Understanding Makes for A Fairer Comparison

Understanding Makes for A Fairer Comparison

A question to determine which trawler is better leads to a broader conversation of hull shapes and styles. What you intend to do with the boat figures much more in finding the right boat than the age of its systems and other criteria.

How Big is Big Enough?

How Big is Big Enough?

The common question of how big is big enough can lead one astray. Let's revisit this question and see how others have done it successfully. Bigger is not always better.

Keep Your Outboard Running And Add to Your Skillset

Keep Your Outboard Running And Add to Your Skillset

Outboard engines can be prone to unreliable operation if their carburetors are not kept clean, or they are not used enough. There is no reason to rely on service technicians to keep you going when it is an easy thing to learn how to keep your motor running. 

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

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.

Making a Good Boat Better - Part 2 - Power

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.

Making a Good Boat Better - Part 1 - Mostly Sail

Making a Good Boat Better - Part 1 - Mostly Sail

Notes to prepare you boat for an offshore race translate to a guide to improve your cruising boat if you intend to venture offshore.

The Mindset of Non Delivery

The Mindset of Non Delivery

The joys of cruising diminish when the trip becomes a monotonous routine, every day like the one before, always moving, pushing ahead to the final destination. It is a good thing to remember why you are out there, and find a way to slow down the daily grind, and enjoy the wonders that surround you each day.

The Dawn of Hybrid and Zero-Fuel Cruising

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.

Designing a Modern Fuel Delivery System

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.

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.