Common Problems & Worries

Living on a boat 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!

Fire Aboard

Deciding To Haul Out For A Hurricane – No Regrets

Published on August 31, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

A hurricane is coming. It may or may not reach your location. How do you make a decision and own it? Here’s one cruiser’s story. [More] Deciding To Haul Out For A Hurricane – No Regrets

Overwhelmed

Published on August 3, 2019; last updated on May 9, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Cory Nickerson

Do you ever wonder if you’re the only cruiser who feels overwhelmed? Everyone who lives on a boat feels it sometimes. Really. [More] Overwhelmed

Will I Feel Lonely

Published on July 6, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

Do you wonder if you’ll feel lonely while cruising? Everyone does sometimes. Here are ideas that help. [More] Will I Feel Lonely

Cruising Stories: The Mystery of Unity’s Missing Rudder Plug

Published on June 22, 2019; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Mary Jo WIseman

Ever put something in a memorable place just to forget where? Learn how not to do the same thing. [More] Cruising Stories: The Mystery of Unity’s Missing Rudder Plug

A Clean Boat Means Less Stress

Published on June 8, 2019; last updated on May 9, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

An emergency on the water taught me the importance of always keeping a clean boat. You never know when you’ll need to move in a hurry. [More] A Clean Boat Means Less Stress

MOB AIS/DSC Locator and Alarm

Published on March 13, 2019; last updated on September 8, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

The AIS Flare Eco is an AIS/DSC crew overboard locator and alarm that enables a MOB to be quickly found even by short-handed boats. Budget-friendly, too. [More] MOB AIS/DSC Locator and Alarm

Medication Storage Safety for Liveaboards

Published on January 28, 2019; last updated on November 23, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Christine Pereira

Storing medicine safely on board takes some thought. Here’s what you need to know about medication storage safety on a boat. [More] Medication Storage Safety for Liveaboards

Cruising With Rheumatoid Arthritis? Yes You Can!

Published on January 21, 2019; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Tami Florer

Think it’s impossible to go cruising with rheumatoid arthritis? One sailor suffering from arthritis shares how she does it and you can too. [More] Cruising With Rheumatoid Arthritis? Yes You Can!

Cruising Stories: Cruising with Lymphedema

Published on November 22, 2018; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Cruising with lymphedema isn’t necessarily easy, but it can be done. Michele Watson gives step-by-step directions of how she did it . . . twice! [More] Cruising Stories: Cruising with Lymphedema