Marine Bilge Pump Sizing Guide: How to Choose the Right Pump for Your Boat
An undersized or failing bilge pump is one of the most overlooked safety risks on recreational vessels — and one of the easiest to fix before it becomes a problem....
Egret's Log
Welcome to Egret’s Log — the official journal from the team at Egret Marine.
This is where we share practical insights, hands-on reviews, and real-world advice on marine electronics and boat accessories. From choosing the right fishfinder and radar system to installing Attwood gear and maintaining your boat, every post is written to help you make smarter decisions on the water.
Whether you’re a weekend angler, serious offshore boater, or just looking to upgrade your electronics, consider this your trusted logbook for everything that keeps you safe, informed, and equipped. New entries added regularly — pull up a seat and stay a while.
Marine Bilge Pump Sizing Guide: How to Choose the Right Pump for Your Boat
-
Garmin vs. Humminbird: Which Chartplotter Is Right for You?
A detailed comparison of Garmin and Humminbird chartplotters — sonar tech, mapping, ecosystem, user interface, and which brand is best for your fishing and boating style.
-
What Safety Equipment Is Required on a Boat? The Complete USCG Checklist
A complete USCG safety equipment checklist for recreational boaters — covering required gear by vessel size, annual inspection tips, and recommended extras beyond the legal minimum.
-
Best VHF Radios for Recreational Boating: A Complete Buyer's Guide
A complete buyer's guide to VHF marine radios — fixed-mount vs. handheld, DSC, GPS integration, AIS, and top picks from Garmin and Uniden for every budget.
-
Best Fish Finders for Small Boats: A Buyer's Guide for Anglers
A complete buyer's guide to fish finders for small boats — sonar types, key features, transducer options, and top picks from Furuno, HawkEye, and Raymarine.
-
How to Wire a Marine Fuse Block: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why a Proper Fuse Block Matters A marine fuse block is the distribution hub of your boat's 12V electrical system. Every accessory — your fishfinder, VHF radio, bilge pump, nav...
-
How to Choose a Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo for Your Boat
Why a Combo Unit Makes Sense A decade ago, fishfinders and chartplotters were separate devices. Today, combo units — a single screen that handles both sonar and GPS navigation —...
-
How to Install a Transducer on a Bass Boat: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Master transducer placement for crystal-clear sonar, side imaging, and forward-facing views — even at speed. Written for bass anglers who want reliable performance on the water. Why Proper Transducer Installation...
-
How to Choose a Marine Autopilot: Tiller, Wheel, and Hydraulic Systems Explained
What a Marine Autopilot Actually Does A marine autopilot steers your boat to a set compass heading — or, when connected to a GPS chartplotter via NMEA, follows a programmed...
-
Compass Deviation vs. Variation: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
Why Compass Accuracy Matters More Than You Think In the age of GPS chartplotters, it's tempting to treat the magnetic compass as a backup curiosity. But experienced mariners know better:...
-
How to Choose a Marine GPS Antenna: External vs. Internal and NMEA Compatibility
Why GPS Antenna Choice Matters Your chartplotter or fishfinder combo is only as accurate and reliable as the GPS signal feeding it. Most modern multifunction displays (MFDs) include an internal...
-
Marine Switch Panel Buying Guide: How to Choose and Wire a Helm Switch Panel
Why Your Switch Panel Matters The helm switch panel is the command center of your boat's 12V electrical system. Every accessory — nav lights, bilge pump, livewell, fishfinder, VHF radio,...
-
How to Install a Bilge Pump: Automatic vs. Manual and Proper Wiring
Why Every Boat Needs a Properly Installed Bilge Pump Water gets into boats. It comes in through prop shaft seals, stuffing boxes, hatch seams, and fittings — and in an...
-
Boat Battery Charger Buying Guide: Onboard vs. Portable, and How to Size One
Why the Right Charger Matters A marine battery is a significant investment — a quality AGM bank can cost $300–$800 or more. The charger you use has a direct impact...
