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Defender Resource Center

Your source for practical how-to guides, tips and tricks, checklists, and more.
We will continue to update this page with information to help you enjoy your time out on the water.

USCG Equipment Requirements and Recommendations

Minimum Equipment Requirements Quick Guide

Make sure your safety equipment is complete and up to date to comply with US Coast Guard Requirements!

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Boating Safety Tips

Safety Guide & Resources

Learn how to stay safe on the water with these helpful tips, suggestions, and links

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PFD Classification

PFD Classifications

Learn about the New vs. Old Classification Systems to know which PFD is right for you

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Seasonal Hull Prep Tools and Materials Checklist

Seasonal Hull Prep Checklist

Don't let your project get derailed by forgotten tools and materials

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Seasonal Hull Prep DIY Guide

Seasonal Hull Prep DIY Guide

Helpful tips and tricks to prepare your boat's hull for a seasonal coat of bottom paint

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Bottom Paint Explained

Bottom Paint Explained

What is the best antifouling paint to use for the conditions you boat in?

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Battery Selection Guide

Battery Selection Guide

The Types of Batteries & their Different Applications

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Flooring Materials

Flooring Options

What type of flooring material is right for your boat?

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Offshore Racing Checklist

Headed to the Caribbean?

Download the Offshore Racing Checklist to be sure you have everything you need

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Storm Preparation

Storm Preparation

Be prepared with the gear and the know-how to protect your loved ones and your boat from storms and hurricanes

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More Than Just a Chartplotter - Fishing Edition

More Than Just a Chartplotter - Fishing Edition

Integrated and network sonar modules turn your display into a fishing powerhouse.

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More than just a chartplotter - Sailing Edition

More Than Just a Chartplotter - Sailing Edition

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

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What is AIS and what are the different types?

What is AIS & What are the different types?

How AIS is important and an explanation of the different types of AIS devices.

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Anchors and holding features

Anchors & Holding Features

A quick guide to the different types of Anchors and their holding features.

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Determining Rope Strength

Why are Anodes Important & Which do I Need?

Information to help select the right Anode to keep your engine and electrical equipment safe from damage.

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What is CHIRP?

What is CHIRP?

Information about CHIRP Technology & How it has greatly improved Sonar viewing

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Commissioning Equipment Checklist

Commissioning Equipment Checklist

A checklist for everything you should need to properly outfit your boat during Seasonal Commissioning

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Flag Etiquette

How to properly display Flags on your boat to Dress it up!

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Safety & Maintenance Tips

Safety & Maintenance Tips

Tips of Safety equipment and other essentials to have on-board to make your day on the water as perfect as it can be!

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Mooring Tackle Primer

Mooring Tackle Primer

What is required to be sure your boat is securely moored?

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Determining Rope Strength

Determining Rope Strength

How is Tensile or Breaking Strength determined?

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Windlass Selection Guide

Windlass Selection Guide

What are the important criteria to consider when choosing a Windlass?

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Marine Wire Color Coding

Marine Wire Color Coding

The Marine Wiring Color Code for DC Electrical Systems per the ABYC

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Marine Wiring Tips

Marine Wiring Tips

Tips to keep your boat's electrical system fault-free for reliable and safe wiring

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Boat Shrink Wrapping Tips

Shrink Wrapping

How do I choose what size Shrink Wrap to buy? How many Vents will I need?

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