Boating
How Wide a Boat Can You Trailer Without a Permit?
There is no single national answer. Most states start at 102 inches, some at 96, and your boat’s advertised beam is not the width that counts. Here is how to check.
9 min read
Lake boating
When deciding to go out on your lake boat, your first decision is what kind of boat you want. Are you interested in a smaller pontoon or ski boat? Or are you interested in a larger boat, like a fishing boat or a cruiser? Or are you interested in an inflatable boat? No matter what kind of boat you decide you want, you should always ensure it’s safe and meets government regulations. Insurance is also a good idea since accidents can happen.
Tie up your boat and head off for some fun under the sun on a lake trip. There’s nothing like the thrill of sailing along wavy waters, enjoying your family and friends while you float around from place to place on a lake boat.
Boating guides by job
Use this boating hub to jump into maintenance, wiring, cleaning, decals, pest prevention, and boat-buying guides.
Boat taskRecommended guide
Remove old lettering or decalshow to remove boat decals
Wire switches and accessorieshow to wire a boat switch panel
Choose a fishing boatbest lake boats for fishing
Compare river-ready boatsbest river jet boats
Boat care and maintenance
how to keep spiders off a boat for storage and dockside prevention.
best way to remove oxidation from a boat for faded gelcoat and hull restoration.
how to clean pontoon boat sides for aluminum and pontoon cleanup.
Beginner boating guide
boat ramp checklist for first-time boaters for safer launch prep, ramp etiquette, retrieval, and clean-drain-dry steps.
Lake Kachess Planning Guides
Pontoon Decision Guides
Plan weight, lift, motor, capacity, and trailer decisions from current model-specific records.
- Pontoon Boat Weight Guide: Dry, Loaded and Towing Weight
- Pontoon Boat Lift Capacity: How to Size a Lift for a Pontoon or Tritoon
- How to Choose Pontoon Motor Horsepower
- Pontoon Capacity Plate Explained: People, Weight and Horsepower
- Pontoon Boat Trailer Sizing: Length, Width and Capacity
Houseboat Living Guides
Plan daily houseboat costs, insurance, marina arrangements, utilities, and maintenance from current local and boat-specific records.
- Monthly Cost of Living on a Houseboat: Budget Worksheet
- Houseboat Insurance Guide: Coverage, Exclusions and Questions
- Houseboat Marina Slip Costs and Liveaboard Fees Explained
- Houseboat Utilities: Shore Power, Water, Toilets and Internet
- Houseboat Maintenance Schedule: Monthly to Annual Tasks
Boat trailer setup and maintenance guides
Use the exact boat, trailer, axle, tire and tow-vehicle documentation before measuring, servicing or adjusting the rig.
- Boat Trailer Tongue Weight: How to Measure and Adjust It
- Boat Trailer Tire Load Ratings and Pressure Explained
- Boat Trailer Wheel Bearing Maintenance and Warning Signs
- Boat Trailer Lights Not Working: A Step-by-Step Diagnosis
- How to Adjust Boat Trailer Bunks for Proper Hull Support
DIY houseboat engineering guides
Use reviewed drawings, current agency requirements and an as-built weight and inspection record before constructing or modifying a houseboat.
- Houseboat Flotation Basics: Buoyancy, Displacement and Safety Margin
- Pontoon vs Barge Hull for a DIY Houseboat
- How to Plan Houseboat Weight Distribution
- Marine-Grade Materials for a DIY Houseboat
- DIY Houseboat Registration, Inspection and Permit Checklist
Marine finish and 12-volt diagnostics
Use these evidence-first guides to identify finishes, choose correction steps and plan protected 12-volt circuits before changing the boat.
149 guides
Boating
150 HP Outboards Compared: Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, Suzuki, Tohatsu
Five brands sell a 150 hp four-stroke outboard in the US. Here are their published weight, displacement, alternator output, gearing and prices, side by side.
8 min read
Boating
Pontoon Speed by Horsepower: 50 to 300 HP Chart
How fast is a pontoon with 50, 90, 150 or 300 horsepower? Reported speeds, the formula behind them, and what changes your top speed.
7 min read
Boating
Do Outboard Motors Charge the Battery? How It Works
Most electric-start outboards charge the battery while running, but the output depends on engine speed. Here is how it works and how to test yours.
7 min read
Boating
Keep Pests Off Your Boat: Spiders, Mice and Wasps
Spiders, mice and mud daubers all find boats. Here is what extension services, Mercury Marine and BoatUS say about cleaning, covers, inspections and bites.
8 min read
Boating
How to Build a DIY Layout Boat for Duck Hunting
A foam-core layout boat is a garage project that pays off on open water. Here is the materials list, the build order, and the safety and legal checks to make before you launch it.
9 min read
Boating
Layout Boat vs Duck Boat: What’s the Difference?
A layout boat is a specific low-profile design. A duck boat is a broad label for any boat set up for waterfowling. Here is how they differ and how to choose.
7 min read
Boating
Marine Wire Gauge Guide for 12-Volt Boat Circuits
Quick answer: Choose marine wire from the greater size required by allowable voltage drop and conductor ampacity after all derating. Use the complete…
10 min read
Boating
Gelcoat vs Paint: How to Identify Your Boat’s Finish
Quick answer: Most production fiberglass boats leave the mold with gelcoat, but repairs, refits and some premium finishes may add paint over gelcoat. Do not…
9 min read
Boating
Boat Compound vs Polish vs Wax: What Each Step Does
Quick answer: Compound removes a small amount of weathered or scratched surface with relatively aggressive abrasives. Polish uses finer correction to improve…
9 min read
Boating
How to Test a Boat Battery With a Multimeter
Quick answer: Set a sound multimeter to DC volts with the black lead in COM and red lead in the voltage jack, turn loads and charging sources off, ventilate…
10 min read
Boating
How to Size Fuses for a Boat Switch Panel
Quick answer: A boat fuse primarily protects the conductor, not the switch label. First size the wire for load, voltage drop and derated ampacity. Then choose…
9 min read