Both work well, but we like the Telatemp (left) slightly better than the Raytek.

Many boat owners do their own maintenance and like to get as much help as possible diagnosing problems. One tool we’ve found helpful is an infrared thermometer. These handy little devices allow the user to measure the temperature of just about anything by simply pointing it at the object. You don’t actually have to touch the item. That’s a nice feature to have when working on hot engines or electrical components.

An IR thermometer can be used to find a dead cylinder on an operating engine—it would be cooler than all the others—or to check a pump bearing for overheating, or an air conditioning duct for the proper outflow temperature.…