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.

Etee Reusable Food Wraps

Published on June 4, 2018; last updated on August 28, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Looking for an alternative to carrying — and throwing away — boxes of plastic bags, cling wrap and aluminum foil? Etee Wraps are a solid alternative with the bonus of keeping some foods fresh longer! [More] Etee Reusable Food Wraps

Buying a Boat: Handholds

Published on May 30, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Looking at boats to buy? There’s so much to remember to check out even before you have a survey to get into the guts of the systems. One more thing to check out for safety. [More] Buying a Boat: Handholds

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

Reusable Non-Electric Heating Pads

Published on May 23, 2018; last updated on August 28, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Wouldn’t a heating pad feel good on your aching muscles? How about hand warmers in your pocket? Reusable and no electricity needed . . . [More] Reusable Non-Electric Heating Pads

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

TaLii Towels: Boat-Friendly Towels That Can Be Personalized

Published on March 19, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Fast-drying towels are a must on a boat, and TaLii towels are wonderful in that regard. Bonus: they can be laser embroidered with your boat name or logo! [More] TaLii Towels: Boat-Friendly Towels That Can Be Personalized

Do You Need a Watermaker?

Published on March 14, 2018; last updated on January 26, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Do you need a watermaker to go cruising? What are the pros and cons? Things to consider before making a major purchase. [More] Do You Need a Watermaker?

What to Offer for a Boat

Published on November 29, 2017; last updated on July 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Everyone wants to know what to offer for a boat that they want to buy. Rather than a rule of thumb, here are 8 things to take into consideration. [More] What to Offer for a Boat

Going to a Boat Show

Published on October 16, 2017; last updated on November 23, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Thinking of going to a boat show and want to make the most of your time there without being overwhelmed? My tips for a fun and productive time! [More] Going to a Boat Show

Isotherm Cruise 130 Refrigerator

Published on August 19, 2017; last updated on January 10, 2019 by Carolyn Shearlock

A report on our Isotherm Cruise 130 boat refrigerator after using it for two years. Overall grade: B. Read why. [More] Isotherm Cruise 130 Refrigerator