates. CSA hopes you find this material useful and remember CSA services when the time comes to buy or sell a yacht. Contact Us through our many offices throughout the USA.

Closed-loop Cooling- Flush Your Inboard System

By Chris Caldwell

So how do you flush your inboard cooling system? Read the technical article Closed-loop Cooling- Flush Your Inboard System

Marine DC Electricity for Boats

By Jim Healy

This Article discusses DC Electricity concepts and terminology at an introductory level. This article is intended to help those with little or no background or training… Read the technical article Marine DC Electricity for Boats

The Boat Survey

By Jim Healy

A boat survey is a multi-step business process that is initiated by a boat owner or prospective boat buyer. The purpose of the survey is to establish the safety, seaworthiness and market value of the vessel. The survey process consists of the following steps… Read the technical article The Boat Survey

Ship’s Radio Licenses, Ristricted Radiotelephhone Operator’s Permit

By Jim Healy

It is key to understand that the requirement for a Ship’s Radio License and a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator’s Permit is imposed on US registry vessels by the US government (via the FCC via International Telecommunications Union treaty). It is not a requirement of any particular foreign jurisdiction. Read the technical article Ship’s Radio Licenses

Cleaning the A/C Raw Water Loop

By Jim Healy

Aboard Sanctuary, our normal summer and winter locations are mostly in brackish waters. Local water temperatures rise into the mid-to-high 80s in the summer months. Routine preventive maintenance is required to avoid the build-up of sea growth in the raw water circulation plumbing system. Read the technical article Cleaning the A/C Raw Water Loop

EPIRB/PLB vs Satellite Messenger/Communicators (SPOT)

By Jim Healy

True Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) operate on “official” GMDSS/SOLAS radio frequencies to communicate with the international, government-operated emergency satellite network. PLBs have some limitations compared to Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon devices (EPIRB), but use the same satellite communications network. This system is monitored by government (often military) emergency response agencies. Read the technical article EPIRB/PLB vs Satellite Messenger/Communicators (SPOT)

Data Security and the Internet

By Jim Healy

Although a different technology study from connectivity and networking, the security of data connections in a wireless network is a serious concern for users of any kind of mobile connectivity platform. This is one of the most complex and jargon-prone areas in the discussion of small, mobile platforms like the SOHO networks found on boats and RVs. I mean to keep it as simple as possible! Read the technical article Data Security and the Internet

Wireless IP Cameras to Monitor Engine Room

By Jim Healy

Boaters are universally warned to be diligent about performing engine room checks to identify developing problems before they become serious. So now, truthfully, are you methodical about doing hourly checks? Read the technical article Wireless IP Cameras to Monitor Engine Room

Polybutylene (PB) Plumbing in Drinking Water Systems

By Jim Healy

Cruising south in 2017, I became aware that my house water pump was cycling on and off at random intervals. I proceeded to change our water pump head/valve assembly… Read the technical article Polybutylene (PB) Plumbing in Drinking Water Systems

Navigation Via PC or Tablet Computer

By Jim Healy

A long-time cruising friend recently asked: “I’ve been researching a replacement for my circa 2000 RayMarine navigation system. Read the technical article Navigation Via PC or Tablet Computer

Diesel Engine Maintenance

By Jim Healy

What I mostly got from that course was the personal confidence that diesel engine maintenance is the same as, or simpler than, maintaining a gasoline engine. My conclusions were… Read the technical article Diesel Engine Maintenance

Halting Boat Engine Wear

By Capt. Barry Kallander

The most common cause of wear in a diesel engine is contamination of the crankcase oil… Read the technical article Halting Boat Engine Wear

Automatic Identification System (AIS)

By Jim Healy

The Automatic Identification System (AIS) is a complex and sophisticated system of marine navigation technologies… Read the technical article About Automatic Identification System (AIS)

Check Your Fire Suppression Systems

By Capt. Craig Parkhurst

Correct design, installation, and maintenance are critical to the reliability of your fire suppression system. Read the technical article Check Your Fire Suppression System

Hydraulic Fluid Analysis

By Capt. Craig Parkhurst

When was the last time you changed the hydraulic fluid in your stabilizer system or integrated hydraulic system? Read the technical article Hydraulic Fluid Analysis

Disclaimer: Curtis Stokes and Associates does not necessarily agree or promote the content by the above authors. This content is to be used only with the reader’s discretion.