By BIFF MATTHEWS

The volume of useful boating information from the Internet is fantastic. Most is factual with some just an opinion or a sponsored product promotion similar to a paid restaurant recommendation. Who makes a good fish finder for the money? How do I upgrade my old alcohol stove? Can I replace a head gasket myself? Can I rebuild my 20-year-old reel that I treasure? I recommend you consult multiple sites on your service topic then apply common sense.

For instance, head gasket replacement is not a DIY project. On the other hand, rebuilding the old reel that your dad gave you is a DIY project. The Internet has parts, similar used reels for parts along with written and YouTube instructions.

A marine mechanic friend said he used to enter engine compartments with a toolbox. Today, he enters with his laptop and a diagnostic plug connection. He also shared a dirty little secret. That diagnostic software and diagnostic connections are available online to you and me. Yes, you can run your own diagnostics with software telling you the code’s meaning.

Disclaimer — I am not advocating you fire your marine mechanic or that an amateur undertake a major repair.

However, a fouled spark plug, broken wire or blocked fuel filter are a DIY situation. The key is knowing the meaning of a particular code. Knowledge is power, preventing an unscrupulous mechanic from ripping you off. You really don’t need their suggested valve job; you just need a can of dry gas.

My mechanic friend shared that today’s diagnostic system saves him time making repairs faster and more accurately. Fast, accurate service saves the boat owner time and money, getting back on the water quicker with money for fuel. Diagnostic tools are not cheap. Professional mechanics need software for different engines and in some instances, different connections. You need it for just one engine — your engine.

Forego free downloads. Do your research for diagnostic software for only your engine, its year, model and serial number. Then invest in comprehensive diagnostics paired to the correct diagnostic connection.

Like the mechanic, you need a rugged laptop with USB and serial connections. It also needs the operating system required to run diagnostic software for your engine. Read the instructions. Remember your marine mechanic spends hours of training. Read the manual until you are comfortable. Only do repairs you are confident you can complete. Repairs require having the proper tools in addition to the time. In the interest of time and money, you may better off leaving even minor repairs the pros.

Still, owning diagnostic tools helps you understand what your mechanic tells you about the problem and its fix. Various boating organizations offer basic as well as advance marine repair courses. Smart is as smart does … take a course.

For more boating safety and education opportunities, visit your local Power Squadron web site at www.pamlicosailandpowersquadron.org. The America’s Boating Course is being offered in October. This is a basic boating course and meets the NC Boating Law requirement certifying any person under 26 to operate a vessel w/motor of 10 horsepower or more. To register or to learn more, contact Kelly at 252-561-6995 or pspsed@gmail.com.

Biff Matthews is a member of the Pamlico Sail & Power Squadron.