Boats

Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?

Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?

It’s been a long time coming but we now see tangible progress emerging to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. If the U.S. Navy can prove that it works, isn’t it about time the concept of the modern cruising boat includes hybrid forms of propulsion?

New Technologies on the Horizon

New Technologies on the Horizon

A look at a few new innovations coming into the marine market. Who would expect self-docking yachts in the near future?

Getting Rid of an Old Boat

Getting Rid of an Old Boat

So what is one to do when a boat reaches its end of life? There are some options, but frankly the industry hasn’t really solved this issue in a way that is sustainable.

Monday Minute - Where Do Old Boats Go?

Monday Minute - Where Do Old Boats Go?

I attended the annual boat auction in St Michaels, and wonder about the fate of old boats that no longer have a meaningful purpose.

Monday Minute - Get That Seating Right

Monday Minute - Get That Seating Right

Inspired from comments made from last week’s post, let’s discuss helm seat options. There is no one solution for comfortable and safe seating at the helm on all boats. It is something designers and builders used to ignore. Today it gets the attention it deserves.

Notice the helm seating when you go to the upcoming boat shows. And can you get around it once it is in position?

Stormy Petrel

Stormy Petrel

When you dream of the perfect boat for all the cruising dreams you want to do now, stop thinking you need a battleship. Take a chill pill and read about a couple who went way beyond the cruising plans of most anyone wanting to liveaboard and see the world.

Monday Minute - Treat Yourself to A Voluntary Survey

Monday Minute - Treat Yourself to A Voluntary Survey

Consider a marine survey of your boat, especially if you have owned it for years. It is a good way to identify issues before your cruising season begins.

The Engines Go Into the Spencer 74

The Engines Go Into the Spencer 74

Installing these MTU engines is not your everyday boat yard scene, so everyone came to watch it happen. Rent a crane, hire some professionals to oversee the operation, and we're done by lunchtime. Of course, hooking it all together takes weeks.

One NM Per Gallon, Fast or Slow

One NM Per Gallon, Fast or Slow

So many boats consume a gallon of diesel to travel one nautical mile, but how do you care to make that happen? Slow and economical or a quick trip. For a number of boats with similar performance, it comes down to how you care to burn it.

Monday Minute - Mustang Gets Her Engine Fixed

Monday Minute - Mustang Gets Her Engine Fixed

I came along on a sea trial aboard Mustang, whose Cummins diesel got some new parts. Nice to be aboard her again, one of the most impressive sailboats I have been aboard.

Monday Minute - Sharing Brian's Eight Year Report

Monday Minute - Sharing Brian's Eight Year Report

Brian Calvert is still enjoying life in the Philippines aboard his Selene trawler, Further. His adventures continue, but after so many miles and eight years of wandering adventure, it's time to take care of business on the boat and its systems. His experience is worth reading as you plan your own passage to paradise.

A Rather Unique Restoration

A Rather Unique Restoration

The story of how an unlucky sportfishing yacht gets a new start as it is completely restored by talented and dedicated boat builders. Such a project takes vision and a whole lot of gumption. Thankfully John Patnovic and his team at Worton Creek Marina have both.

Monday Minute - Ignore It and It Will Be Fine...Not!

Monday Minute - Ignore It and It Will Be Fine...Not!

Boats and their owners are in a kind of relationship where each takes care of the other. You can't assume it to be otherwise. There are the exceptions, however, such as the Westsail sailboat in The Perfect Storm that was later found in good condition on a beach after being abandoned by its crew. But those are not the norm.

What to Look For - When Buying a Used Sailboat

What to Look For - When Buying a Used Sailboat

Pam shares her thoughts on what to look for when searching for the right boat. Looking beyond the interior appointments and creature comforts is key. By following her advice you'll not waste your time and money falling in love with a boat that won't pass a proper survey. 

Monday Minute - Form Must Follow Function

Monday Minute - Form Must Follow Function

The design of a recessed waste fitting proved to not allow us to use a nearby pumpout station. Perhaps a future boat project?

Selecting the Right Boat 3/3 - The Hard Questions

Selecting the Right Boat 3/3 - The Hard Questions

In this third installment of selecting the right boat, we look at the hard decisions that help shape the specifications of a good cruising boat that fits your needs and budget.  

The Ultimate FPB 3/3 - Engine Room Details

The Ultimate FPB 3/3 - Engine Room Details

The final look at a most interesting passagemaker, the FPB-781 Cochise. The Dashews spared nothing to make this an ultimate voyaging motorboat, and it bristles with new ideas and clever solutions. This final Part 3 looks at the boat's engine room. Hopefully you'll see something that works for you.