Marine Electrical How To and Safety Articles
Shore Power 101: How to Safely Connect Your Boat at a Seattle Marina
If you're new to boating in Seattle, one of your first dock experiences will likely involve plugging into shore power. It seems simple enough. You walk over to the pedestal on the dock, plug in a cord, and your boat has electricity. Done, right? Not quite. Shore power...
2026 Pre-Season Boat Electrical Checklist: 10 Things to Inspect Before Opening Day in Seattle
Opening Day on Puget Sound is the first Saturday in May. It is one of the best days of the year if you are a Seattle boater. But nothing ruins it faster than flipping on your navigation lights, turning the key, and realizing something electrical went wrong over the...
What Makes the Seattle Boat Market Unique Compared to the Rest of the US
Boating exists everywhere along America’s coastlines and lakes, but the culture, expectations, and buying behavior behind it vary dramatically by region. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle boating scene is not just another...
Christmas Boat Parade on Lake Union
The holiday season hits different when you see it reflected on open water. Seattle’s Christmas Boat Parade turns Lake Union into a moving field of lights, drawing boaters, families, and waterfront spectators into a shared celebration that mixes creativity with...
Hidden PNW Harbors Worth Visiting Before Winter Hits
As fall deepens in the Pacific Northwest, the rhythm of boating shifts. The busy summer marinas grow quiet, the air turns crisp, and the water feels a little more personal. For boaters looking to take one last trip before the weather turns, this is the perfect time to...
Boat Electrical Corrosion in the PNW: How to Protect Your Wiring from Saltwater
Saltwater is brutal. Every PNW boater knows it eats metal for breakfast, attacks wiring insulation, and can silently ruin even the most well-built electrical systems. Boat electrical corrosion doesn’t happen overnight, but when it does, it can leave you stranded, dim...
The Fall Boats Afloat Show: A Seattle Tradition Worth Experiencing
Why the Boats Afloat Show Stands OutA Glimpse into InnovationMore than Just BoatsThe Seasonal Magic of September on Lake UnionA Celebration of Boating Culture Every September, Seattle’s South Lake Union transforms into a floating showcase of nautical innovation and...
Boat Electrical Installation: Powering Your Vessel the Right Way
When most people think about being on the water, they imagine the wind in their face, the hum of the engine, and the wide-open horizon. What they usually do not think about is the wiring hidden behind the panels and under the deck. Yet every safe trip you take depends...
5 Common Marine Wiring Mistakes (And How Seattle Boaters Can Avoid Them)
1. Using Household Wire Instead of Marine-Grade Cable2. Improper or Missing Fusing3. Bad Connections and Poor Crimping4. Overloading Circuits5. Ignoring Corrosion and Water IntrusionFinal Thoughts from the Dock As a marine electrician working in the Seattle area, I’ve...
AC vs. DC Power on Boats: What’s the Difference?
What Are AC and DC Power?DC Power on Boats: The Core of Your Boat’s Electrical SystemAC Power on Boats: Shore Power and Larger SystemsManaging Both Systems: Inverters and ConvertersWhich System Matters More?Special Considerations for Seattle BoatersFinal Thoughts:...