Buying a Boat & Gear for It

Info, buying guides and recommended products to help you buy the perfect boat and everything for it, no matter your budget or cruising style. Learn more about:

Just want a simple list of stuff that has worked well for us? Go to my Amazon Store.

Coast Guard Documentation – Need to Knows

Published on December 8, 2021; last updated on December 8, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Is your boat documented by the Coast Guard? Should it be? Here’s what you need to know about documenting your cruising boat. [More] Coast Guard Documentation – Need to Knows

Don’t Forget to Budget for Spares

Published on November 3, 2021; last updated on November 2, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Budgeting to buy a new boat? Don’t forget to consider the spare parts you’ll need. The price adds up. Here’s how much spare parts could be worth. [More] Don’t Forget to Budget for Spares

Do You Always Need to Buy Marine Gear?

Published on October 27, 2021; last updated on November 18, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Marine gear is pricey. Do you always have to buy expensive marine products for your boat? [More] Do You Always Need to Buy Marine Gear?

10 Small Catamarans for Cruisers

Published on January 23, 2021; last updated on February 10, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock/Rick Marcarelli

Looking for a simple, affordable, and comfortable cruising boat? An overview and comparison of 10 of the most popular small catamarans. [More] 10 Small Catamarans for Cruisers

Galley Equipment Buying Guide

Published on July 16, 2020; last updated on June 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

13 important things to consider when buying anything for your galley – price isn’t the only consideration! [More] Galley Equipment Buying Guide

ugo Waterproof Tablet Case

Published on January 6, 2020; last updated on May 25, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Protect your electronic devices with the ugo waterproof tablet case. You can still use the device while it’s in the case! [More] ugo Waterproof Tablet Case

10 Things for Better Cruising in Chilly Weather

Published on November 23, 2019; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Boating in cool weather can be enjoyable with these ten things to stay warm while cruising! [More] 10 Things for Better Cruising in Chilly Weather

PowerMax: Customer Service Above and Beyond

Published on April 24, 2019; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

PowerMax chargers are solid chargers at an affordable “non-marine\” price. When I recently had a problem with ours, their customer service blew me away! [More] PowerMax: Customer Service Above and Beyond

Sport-A-Seat

Published on April 13, 2019; last updated on October 2, 2019 by Carolyn Shearlock

Instead of custom cockpit cushions, we got Sport-a-Seats. More comfortable, easier to keep clean, easy to take ashore and a LOT less expensive! Read all about them and get a discount code. [More] Sport-A-Seat

Urine Digester

Published on March 20, 2019; last updated on September 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Urine Digester is a bio-enzymatic liquid that you add to the pee container for composting toilets. Better than vinegar for eliminating odors and deposits. [More] Urine Digester