Author Archives: McManus Boat Works

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About McManus Boat Works

I have been boating and maintaining boats since 1966. I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering and am a life long student of boats, boat systems, and boat design. I am a fresh water boater that has been blessed with some great mentors over the years who have gladly shared their knowledge and skills.

Boating Lessons Learned: Pulling Cable, I need one of those “Fish Thingies.”

Posted on July 28, 2014 by McManus Boat Works

BLUF: A fish tape turns a frustrating job into an easy morning’s work. LuLu is a really good friend of mine and when she asked me to help her fix her television cable I couldn’t help but agree. Why the … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Loose Wires

Posted on September 27, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned: Loose Wires BLUF: When an engine is stalling intermittently from now on I will try cranking the engine and wiggling the wires to see if I can force it to stall. If it does then I my … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Calling the Lock

Posted on September 23, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned: Calling the Lock. BLUF: I find that the locking through process goes more smoothly if I: – call the lock early – be patient and polite – employ professional radio techniques I find that it is a … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: How a Navigation Lock Works

Posted on September 23, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned: How a Navigation Lock Works The lock is the river’s equivalent of an elevator that transfers a vessel from one side of a dam to the other. A lock consists of a concrete chamber with gates on … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Shop Global, Buy Local

Posted on September 17, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned: Shop Global, Buy Local BLUF: I recently used Pinterest to shop far and wide for a custom marine window manufacturer and happened to find one right here in my back yard. Wynne Enterprises Inc. was founded in … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Marine Battery Charger Failure

Posted on September 4, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned: Marine Battery Charger Failure A couple of weeks ago a friend asked for my help. Her marine house batteries were dead leaving her without functioning DC systems. Bottom Line Up Front: Her expensive marine battery charger was … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: Marine Window Replacement, Sealant Removal

Posted on September 3, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned:  Marine Window Replacement, Sealant Removal. Well another weekend has passed bringing with it more Boating Lessons Learned.  Bottom Line Up Front – Power sanding tar based sealants makes a HUGE MESS.  Expletives Deleted. But Simple Green saved … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned: A Sharp Knife

Posted on August 28, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned: A Sharp Knife. I am embarrassed to admit it but I have never been able to sharpen a knife. It was so bad that when I bought a new knife I would hesitate cutting anything knowing that once … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned. Smart Phones are Powerful Tools

Posted on August 9, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned – Smart Phones are Powerful Tools. I use it to take photos while I work and with it I can: – document steps of disassembly to speed reassembly – see things around corners and in tight places … Continue reading →

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Boating Lessons Learned – Pinterest is a Valuable Tool

Posted on August 7, 2013 by McManus Boat Works

Boating Lessons Learned – Pinterest is a Valuable Tool. I have found that utilizing Pinterest as my search engine and creating boards to compile product selections is a great way compare specifications and prices and make better inform purchasing decisions. … Continue reading →

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