A chilling story from a reader brings home an important point: never assume your safety gear works. Check it. Frequently. [More] Safety Checks
Common Problems & Worries
Boating isn't all palm trees and umbrella drinks.
Worried about fire, sinking, hurricanes . . . or being overrun by bugs?
Wondering what in the world you've gotten yourself into?
It happens to us all. Find practical help and words of encouragement here!
CrewWatcher MOB Alarm
An affordable MOB alarm using Bluetooth and your smartphone or tablet. If you know IMMEDIATELY if someone goes overboard, there’s a much better chance of recovery! [More] CrewWatcher MOB Alarm
Cruising & Friends
Making new friends, leaving friends behind. It can be tough on both ends. Eleven suggestions to make it easier. [More] Cruising & Friends
How Do You Learn What Works?
There’s a lot of trial and error on a boat and that’s both good and bad as we’re forced to learn new things. [More] How Do You Learn What Works?
Cruising Stories: John Herlig | Ave del Mar
“The highs are higher; the lows are lower.” Here, John tells what one of those tough days was like and the lessons it taught. [More] Cruising Stories: John Herlig | Ave del Mar
Hurricane Prep: Your Lines
Whether it’s dock lines, anchor snubber lines, mooring lines or even lines to tie your boat into the mangroves, lines are what will keep your boat in place . . . or not. [More] Hurricane Prep: Your Lines
Post-Hurricane Dangers in the Water
Hurricanes wreck damage in so many ways — not just immediately but in the clean up as well. Be careful and don’t compound the tragedy. One friend’s life is hanging by a thread. No more, please. [More] Post-Hurricane Dangers in the Water
Why Did Barefoot Gal Survive Irma?
Barefoot Gal survived Hurricane Irma — a Category 4 storm — in an area where most boats didn’t. My thoughts on what spared her. [More] Why Did Barefoot Gal Survive Irma?
Help Your Neighbor, Help Yourself
Preparing for a hurricane? Don’t forget the boats around you. Helping them might be as important as prepping your own boat. [More] Help Your Neighbor, Help Yourself
Hurricane: Stay On the Boat or Not?
Staying on a boat during a hurricane is NOT recommended. But sometimes it’s the “least bad” alternative. What we learned from Hurricane Marty. [More] Hurricane: Stay On the Boat or Not?