Boaters who spend most of their time in saltwater face additional challenges, as salt accelerates corrosion and mineral buildup. Engines that sit idle for long stretches also require extra attention because stagnant fuel can cause injectors and filters to clog. Regular maintenance keeps those systems clean and ensures that your engine performs at peak power when you need it most.

Anyone who’s ever eased into a tight harbor, winding river, or shallow cove knows the feeling — your traditional depth sounder shows what’s beneath your boat, but what about what’s ahead?

That shiny aluminum extrusion on the forestay might not seem like a ticking clock, but it is. If the furler is original to the boat, there is a very good chance the headstay inside is just as old. Stainless wire rigging has a limited lifespan, and the forestay is especially vulnerable because it lives its entire life hidden inside the furler. It is an enclosed, moisture-prone space where corrosion and metal fatigue can go unseen. Plus, getting parts for these older units is e