Articles

Published Articles By Frank Lanier
Get the Hook ~ Anchoring your boat needn't be a three-ring circus. Here's how to make it more like a ballet. Getting Pumped ~ The more you know about bilge pumps, the less chance you'll end up being the proverbial scared sailor with a bucket. Waking the Dog ~ Some systems and devices on a boat are easy to take for granted, but ignoring them can cost you. Soak up some sun ~ Solar panel selection and installation Sure It's Waterproof ... I Think ~ Can your new handheld GPS pass the deep-water test? Boatfolks ~ A comical look at why boats are only half the fun – now playing at a marina near you. On The Spot Engine Check A preliminary engine inspection can help you decide if that boat you’re thinking of buying should make the first cut. Here’s what to look for. Pocket Weather Meters ~ Be your own weatherman. Just the Fax Ma'am ~ Boaters have long relied on a weather fax to stay abreast of meteorological developments. Now they can opt for digital reception. Onboard Security Systems Satellite Radio ~ Whether you convert your existing radio or buy new equipment, it¹s easy to tune into satellite radio onboard. Learning the Ropes ~ Braided, twisted, synthetic, natural – how to untangle what’s on the market today rope-wise and why, when, and where you’ll want to use each. Personal Locator Beacons - This time it's personal What good is an emergency locator beacon on the boat if you’re in the water? A look at the latest in PLB technology. Catch the Wind ~ Wind generators offer boat owners a free, unlimited source of energy to power all those onboard necessities. Here's how they work. Don't Be Cruel To Your Stuffing Box ~ Regular replacement of the packing around your engine shaft will keep your bilge dry and protect your drive train. More Power To Ya! ~ Today's gensets are smaller, quieter and more efficient than ever. Here's what you need to know to choose the right one for your boat. Phoning Home ~ It's easier (and cheaper) than ever for boaters to stay in touch with the rest of the world by phone. Come on and take a free ride ~ Making the most of your test sail. Hardware Horrors ~ Why we're our own worst enemy when it comes to drilling, mounting and screwing things to our boats. X Marks the Spot ~ Electronic charts are here to stay, but which kind is right for you? Chart Displays ~ Everything you wanted to know about chart displays but were afraid to ask... Family Radio Service (FRS) Radios Planning and installing a deck washdown system DSC VHF Radio Choosing an anchor windlass Anchoring 201 ~ There are times when simply figuring out scope and dropping the hook just isn't enough.. Setting Your Own Mooring Buoy Installing a High Water Bilge Alarm LPG System Inspection VHF Installation Vinyl Enclosure Care Find those leaks! Engine Room Inspections ~ critical checks for your annual haulout How to pick up a mooring ball (and still be friends after) Going Aloft (How to get there and back- safely!) Inspecting Your Navigation Lights - Is your boat ready for the night life? All articles are copyrighted by Frank K. Lanier and may not be reproduced without permission

Published Articles By Frank Lanier

Get the Hook ~ Anchoring your boat needn't be a three-ring circus. Here's how to make it more like a ballet.
Getting Pumped ~ The more you know about bilge pumps, the less chance you'll end up being the proverbial scared sailor with a bucket.
Waking the Dog ~ Some systems and devices on a boat are easy to take for granted, but ignoring them can cost you.
Soak up some sun ~ Solar panel selection and installation
Sure It's Waterproof ... I Think ~ Can your new handheld GPS pass the deep-water test?
Boatfolks ~ A comical look at why boats are only half the fun – now playing at a marina near you.
On The Spot Engine Check
A preliminary engine inspection can help you decide if that boat you’re thinking of buying should make the first cut. Here’s what to look for.
Pocket Weather Meters ~ Be your own weatherman.
Just the Fax Ma'am ~ Boaters have long relied on a weather fax to stay abreast of meteorological developments. Now they can opt for digital reception.
Onboard Security Systems
Satellite Radio ~ Whether you convert your existing radio or buy new equipment, it¹s easy to tune into satellite radio onboard.
Learning the Ropes ~ Braided, twisted, synthetic, natural – how to untangle what’s on the market today rope-wise and why, when, and where you’ll want to use each.
Personal Locator Beacons - This time it's personal
What good is an emergency locator beacon on the boat if you’re in the water? A look at the latest in PLB technology.
Catch the Wind ~ Wind generators offer boat owners a free, unlimited source of energy to power all those onboard necessities. Here's how they work.
Don't Be Cruel To Your Stuffing Box ~ Regular replacement of the packing around your engine shaft will keep your bilge dry and protect your drive train.
More Power To Ya! ~ Today's gensets are smaller, quieter and more efficient than ever. Here's what you need to know to choose the right one for your boat.
Phoning Home ~ It's easier (and cheaper) than ever for boaters to stay in touch with the rest of the world by phone.
Come on and take a free ride ~ Making the most of your test sail.
Hardware Horrors ~ Why we're our own worst enemy when it comes to drilling, mounting and screwing things to our boats.
X Marks the Spot ~ Electronic charts are here to stay, but which kind is right for you?
Chart Displays ~ Everything you wanted to know about chart displays but were afraid to ask...
Family Radio Service (FRS) Radios
Planning and installing a deck washdown system
DSC VHF Radio
Choosing an anchor windlass
Anchoring 201 ~ There are times when simply figuring out scope and dropping the hook just isn't enough..
Setting Your Own Mooring Buoy
Installing a High Water Bilge Alarm
LPG System Inspection
VHF Installation
Vinyl Enclosure Care
Find those leaks!
Engine Room Inspections ~ critical checks for your annual haulout
How to pick up a mooring ball (and still be friends after)
Going Aloft (How to get there and back- safely!)
Inspecting Your Navigation Lights - Is your boat ready for the night life?

All articles are copyrighted by Frank K. Lanier and may not be reproduced without permission