Defender Boating Guides

Your go-to resource for clear, reliable boating guidance.


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Trailer Boat Storm Preparation Guide

Protect your trailer boat from thunderstorms, hurricanes, and severe storms with Defender’s expert storm prep guide. Learn how to secure your boat and trailer on land, safeguard your systems, and keep your gear protected — plus get a printable checklist for before and after the storm.

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Motor Yacht and Power Boat Storm Preparation Guide

Protect your motor yacht from hurricanes, tidal surges, and severe storms with Defender’s expert storm prep guide. Learn how to secure your dock lines, protect your systems, and safeguard valuable equipment — plus get a printable checklist to stay organized before and after the storm.

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Sailboat Storm Preparation Guide

Protect your sailboat from hurricanes, Nor’easters, and severe storms with Defender’s expert storm prep guide. Learn how to secure your rigging, sails, and systems—plus get a printable checklist to keep your boat safe before and after the storm.


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Guide to Winterizing Your Boat Motor

We cover everything you need to protect your motor from cold-weather damage — from flushing and fuel treatment to proper lubrication and storage tips. With the right prep now, you’ll be ready to hit the water the moment spring arrives.

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The Best Space Heaters for Winterizing Liveaboard Boats

We break down the best marine-rated heaters to keep your cabin cozy and your systems protected during chilly months. From compact electric models to energy-efficient options, discover the safest ways to add comfort and prevent onboard freezing this winter.

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Guide to Winterizing On the Hard

Hauling out for the season? Our Winterizing on the Hard Guide walks you through the steps to protect your boat while it’s out of the water.

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How to guide: Store Boat Batteries During the Winter

Dive into Defender’s guide to learn more about keeping your boat battery in top shape.

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Shrink Wrapping Your Boat for Winter Storage

Get your boat ready to hibernate like a pro. Our guide breaks down the shrink-wrapping process step-by-step, keeping things simple while making sure your hull stays snug, dry, and protected all winter. Learn the tricks, avoid the rookie mistakes, and roll into spring looking like you actually knew what you were doing the whole time.

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How to Winterizeing Your Gas inboard or Sterndrive

Before the temperature drops, make sure your engine’s ready for the cold. Our guide to winterizing your motor covers everything from fuel treatment and oil changes to battery care and proper storage tips.

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How to winterize Your Boat's Potable Water System

IWhen temps drop, your boat’s fresh water system needs some love. Defender’s step-by-step winterizing guide walks you through draining, flushing, and protecting every line and tank so nothing freezes or cracks. From the right non-toxic antifreeze to pro tips on keeping your pump and fittings safe, you’ll have your system sealed and ready for spring launch in no time. Stay ahead of winter—your boat (and your wallet) will thank you.

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Securing Your Boat at the Dock

Winter weather’s no joke. Defender’s guide shows you how to tie off, fend off, and lock down your boat so it rides out any storm. From lines and chafe guards to smart fender setup, you’ll keep your vessel safe and ready for spring.

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How to prevent Mold & mildew During Winter Boat Storage

Closed cabins and damp air are a mold magnet. Defender’s guide shows you how to keep your boat fresh all winter—ventilate smart, dry thoroughly, and use the right dehumidifiers and mildew blockers. Stop the stink before it starts and keep that cabin launch-day ready.


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Guide to Gulf Coast Boating

Discover the best of boating along the Gulf Coast with our comprehensive guide.From calm bays to open waters, we share local insights, safety tips, and gear recommendations to help you explore with confidence.

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Guide to Boating in the Florda Keys

Whether you’re cruising, diving, or chasing sunsets, our guide helps you make the most of every trip through the Keys..

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Guide to South Florida Boating

From Miami’s vibrant marinas to the quiet waters of the Everglades, we share local boating tips, safety advice, and gear recommendations to help you enjoy every mile of sunshine and sea breeze.

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Guide to Boating in Northwest Florida

Explore the Emerald Coast with our Northwest Florida Boating Guide. From Destin’s sparkling waters to the peaceful bays of Pensacola, we share local tips, safety advice, and gear recommendations to help you make the most of every day on the water.

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Guide to Boating in Northeast Florida

From the historic waters of St. Augustine to the scenic inlets of Jacksonville, we share local boating tips, safety insights, and gear recommendations to help you make the most of every trip.

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Guide to Freshwater Boating in Florida

From peaceful lakes to winding rivers, we share expert boating tips, safety advice, and gear recommendations to help you make the most of your time on inland waters.


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More Than A Chartplotter - Sailing Edition

Integrated network instruments and smart software enable you to turn your display into a sailing supercomputer!

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Battery Selection Guide

There are many options when selecting a battery for your boat, be sure you choose what is best for your boating usage and needs.

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Mooring Tackle - A Primer

Review this guide to learn about the materials required for building mooring tackle that will keep your boat safe in all conditions.

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Onboard Flag Etiquette

Learn how to properly dress your boat.

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Determining Rope Strength

Not all ropes are created equal when it comes to breaking strength and not all ropes on a boat require the same breaking strength to perform as required.

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Guide to Replacing Boat Trailer Lights & Wiring Harnesses

Trailer lights out? Our quick guide walks you through wiring replacements so you can hit the road safely again.

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Have You Checked Your Wiring Lately?

Keep your boat safe and your electrical systems performing smoothly with marine-grade electrical equipment.

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Safety Guide & Resources

Stay safe on the water with these helpful tips, suggestions and links.

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How to Winterizing Your Gas Inboard or Sterndrive

Before the temperature drops, make sure your engine’s ready for the cold. Our guide to winterizing your motor covers everything from fuel treatment and oil changes to battery care and proper storage tips.

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Anchor Guide

Check out our guide to anchors for first-time boaters and seasoned sailors who want to drop the hook in new harbors with peace of mind.

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More Than A Chartplotter - Fishing Edition

Turn your multifunction display into a fishing powerhouse by integrating sonar modules.

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Windlass Selection Guide

With the correct windlass you will sleep well at anchor knowing if conditions deteriorate you can quickly and safely retrieve your anchor and reset it out of harm's way.

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Bottom Paint Explained

Bottom paint will deter the growth of marine organisms on your boat's underside by using copper compounds or other biocides.

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What is AIS

Automated Identification System or AIS, automatically transmits information between vessels and base stations, allowing you to see and be seen by other mariners and facilitates search and rescue operations.

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Why Do I Need Anodes?

Anodes on your boat's engine and other underwater metals, like running gear, protect against galvanic corrosion which causes metal parts to decompose.