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?
Why Did Barefoot Gal Survive Irma?
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!
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?
No Natz
No-see-ums, gnats and other biting bites making the reality not quite live up to the dream? I recently found an effective spray that’s mild on skin and not harmful to pets who may lick. [More] No Natz
Hurricane Prep: Storing Things Below
When everything that was on deck has to come below, stowing it safely becomes a challenge. Two important things I’ve learned. [More] Hurricane Prep: Storing Things Below
Hurricane Prep: How Much Time Do You Have
More things we didn’t know as we prepped for our first hurricane: how to intrepret the timing info in forecasts. What you need to know. [More] Hurricane Prep: How Much Time Do You Have
Don’t Lose Your Dinghy
Lost or stolen dinghies are heart-breaking, as they’re expensive to replace and your mobility is limited until you do. Tips to lessen the chances of the dinghy being stolen or floating free. [More] Don’t Lose Your Dinghy
Hurricane Prep: Reducing Windage
Reducing windage is an important part of hurricane prep, particularly if you’re at a dock, on the hard, or tied to mangroves where you won’t even nominally be head to wind. Items to think about. [More] Hurricane Prep: Reducing Windage
Hurricane Prep: Why Remove Jibs and Genoas
Why simply tying off your roller furling jib or genoa isn’t sufficient for a tropical storm or hurricane — pictures of the results. [More] Hurricane Prep: Why Remove Jibs and Genoas
Hurricane Prep and Editable Checklist
I like checklists and tip sheets for just about everything, but they’re particularly helpful for high stress times like preparing for a hurricane. [More] Hurricane Prep and Editable Checklist
