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 - Bridge Clearance

Monday Minute - Bridge Clearance

As the new cruising season is on the horizon, it's not a bad idea to review some basic cruising information that not every cruiser deals with often. In this case, we clarify bridge clearance.

Check Your Inflatable PFDs

Check Your Inflatable PFDs

Safety gear can sometimes be forgotten when it comes to maintenance. I recently examined my inflatable PFDs to make sure they will inflate if they are ever needed.

When was the last time you checked yours?

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.

Diesel Duck's George Buehler has Died

Sad news to pass along. George Buehler has passed away from complications resulting from an aortic aneurysm. 

We first met George and his wife Gail on Whidbey Island soon after launching PassageMaker. His unique design style and philosophy was apparent from the first moment.

While I did not agree with all of his concepts, his perspective was uniquely his.

I wish Gail peace and give her our prayers. Details on the link:

http://bit.ly/2FOIXLZ

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 - A Fuel Filter Vacuum Gauge at Your Helm

Monday Minute - A Fuel Filter Vacuum Gauge at Your Helm

Adding a second, remote fuel filter vacuum gauge at your helm is another tool worth considering as you plan for extended cruising. It takes some of the guesswork out of running your boat, and you will feel more confident that things are well in your engine room.

Get With the Program and Conduct a Proper Radio Check

Get With the Program and Conduct a Proper Radio Check

Do you know about Sea Tow's Automated Radio Check service? It should be part of your normal operations routine, and used often to ensure your radios and antennas are working as well as you hope they are.
Far better than the traditional radio check of throwing out a call and hoping someone will respond. And let's leave "10-4, Good Buddy" ashore, please.

Monday Minute - Thoughts on Sizing Engines and Generators

Monday Minute - Thoughts on Sizing Engines and Generators

Conversation with industry specialists often drifts into other related topics. In this case, we talked about how best to size a propulsion engine for a new boat, and then selecting the right size generator for the boat's electrical demands.

Notes in the Pilothouse

Notes in the Pilothouse

Advice and suggestions from an extremely knowledgeable boat owner and industry expert whose expertise with marine electronics sets a standard well beyond the typical DIY technician.

Monday Minute - Maintaining Dock Lines

Monday Minute - Maintaining Dock Lines

At least once a year it is a good idea to inspect your boat's dock lines. At the very least, an overnight soak in fabric softener does wonders for dirty, stiff lines.

Fuel Filtration Viewed From Within The Industry

Fuel Filtration Viewed From Within The Industry

Reviewing some notes from my travels, and finding the comments are as relevant today as they were a few years ago. It is refreshing when engine guys speak the truth even if it goes slightly against the company party line.

Rethinking Jacklines, Tethers, and Safety at Sea

Rethinking Jacklines, Tethers, and Safety at Sea

A recent Southern Ocean tragedy involving offshore safety equipment forces a renewed look at modern life-saving gear and how to make it even better...and safer. 

Cruising with Children

Cruising with Children

Pam Wall makes a case for the outstanding life choice to cruise with a young family, as she and her husband did in their 39-foot sloop. Whether the vessel is a sailboat or trawler, it can be a life-defining adventure that so totally exchanges today's social media "experience" with the real world in all its diversity and beauty.