SUPPORT TCP!!! Since 2004 The Coastal Passage has been providing usefull technical articles. You have received all this for FREE and now we ask you to help us keep this going and growing. You can help us by sponsoring TCP for as little as a glass of beer or wine. CLICK HERE - its easy!  For your FREE copy of the latest TCP, click here!   Painting on Rusted Steel How to get a paint system on weathered steel, every steel boat owner should view this.  Installing windows  The modern method of installing windows and how to achieve a pro finish.  Build a catamaran A feasibility discussion. And  TCP builds a cat! Full gallery and log. Every win and all the problems building a cruising cat  Computer Tips for US! How to size and send photos, attachments & more, plus how to maintain it  Rigging Adjustment and Maintenance A step by step guide. Every sailor should know this.  Steel Boat Repair! Or why I don't trust surveyors. See how bad it can be and how it's done.  Know your VHF Simplex and Duplex explained with printable charts. Every boaty should know this.   AIS The Universal Shipborne Automatic Identification System, how it works.  How is a Life Raft Serviced? See what and how it's done. How to Patch a Round Steel Hull  How to eye splice double braid rope. Several methods starting with the easiest to learn. You CAN do this.    How to clean your diesel fuel A way to maintain your fuel with salvage parts, a jar and a fitler  Driveline maintenance, repair and alignment       What you will find here are a selection of technical articles published by The Coastal Passage. TCP is mostly about story telling but this section is in recognition that you have to keep the boat floating and know how to keep cruising on a limited budget. That means being self sufficient whenever possible and knowing how to properly use your gear. The VHF article above, is one that most boaties that use VHF should copy and post at their nav station. Do not be ashamed for not knowing the 'simplex' facts... you would be amazed at how many professionals have asked for copies of the article.