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

Sail

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Help From Above

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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. 

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Recovering Warriors Go Sailing

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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.

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A Cruising Power Washer?

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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.

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Things I Dislike on Boats

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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.

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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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It's All Such A Delicate Balance

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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.

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Show and Tell - Changes/Upgrades to Our Cruising Boat

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Show and Tell - Changes/Upgrades to Our Cruising Boat

Boat owners love to show off their various projects on their cruising boats to make them more personal and better overall. I share what we did on Spitfire, and few are specific to a power cat.

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Better Cup of Coffee...Now Even Better

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Better Cup of Coffee...Now Even Better

I first wrote about coffee in 2003 when I visited the talented coffee brewers of Fidalgo Bay Coffee in Burlington, Washington. But in the years since, I have modified their recommendations into what I consider the best of all worlds when it comes to brewing fine coffee.

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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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Fixing that Pesky Outboard

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Fixing that Pesky Outboard

Ethanol has caused havoc among the cruising communities worldwide. How to deal with it is not difficult, as a veteran cruising sailor takes us through the process of fixing a carburetor that no longer works.

 

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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
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 →