Sound Advice

Sound Advice

Winterizing

Winterizing Your Engine | Howe Sound Marine
16 Jul, 2021
Winterizing is one of the most import ant services your boat and engine requires in these northern climates; the consequences of being unprepared can be costly in both time and money should your boat be affected by a freeze.
Winterizing - Things You Should Do! | Howe Sound Marine
15 Jan, 2021
In the Pacific Northwest the dampness of the winter season impacts everything on a boat. In our opinion, taking a few steps to protect the interior of your boat is almost as important as the mechanical end of it. For instance, preventing mold and mildew is critical for your own health and well being.

Engine Maintenance

07 Feb, 2023
Spring is the time when boaters should make sure their boat engine is ready for the year's boating adventures, whether it’s going after the big one that got away last year, wake boarding, tubing or simply sitting on the swim grid and soaking your toes in the water.
11 Jan, 2023
After having your engine serviced – see the blog on Spring tune-up – the next step would be to test all other systems on the boat to make sure that everything is working properly after the winter layup.
The Value of Boat Maintenance | Howe Sound Marine
24 Jul, 2019
Points to consider in maintaining your investment. No one likes to spend money when they don’t have to, especially in today’s tough economic times. So when it comes to maintaining your boat and engine the question I get asked most frequently is: “Why do I need to service my engine so often when I don’t have to service my car to the same extent?
The 5 Most Common Marine Engine Problems | Howe Sound Marine
23 Jul, 2019
Listed below are the 5 most common problems we find on pleasure craft with suggestions on how to prevent them.
Oil Basics | Howe Sound Marine
10 Apr, 2016
Oil Terminology for Synthetic Oil, Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend, Oil Filter, JASO MA, SAE, Oil Ratings, API, Ester, NMMA
Trim Tabs 101 | Howe Sound Marine
29 Aug, 2015
Our observation is that many boaters don’t know the value or benefits of having a trim tab system on their boat and don’t know how to work them properly, so we thought we'd write about the basics of trim tabs.
Repowering Your Boat - Part 2 | Howe Sound Marine
26 Feb, 2012
Repowering boats that have stern drives - with outboard engines - is becoming a popular option these days, especially with the advances in outboard engine technology.
How To Properly Inspect Exhaust Manifolds | Howe Sound Marine
13 Feb, 2012
We are constantly reading & researching the latest information on all things marine as it relates to our business. We recently came across this article in Boating Magazine , written by Mick Hannock. It is informative, worth sharing & worth your time reading.
Repowering Your Boat - Part 1 | Howe Sound Marine
26 Jan, 2012
Making the right choice. With the cost of new boats today and the rising cost of boating, the question often comes up whether to repower an existing boat or to purchase a new boat. Marine engine technology has advanced significantly in the past 10 years and there are many points to consider when making this decision; we address some of them here.
Exhaust Manifolds - The Silent Killer | Howe Sound Marine
13 Jan, 2012
All marine engines have water cooled manifolds. In our opinion, exhaust manifold failure is the #1 killer of marine stern drive and inboard engines.

Winterizing

Winterizing Your Engine | Howe Sound Marine
16 Jul, 2021
Winterizing is one of the most import ant services your boat and engine requires in these northern climates; the consequences of being unprepared can be costly in both time and money should your boat be affected by a freeze.
Winterizing - Things You Should Do! | Howe Sound Marine
15 Jan, 2021
In the Pacific Northwest the dampness of the winter season impacts everything on a boat. In our opinion, taking a few steps to protect the interior of your boat is almost as important as the mechanical end of it. For instance, preventing mold and mildew is critical for your own health and well being.

Engine Maintenance

07 Feb, 2023
Spring is the time when boaters should make sure their boat engine is ready for the year's boating adventures, whether it’s going after the big one that got away last year, wake boarding, tubing or simply sitting on the swim grid and soaking your toes in the water.
11 Jan, 2023
After having your engine serviced – see the blog on Spring tune-up – the next step would be to test all other systems on the boat to make sure that everything is working properly after the winter layup.
The Value of Boat Maintenance | Howe Sound Marine
24 Jul, 2019
Points to consider in maintaining your investment. No one likes to spend money when they don’t have to, especially in today’s tough economic times. So when it comes to maintaining your boat and engine the question I get asked most frequently is: “Why do I need to service my engine so often when I don’t have to service my car to the same extent?
The 5 Most Common Marine Engine Problems | Howe Sound Marine
23 Jul, 2019
Listed below are the 5 most common problems we find on pleasure craft with suggestions on how to prevent them.
Repowering Your Boat - Part 2 | Howe Sound Marine
26 Feb, 2012
Repowering boats that have stern drives - with outboard engines - is becoming a popular option these days, especially with the advances in outboard engine technology.
Repowering Your Boat - Part 1 | Howe Sound Marine
26 Jan, 2012
Making the right choice. With the cost of new boats today and the rising cost of boating, the question often comes up whether to repower an existing boat or to purchase a new boat. Marine engine technology has advanced significantly in the past 10 years and there are many points to consider when making this decision; we address some of them here.
How To Properly Inspect Exhaust Manifolds | Howe Sound Marine
13 Feb, 2012
We are constantly reading & researching the latest information on all things marine as it relates to our business. We recently came across this article in Boating Magazine , written by Mick Hannock. It is informative, worth sharing & worth your time reading.
Exhaust Manifolds - The Silent Killer | Howe Sound Marine
13 Jan, 2012
All marine engines have water cooled manifolds. In our opinion, exhaust manifold failure is the #1 killer of marine stern drive and inboard engines.
Oil Basics | Howe Sound Marine
10 Apr, 2016
Oil Terminology for Synthetic Oil, Semi-Synthetic or Synthetic Blend, Oil Filter, JASO MA, SAE, Oil Ratings, API, Ester, NMMA
Trim Tabs 101 | Howe Sound Marine
29 Aug, 2015
Our observation is that many boaters don’t know the value or benefits of having a trim tab system on their boat and don’t know how to work them properly, so we thought we'd write about the basics of trim tabs.

Ports of Call

Fuel Docks - Vancouver Area & Sunshine Coast, BC | Howe Sound Marine
02 Mar, 2013
For your convenience, we have put together a list of fuel docks in the Vancouver Area & the Sunshine Coast, BC. These are listed alphabetically by region and then by the dock name. You may want to call ahead to confirm times of operation.
Boating Unplugged | Howe Sound Marine
01 Mar, 2013
There is nothing quite as relaxing as gunk holing your way around the West Coast, waking up in the morning to the sound of waves lapping on the hull, birds singing but … Wait! Is that your cell phone ringing?!

Ports of Call

Fuel Docks - Vancouver Area & Sunshine Coast, BC | Howe Sound Marine
02 Mar, 2013
For your convenience, we have put together a list of fuel docks in the Vancouver Area & the Sunshine Coast, BC. These are listed alphabetically by region and then by the dock name. You may want to call ahead to confirm times of operation.
Boating Unplugged | Howe Sound Marine
01 Mar, 2013
There is nothing quite as relaxing as gunk holing your way around the West Coast, waking up in the morning to the sound of waves lapping on the hull, birds singing but … Wait! Is that your cell phone ringing?!

& Everything Else

Planning Your Boat Projects! | Howe Sound Marine
02 Jul, 2015
There is no end of have-to-do’s, want-to-do’s, need-to-do’s on a boat; it seems every year we say “we’ve got to get this or that done by next spring”, then we put the boat away for the winter - without a plan - and forget about it and when the next spring rolls around we can’t remember exactly what the to-do’s were.
Growing Up Boating | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2015
Maybe we’re a tad biased, but we cannot imagine life without boats and the ocean. Boating is one of the best ways to bond with family and to have fun and relax. The memories made will be told and retold at family events for years afterwards and children will never forget their “firsts” on a boat.
Marine Heads or The Trip We All Want to Forget | Howe Sound Marine
02 Mar, 2013
Most boaters have had the unfortunate experience of a broken down head. Ours involved a boat full of grandparents, kids.. and well, you get the picture.
Planning Your First Trip of the Season | Howe Sound Marine
02 Jul, 2012
Imagine you are at the dock with your family, ready to leave for that long awaited weekend away, and something is wrong with the boat! Now what?! With a little preplanning you can avoid most common problems boaters run into. Below are some simple guidelines that can help make your trip go smoother.
Ready For An Emergency? | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2012
In a recent conversation with some boating friends, we were discussing how we would handle an onboard emergency. Specifically, was the skippers’ partner skilled enough to deal with whatever was going on? Usually, this means “the wife”, but honestly, it means the person who ‘should be’ the first mate in that boating moment. Our friends were actually shocked to hear that, in our case, “the wife”, could actually deal with an emergency, as in their case it was a different matter.
To PFD or Not To PFD | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2012
PFD’s are a comfortable way of protecting yourself and your loved ones’ lives, but when used improperly they will be of no help at all when needed the most. Below are some simple things you can do to assure your PFD’s are always in working order.
Safe Boating | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2012
It’s always a good idea to go over the safety equipment on your boat and make sure you have the Canadian Coast Guard requirements. Do you know, there are ways you can save money and still be within regulation? Below are some tips to helping you sort out what you need but remember when in doubt either go to your local chandlery and ask or look at your copy of the Safe Boating Guide, which is available free to all boaters. For more information you can also check Smart Boater.
Fall Mold & Mildew Prevention | Howe Sound Marine
30 Jun, 2011
Confined areas like boat cabins are prone to mold and mildew if left without adequate air circulation. The best way to fight mold and mildew onboard is to keep it from ever starting in the first place.
A Basic Ship Tool Kit List | Howe Sound Marine
30 Jun, 2010
Every boat should have a basic mechanic's tool kit. We recommend that the kit should include the following items

& Everything Else

Planning Your Boat Projects! | Howe Sound Marine
02 Jul, 2015
There is no end of have-to-do’s, want-to-do’s, need-to-do’s on a boat; it seems every year we say “we’ve got to get this or that done by next spring”, then we put the boat away for the winter - without a plan - and forget about it and when the next spring rolls around we can’t remember exactly what the to-do’s were.
Growing Up Boating | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2015
Maybe we’re a tad biased, but we cannot imagine life without boats and the ocean. Boating is one of the best ways to bond with family and to have fun and relax. The memories made will be told and retold at family events for years afterwards and children will never forget their “firsts” on a boat.
Marine Heads or The Trip We All Want to Forget | Howe Sound Marine
02 Mar, 2013
Most boaters have had the unfortunate experience of a broken down head. Ours involved a boat full of grandparents, kids.. and well, you get the picture.
Planning Your First Trip of the Season | Howe Sound Marine
02 Jul, 2012
Imagine you are at the dock with your family, ready to leave for that long awaited weekend away, and something is wrong with the boat! Now what?! With a little preplanning you can avoid most common problems boaters run into. Below are some simple guidelines that can help make your trip go smoother.
Ready For An Emergency? | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2012
In a recent conversation with some boating friends, we were discussing how we would handle an onboard emergency. Specifically, was the skippers’ partner skilled enough to deal with whatever was going on? Usually, this means “the wife”, but honestly, it means the person who ‘should be’ the first mate in that boating moment. Our friends were actually shocked to hear that, in our case, “the wife”, could actually deal with an emergency, as in their case it was a different matter.
To PFD or Not To PFD | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2012
PFD’s are a comfortable way of protecting yourself and your loved ones’ lives, but when used improperly they will be of no help at all when needed the most. Below are some simple things you can do to assure your PFD’s are always in working order.
Safe Boating | Howe Sound Marine
31 Jan, 2012
It’s always a good idea to go over the safety equipment on your boat and make sure you have the Canadian Coast Guard requirements. Do you know, there are ways you can save money and still be within regulation? Below are some tips to helping you sort out what you need but remember when in doubt either go to your local chandlery and ask or look at your copy of the Safe Boating Guide, which is available free to all boaters. For more information you can also check Smart Boater.
Fall Mold & Mildew Prevention | Howe Sound Marine
30 Jun, 2011
Confined areas like boat cabins are prone to mold and mildew if left without adequate air circulation. The best way to fight mold and mildew onboard is to keep it from ever starting in the first place.
A Basic Ship Tool Kit List | Howe Sound Marine
30 Jun, 2010
Every boat should have a basic mechanic's tool kit. We recommend that the kit should include the following items

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