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

Diabetes on a Boat

Published on September 11, 2018; last updated on February 22, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

The realities of cruising as a diabetic: you CAN do it, but you have to know these four things. [More] Diabetes on a Boat

Emergency Info

Published on September 6, 2018; last updated on September 8, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How to provide the information needed for someone else to rescue your boat in an emergency. It costs less than $5 and only takes a couple hours to put together, but could save your boat some day. [More] Emergency Info

Cruising Stories: Brita Siepker

Published on July 4, 2018; last updated on May 9, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Brita Siepker

“We were totally unprepared to deal with the stress presented by cruising; we didn’t stock epoxy to fill broken hearts or spare battens to reinforce weakening bonds.” [More] Cruising Stories: Brita Siepker

Redundancy and Back-Up Systems

Published on May 28, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How do you decide what back-up systems and components you need on your boat. Here’s the framework we use. [More] Redundancy and Back-Up Systems

Safety Checks

Published on May 21, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A chilling story from a reader brings home an important point: never assume your safety gear works. Check it. Frequently. [More] Safety Checks

CrewWatcher MOB Alarm

Published on May 2, 2018; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

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

Published on April 9, 2018; last updated on August 31, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

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?

Published on February 5, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

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

Published on December 27, 2017; last updated on October 17, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/John Herlig

“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

Published on October 19, 2017; last updated on December 24, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

es are what will keep your boat in place during a hurricane, whether at a dock, on anchor or a mooring. How to choose the best ones for the job. [More] Hurricane Prep: Your Lines