Boatwise Blog

Guides for independent boat owners

Practical advice on boat maintenance, safety, documents and life aboard.

Seasonal

How to Winterize a Boat: A Practical Step-by-Step Checklist

Engine, freshwater systems, batteries, hull and interior — a working layup checklist so nothing freezes over winter and spring recommissioning is easy.

June 2026 · 9 min read Read the guide
Ownership

Boat Maintenance Records and Resale Value: Why a Documented Boat Sells for More

Brokers and surveyors consistently report that documented boats sell faster and for 10–20% more. Why paperwork pays — and how to build a service history that protects your boat's value.

June 2026 · 7 min read Read the guide
Getting started

First Year Boat Owner Checklist: What to Set Up Before You Leave the Dock

What to track, what to set up and what experienced owners wish they'd done in week one. A practical guide for anyone who just bought a boat.

June 2026 · 8 min read Read the guide
Maintenance

How to Keep a Boat Maintenance Log That Actually Works

Paper logs get lost. Spreadsheets stop being updated. Here's how to keep a maintenance log that tracks service history and tells you what's due next.

June 2026 · 6 min read Read the guide
Maintenance

Boat Maintenance Checklist for Cruisers and Liveaboards

A practical checklist covering engine, hull, safety gear, electrical systems and seasonal tasks — built for independent boat owners who manage everything themselves.

June 2026 · 7 min read Read the guide
Inventory

How to Organise Your Boat's Spare Parts Inventory

Know what's onboard, where it lives and what to restock before the next passage. A guide to managing spare parts for cruisers and liveaboards.

June 2026 · 7 min read Read the guide
Safety

Boat Safety Gear Expiry Dates Every Owner Forgets

Flares, fire extinguishers, life rafts, EPIRBs — every piece of safety gear has a service date. Most boat owners only find out when it's too late.

June 2026 · 6 min read Read the guide
Documents

How to Organise Your Boat Documents Before a Survey

Surveyors and port officials ask for documents at the worst moments. Here's exactly what to keep, where to keep it and how to make sure nothing expires quietly.

June 2026 · 5 min read Read the guide