Recommended Products
In our survey reports, we try to recommend potential solutions to issues that we identify. We make product recommendations based on our own experience, or positive recommendations of our customers and trusted sources. To make it easier for our customers, we provide these links to where you can learn more about and purchase these products.
Kidde Disposable Extinguisher Recall
A large number of different models of Kidde and First Alert fire extinguishers have been recalled. You can find out more about the specific models covered and request a free replacement at the link below.
Fire Blanket
One of the most common fires onboard is a cooking fire, and it is often easily extinguished without chemical mess by using a fire blanket such as these. Cheap insurance!
Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector
ABYC recommends one CO detector “in each sleeping space separated by solid bulkheads/structure and permanent doors/partitions” (cabin or stateroom).
Smoke Detector
ABYC recommends one smoke detector for vessels with any “habitable space” (enclosed cabin, galley, head, helm, etc.).
LED Navigation Lights
LEDs are great, but putting an LED bulb in an incandescent fixture does not often meet USCG standards. It’s best to replace the fixtures with LED fixtures.
LED Bulbs for Navigation Lights
Many “corn” style bulbs have dark gaps in their arc of light disbursement that create angles from which your boat cannot be seen. If you must keep your old fixtures, get the right bulbs that are designed for navigation lights. Be seen (and avoid the ticket).
LED Flares
Conventional flares need to be replaced every three years, and disposal is difficult because they are hazardous waste. Consider an LED flare (and keep the day signal with it at all times.)
Reboarding Ladder
The water here is cold, and you need a way to get back on board quickly and easily. If you don’t have an accessible, permanently mounted reboarding ladder, consider one of these to meet the ABYC recommendation (and potentially save your life.)
Tapered Plugs
For every through hull fitting on your boat (read: “hole in the boat”) you should have a plug nearby to fill the hole should the valve fail. These tapered softwood plugs are the old standby.
Stepped Cone Plug
If you prefer few plugs that can fill a variety of holes, consider these soft plugs that can be used in many ways.
High Water Alarm
ABYC recommends a bilge high water alarm for any vessel with an overnight accommodation space.
SmartPlug
Time to replace those burned and melted shore power plugs and socket? The SmartPlug is a much better solution than the old twist-style with better locking, better sealing, and better contact.
Galvanic Isolator
Are your anodes going faster than they should? Are you getting stray current readings when you check your shore power connection? A galvanic isolator protects your shore power ground and bonding system from other boats.
ELCI Breakers
ELCI breakers are required on docks since NEC 2014, and ABYC recommends them on your boat as well.
Oil Sample Pump
Annual oil samples are a great way to stay ahead of engine and transmission problems, and they are easy… if you have the right tools. This is the pump you need.
Oil Sample Tubing
You’ll need a supply of 1/4″ Vinyl hose to stick down in the dipstick tube to draw the samples (use a new section of tube each time).
Oil Sample Kits
These kits have a bottle that screws onto the pump above, and a pre-paid mailer to send them to the lab for analysis.
Racor Fuel Filter Heat Shields
These are the stainless-steel bowls that need to be added to your Racor filters if they are in the same space as the engine.
Stabilant 22 Contact Enhancer
Are your connected electronics having communication errors? This coating can enhance connectivity, especially on ethernet-style RJ45 connectors (that should never have been used on marine electronics in the first place!)
Ruuvi Wireless Temp Sensors
Have a Victron CerboGX system? Add these temp sensors to track temp and humidity remotely.
Yanmar/Volvo (VDO) hour meter screen replacement
Has the little LCD screen in your tachometer gone crazy or blank? It can be repaired fairly easily and you will get your hours back again. You can get the LCD screen at the link below.
Here’s a video to show you how to do the repair (it’s easy, really):
Mold and Mildew Cleaner
We’ve found that Concrobium is the most effective cleaner for mold and mildew, and it is color safe. Available in many formats.
Soft Scrub Cleaner
A little bit of bleach and a mild abrasive is just the ticket to get rid of that gunk in non-skid and hairline cracks in gelcoat. Try it.
Stainless Steel Wire Brush
Delaney gives me a hard time about how often during surveys I recommend using a wire brush to clean contacts, knot meters, rigging, yadda, yadda. Get one and you too will see how useful they are!
Yes, you can get rid of those pink stains!
Many people have struggled in vain to get rid of those pink bacteria stains on light colored vinyl cushions. There is a product that can remove them. It’s not cheap, but it does work.
NoFlex Digester
We have found this to be the best holding tank additive to keep odor and clogs to a minimum.
PB Blaster
To break loose seacocks or other stuck fittings, we’ve found PB Blaster to be effective.
Headlamp
Even if Delaney refers to it as a “Dork Light” these headlamps are great for those tight dark spaces. Broad, bright light and rechargeable. Be like Jim!
Required Placards
The oil discharge and garbage (MARPOL) placards are required on all vessels, and over 39′ you must also have a waste management plan. Get all three in one set.
Sikaflex 295 Sealant for Lexan Windows and Hatches
If you have bonded windows that are leaking or hatches that need a new lens, then you need the right sealant. There are two to choose from.
Dow 795 Sealant for Lexan Windows and Hatches
If you have bonded windows that are leaking or hatches that need a new lens, then you need the right sealant. There are two to choose from.
Butyl Tape
Re-bedding deck hardware is normal maintenance on any boat. Over time, all sealants will fail. Our favorite solution for deck hardware is butyl tape (it’s best if you countersink the hole too.)
MacLube SailKote – Lube for All Things Sailing
Best lube for blocks, tracks, slides, furlers, pretty much all your running rigging. Will not attract dirt like traditional oils.
Note: Merrick Marine may receive an affiliate commission if you purchase a product from some of these links. This in no way influences our objectivity.