Power, Sail, Marine Systems, Boats
Bill Parlatore
Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the ...

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?

Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?
Electronics, Power, Sail
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps

The end of the year is time to renew subscriptions and replace older apps with new ones. New technology and improved functionality promise a safer, faster, and easier user experience. In this case it is from Navionics, a Garmin Company. And General Motors.

Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps
Boats, Power, Sail, Travel
Bill Parlatore
The Rogue Wave

The fear and mystery about sea monsters and rogue waves goes back to the early seafarers. With much improved technology, computers, and satellites, we know much more about this phenomemun today…and they are much more common than previously believed.

The Rogue Wave
Boats, Sail
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out

Susie Goodall had a really close call, but she is safe after losing her Rustler 36 in the Southern Ocean. The 29-year-old was knocked unconscious when her boat pitchpoled end over end in rough seas and high winds.

She was eventually picked up by a cargo ship on its way to Argentina.

Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out
Power, Sail, Marine Systems
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

If you are an “experienced” cruiser (aka old person) you probably remember the days of Selective Availability (SA) and intentionally reduced GPS accuracy. The military only let us know our location within 100 meters. This continued for years, despite ongoing pleas from the FAA and USCG to provide everyone with the accuracy available from the GPS satellite system.

It took a jetliner being shot down to turn off this reduced-accuracy SA.

Today we could not live without accurate GPS information. At home, on the road, and on the water.

Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

Marine Systems

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Create a Speed/Fuel Burn Curve for Your Boat

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Create a Speed/Fuel Burn Curve for Your Boat

Rather than guess what speed you should run your boat, it is important to develop real-world numbers of the speed and burn consumption your boat reaches at various engine speeds in open water. Depending on how your boat is equipped and loaded, and the propeller(s) you have, it is a straightforward process to develop a speed/fuel burn performance curve that will identify the sweet spot for running your boat at cruising speed.

Along the way of determining this ideal speed envelope, you will also get an sixth sense of when the hull and engine is in harmony as she glides through the water with maximum efficiency and reasonable fuel burn. This is a satisfying project every boat owner should create for his or her boat.

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Monday Minute - How Hard to Run Your Diesel

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Monday Minute - How Hard to Run Your Diesel

Knowing how to properly run your propulsion engine is the key to long term health care in your engine room. I share great advice from Alaska Diesel that relates to all pre-ECM diesel engines, both power and sail.

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Monday Minute - Exhaust Systems, The Achilles Heel of Boating

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Monday Minute - Exhaust Systems, The Achilles Heel of Boating

Marine exhaust systems are not perfect, and each system variation has its good and bad points. Awareness is key, and knowing you must address this on a regular basis, regardless of engine hours.

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Making a Good Boat Better - Part 3 - Both Power & Sail

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Making a Good Boat Better - Part 3 - Both Power & Sail

Finding ways to make your trawler or sailboat better capable of traveling offshore. All of these efforts result in a better seaboat, even if you are not planning to cross oceans. And these upgrades will better familiarize you with the many systems on a cruising boat. And that brings confidence.

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Making a Good Boat Better - Part 2 - Power

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Making a Good Boat Better - Part 2 - Power

We continue our look at how to prepare your boat for going offshore in a powerboat or trawler, and what you should address to make sure things go as planned. The stresses of offshore travel are different from running in protected waters and preventative effort can help ensure a trouble-free passage, which is what we all aim for.

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The Dawn of Hybrid and Zero-Fuel Cruising

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The Dawn of Hybrid and Zero-Fuel Cruising

Rapid advances in many technologies provides opportunities we have not seen before. While recreational boat lags behind other industries in adoption, we will see future boat choices that have a significantly lower carbon footprint, and allow us to enjoy cruising without impact on the environment.

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Designing a Modern Fuel Delivery System

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Designing a Modern Fuel Delivery System

Putting together a fuel delivery system is best done by taking a high level view and making it as simple, as accessible, and as futureproof as possible. Eliminate unnecessary fittings, use fire rated, CG-approved fuel hoses and high pressure fittings, and your system should be reliable and trouble free for the life of the boat.

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The End of Paper Charts...and More

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The End of Paper Charts...and More

So much has happened in our lifetime, so why should anyone be surprised that paper charts are going away? Modern electronic charting and navigation systems at so much better in all ways, whether you are a commercial, government, or recreational mariner. Change is coming...

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When His Get Home Saved The Day

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When His Get Home Saved The Day

Brian Calvert shares his experience of losing his Cummins diesel engine at a critical place and time. After trouble free operation taking him halfway around the world, its loss put him in peril. Thankfully, he installed a Wesmar auxiliary propulsion unit before leaving Seattle. This get home system saved him from serious consequences off the coast of Borneo.

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What's in a Name?

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What's in a Name?

The EPA emissions regulations impose strict control of marine diesel engines. How have engine manufacturers coped with the enormity of researching new technology to meet these cleaner emissions  requirements? By global partnering with other engine manufacturers.

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Quick Update on Torquing Prop Nuts

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Quick Update on Torquing Prop Nuts

I followed up with Michigan Wheel at the Miami show regarding how much torque we should apply to tightening propeller nuts. Still no conclusive answer.

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The Truth About Prop Nuts - And Why the Half Nut Goes on First

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The Truth About Prop Nuts - And Why the Half Nut Goes on First

There are many boat owners, mechanics, and yard workers who do not install propellers properly. Here is what they should do and why it matters.

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Its Proper Name is a Cutless Bearing - Here's Why

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Its Proper Name is a Cutless Bearing - Here's Why

The confusion continues over whether it is a cutless or cutlass bearing. There is a right answer, of course. The roots of this bearing will surprise you, and it isn't even nautical.

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Featured Articles

Featured
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?

Read More →
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps

The end of the year is time to renew subscriptions and replace older apps with new ones. New technology and improved functionality promise a safer, faster, and easier user experience. In this case it is from Navionics, a Garmin Company. And General Motors.

Read More →
The Rogue Wave
The Rogue Wave

The fear and mystery about sea monsters and rogue waves goes back to the early seafarers. With much improved technology, computers, and satellites, we know much more about this phenomemun today…and they are much more common than previously believed.

Read More →
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out

Susie Goodall had a really close call, but she is safe after losing her Rustler 36 in the Southern Ocean. The 29-year-old was knocked unconscious when her boat pitchpoled end over end in rough seas and high winds.

She was eventually picked up by a cargo ship on its way to Argentina.

Read More →
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

If you are an “experienced” cruiser (aka old person) you probably remember the days of Selective Availability (SA) and intentionally reduced GPS accuracy. The military only let us know our location within 100 meters. This continued for years, despite ongoing pleas from the FAA and USCG to provide everyone with the accuracy available from the GPS satellite system.

It took a jetliner being shot down to turn off this reduced-accuracy SA.

Today we could not live without accurate GPS information. At home, on the road, and on the water.

Read More →
The Cost of Cruising - Part 4 - Cutting Expenses
The Cost of Cruising - Part 4 - Cutting Expenses

Let’s take a look at some ways to cut expenses, and conversely, how to make money while cruising. They both contribute to allow you to keep enjoying the lifestyle.

Not many couples can get by making video vlogs on YouTube of their adventures, and expect others to pay for their experience through donations and Patreon.

Read More →