The Bridge Log

Marine Battery Charging: How to Choose the Right Charger for Your Boat

Marine Battery Charging: How to Choose the Right Charger for Your Boat

Most marine battery failures come down to the wrong charger, poor maintenance, or neglect over winter. This guide covers battery chemistry, charger sizing, onboard vs portable options, and winter storage.
Marine Lighting Guide: Navigation, Deck, Underwater and Cabin Lights Explained

Marine Lighting Guide: Navigation, Deck, Underwater and Cabin Lights Explained

Marine lighting covers three distinct purposes: legal compliance, safety, and usability after dark. This guide explains each category, what the law requires, and how to choose fixtures that actually hold...
5 Marine Electronics Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference in 2026

5 Marine Electronics Upgrades That Actually Make a Difference in 2026

Most boat owners underestimate how much a few well-chosen electronics upgrades can change a day on the water. Here are five that consistently deliver results — from collision avoidance to...
How to Choose the Right Fishfinder for Your Boat in 2026

How to Choose the Right Fishfinder for Your Boat in 2026

Choosing a fishfinder doesn't have to be overwhelming. This guide cuts through the spec-sheet noise and explains what really matters depending on how you use your boat and what water...
How to Choose a Marine Chartplotter: Screen Size, Charts, and Networking Explained

How to Choose a Marine Chartplotter: Screen Size, Charts, and Networking Explained

Choosing a chartplotter comes down to matching the unit to your boat size, your waters, and how you navigate. This guide explains screen sizing, chart packages, network integration, and controls...
Downrigger Maintenance Guide: Cable, Cleaning, Electric Motors and Winter Storage

Downrigger Maintenance Guide: Cable, Cleaning, Electric Motors and Winter Storage

Downrigger failures are almost always preventable. This guide covers cable inspection, cleaning frequency, electric motor maintenance, and end-of-season storage, with honest advice for both freshwater and saltwater use.
How to Choose a VHF Marine Radio: Fixed-Mount, Handheld, DSC and Antennas Explained

How to Choose a VHF Marine Radio: Fixed-Mount, Handheld, DSC and Antennas Explained

VHF radio is the one piece of communication gear no boat should leave the dock without. This guide explains the difference between fixed-mount and handheld, what DSC actually does, and...
How to Winterize Your Boat: A Complete End-of-Season Checklist

How to Winterize Your Boat: A Complete End-of-Season Checklist

Skipping winterization is one of the most expensive mistakes a boat owner can make. Here's a straightforward checklist covering engine prep, covers, cleaning, interior care, and lubrication, with honest product...