Power

Are Trawlers the Safest Platform for Cruising?

Are Trawlers the Safest Platform for Cruising?

Are trawlers the safest choice for cruising? They can certainly be the most comfortable, but what about overall safety? It is an interesting question, and I hope we can begin a conversation about safety in today's cruising community. Cruising is all about fun and adventure, but it also should be as safe as we can make it.

Dave Pike's Most Excellent Adventure Continues

Dave Pike's Most Excellent Adventure Continues

I catch up with Dave Pike and get a boat tour of his small cruising boat, on his second half of the Great Loop. His modified Walker Bay is a dandy little craft, well thought out and designed for capable cruising.

The Boat Should Fit Your Plan

The Boat Should Fit Your Plan

It is much more fun to live with a boat that fits your actual cruising plans, not some fantasy dream machine that is way more than you need or can afford. Finding a good fit makes for a memorable adventure rather than a trip down bummer lane. The number of big trawlers for sale for "health reasons" is proof that one should focus on the smallest boat that is big enough.

The End of Paper Charts...and More

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...

The Nature of Boat... Owners

Not every boat owner has the same approach to cruising. Some cruisers pass through an island chain, while others have a favorite harbor where they remain to engage the community. Each are valid reasons to be on the water. What kind of type of boat owner are you?

Keeping Diesel Fuel Clean

Keeping Diesel Fuel Clean

Recurring questions and inaccurate answers rule the day on the Internet when it comes to diesel fuel and delivery systems. I'm going through my notes to collect credible information gathered over many years. Ultimately I plan to assemble this into a resource of some value.

New York Canal System Set to Open For Free

New York Canal System Set to Open For Free

Details of the 2017 NY Canal System, which opens this month. It is the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, ans will include lots of special events during the season.

When His Get Home Saved The Day

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.

Best Watch System Ever

Best Watch System Ever

I'd like to introduce you to a great watch schedule designed for a four-person crew. Each person gets most of a day off every four days, with a full night off to catch up on sleep. This is my favorite watch system from the many passages I've made.

Help From Above

Help From Above

Carrying an Air Band VHF radio on your next passage might be of value if you need to call for help. Even at high altitude, it is possible to communicate with a passing aircraft to get the word out that you have an emergency and need help. 

Recovering Warriors Go Sailing

Recovering Warriors Go Sailing

The problems facing returning veterans with injuries is a bigger issue than most realize. The Naval Academy and the National Sailing Hall of Fame teamed up with other organizations to develop a program to get these veterans on the water sailing. They hope to offer a healthy alternative to move these recovering warriors away from the downward spiral that occurs when there are few options without the support they grew to rely on in uniform.

A Cruising Power Washer?

A Cruising Power Washer?

The delivery of a new Krogen 58 from Annapolis to Ft Lauderdale gives me an idea of how to wash off the inevitable salty slime that comes from rough weather offshore.

Things I Dislike on Boats

Things I Dislike on Boats

The first in a series of articles where I share my observations picked up from years of travel aboard every kind of cruising motorboat and trawler. Some of the things I don't like are easy to fix, others speak to issues in either design or construction...or both.

What's in a Name?

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.

Experienced Circumnavigators Build a Coastal Cruiser - Part 2

Experienced Circumnavigators Build a Coastal Cruiser - Part 2

In this second article, Scott Flanders explains what they did to upgrade their Ellis 28 from a cocktail cruise day boat into a capable and self-sufficient cruising boat.

It's All Such A Delicate Balance

It's All Such A Delicate Balance

Too many people overdose on their boating experience and burn out. The best approach to boating, indeed life, is to find a balance of all the elements of an active life.