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
Emergency Info
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!
Cruising Stories: 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
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
A chilling story from a reader brings home an important point: never assume your safety gear works. Check it. Frequently. [More] Safety Checks
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
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
Post-Hurricane Dangers in the Water
Hurricanes wreak damage in so many ways — not just immediately but in the clean up as well. Be careful and don’t compound the tragedy. [More] Post-Hurricane Dangers in the Water
Why Did Barefoot Gal Survive Irma?
How does one boat survive a Category 4 hurricane when most boats in the area don’t? There’s a certain amount of luck, but mostly it’s prep. Here’s how. [More] Why Did Barefoot Gal Survive Irma?
