Bryan Kolstad: Maintaining a Safe Vessel

Bryan Kolstad is an experienced marine mechanic who’s worked on hundreds of boats in his career. For the most part, he’s dealt with mechanical issues that are common with watercrafts. Occasionally, he’s also had to advise boat owners on how to keep their vessels safe.

“It’s not surprising to find owners getting issued a voyage termination order by the Coast Guard because of having sloppy boats,” he says.

A sloppy ship is one that is dirty, has loose wiring and equipment, clogged air and heating ducts, leaks and an inadequate fuel system. It’s a dangerous boat to operate in plain language.

A danger to all

If you remember the original Dennis the Menace television show, Dennis’ toys were always in the way, causing Mr. Wilson to trip over. It might have been fiction, but when your boat resembles Dennis’ room, it’s a danger to all.

Tripping on exposed electrical lines or equipment can cause serious injuries. If the gear is not properly stored, it can cause weight distribution issues that affect the boat’s stability. Fuel and electrical systems that need to be repaired can be the cause of the fire, which is one element that you don’t want to deal with on a boat.

A clean boat is a safe boat, and a safe experience is what professionals such as Bryan Kolstad want for all boaters.

Bryan Kolstad: A Day in His Life

On a bright, summer morning, Bryan Kolstad grabs his tool kit from a store room before he heads to the marina. On his way, he meets other marine mechanics wearing the same oil-stained overalls and enters a repair bay. The motorboat engine is in the corner; it’s dull-colored diesel engine exposed. He sets his toolbox down beside the engine, determined to complete the work so the boat’s owner can enjoy a hassle-free summer.

Bryan Kolstad is a marine mechanic in Maine. He chose this line of work immediately after completing high school, enamored by the prospect of fixing mechanical parts and working close to water. He is responsible for repairing and maintaining boats within his shop.

“I like this work because it allows me to work outside and there’s always a different problem to address,” said Kolstad, a three-decade-old native of Maine. “You might work on similar issues in a given week, but handle them differently. I like that variety.”

Bryan Kolstad is replacing the engine’s transmission unit with a new one because of an unfixable break. His experienced eyes carefully select the tools he requires to complete the work, and within three hours, he’s done with the job.

Bryan Kolstad: Dealing with Mildew

Bryan Kolstad has worked as a marine mechanic for more than two decades, and he knows that one of the biggest issues that boat owners struggle with is mildew.

“Mildew is common in boats, and it’s not only ugly, but it gives off a foul smell,” he says.

For mildew to grow, it needs a moist environment with little light and ventilation, and a source of food. Before it starts growing, mold spores appear on the food source, which in boats can range from wood, carpet, vinyl, or paper surfaces. When these surfaces become moist, it’s time for mold to start growing.

Numerous products can remove mildew. Bleach is among the standard solutions that can eliminate mold and fungus spores when used correctly. Ammonium chloride is another substance that is also used, though it’s less efficient on resistant molds and can be harsh on humans and fabric.

Bryan Kolstad recommends using mild soap and water the first time you encounter mildew.
“It’s a natural combination that won’t damage the fabric or your hands,” he says. If this fails, try a chlorine-free mildew cleaner. Excessive exposure to chlorine can damage vinyl surfaces, so look for labels that have little or no chlorine.