Technique & Maintenance | Batoo Magazine

Contaminated marine diesel: diagnosis and recovery

Water, sediment and microbial growth can stop a marine diesel at the worst moment. Learn how to read the signs, sample safely, protect filtration and decide when tank cleaning is justified.

October 4, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Carbon monoxide on boats: prevention and alarms

Engines, generators and heaters can bring CO into cabins and cockpits. Learn how to assess exhaust paths, marine alarms, symptoms and emergency action.

October 3, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Boat AIS: installation, commissioning and limits

From transponder choice to checking transmitted data, this practical guide explains how to plan, commission and use onboard AIS without mistaking it for radar.

October 1, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Boat batteries: a safe DC system inspection

A structured inspection of battery banks, fuses, isolators, terminals, restraint and ventilation, with a clear boundary between owner checks and electrical design.

September 30, 20268 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Cold-water immersion: breathe, float and recover

Cold shock often matters before hypothermia. This guide explains how to prepare boat and crew, regain breathing, choose self-rescue and recover a casualty without trusting false survival clocks.

September 29, 20266 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

VHF DSC: MMSI, position and distress calling

A DSC VHF is only as useful as its MMSI, live GNSS position and tested installation. This guide checks the full alert chain and prepares the crew to use it.

September 28, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

406 MHz EPIRB and PLB: choosing, registering and testing

A source-grounded guide to choosing an EPIRB or PLB, registering its identity, mounting it correctly, self-testing safely and managing batteries, false alerts and disposal.

September 27, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Navigation lights: inspect and test them aboard

A practical method for checking the configuration, sectors, lenses, power supply and real visibility of a boat’s lights before a night passage.

September 26, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Boat reboarding ladders: test them from the water

A visible swim ladder does not guarantee recovery. Test water-level deployment, footholds, the final deck transition and the backup for someone unable to climb.

September 25, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Bilge pumps: testing, inspection and flooding response

A complete bilge-pump check follows the pickup, hose, outlet, power, automatic control and alarm, then uses a water test and a clear sequence for rising water.

September 24, 20266 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

How to Tow a Disabled Boat Without Improvising

A practical guide to deciding whether to assist, rigging a bridle and towline, controlling shock loads, and moving safely from open water into harbour.

September 23, 20268 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Float plans: what your shore contact needs to know

An effective float plan identifies the boat, people, route and timing, gives a shore contact a clear escalation role, and is formally closed after return.

September 22, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Boat refuelling: prevent and respond to a fuel spill

A disciplined method for preparing to refuel, stopping before overflow, spotting trouble at the deck fill or vent, and responding without spreading fuel through the marina.

September 21, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

How to anchor without damaging seagrass

Learn how to identify a safe sand patch, allow for the full swinging circle, set and recover the anchor vertically, and verify the local rules protecting seagrass.

September 20, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Boat fire extinguishers: selection, placement and checks

A reasoned guide to portable boat fire extinguishers: how to read approvals, place units along an escape route, inspect them and know when not to fight a fire.

September 16, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Boat radar reflectors: selection, fitting and limits

How to assess RCS, X and S bands, standards and test evidence before choosing a radar reflector, installing it correctly and managing its limits.

September 15, 20268 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Boat LPG safety: inspection, leaks and response

From the cylinder locker and hoses to detectors and emergency actions, this guide explains how to inspect a boat LPG system without improvised repairs.

September 14, 20267 min read

ArticleTechnique & Maintenance

Jackstays and tethers: staying attached on deck

A practical method for routing jackstays, choosing the short tether leg, spotting dangerous side-loading and rehearsing continuous attachment before departure.

September 13, 20267 min read