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.

Ratcheting Box Wrenches

Published on April 18, 2016; last updated on June 10, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

No room to turn a wrench and not enough clearance for a socket? A ratcheting box wrench to the rescue! [More] Ratcheting Box Wrenches

Up the Mast

Published on April 15, 2016; last updated on November 23, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

If you have a sailboat, someday you’ll have to go up the mast. The easiest gear we’ve found to use and some tips. [More] Up the Mast

Dry Bags

Published on March 14, 2016; last updated on June 30, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Dry bags are almost essential gear in my book. We’ve never had water damage anything in the dinghy! [More] Dry Bags

Cruising Boat Safety Gear: Water Intrusion

Published on February 26, 2016; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Four items to stop water intrusions from a broken thru-hull or hole in the hull that every boater should carry in case of an emergency. [More] Cruising Boat Safety Gear: Water Intrusion

Bilge Alarm

Published on February 22, 2016; last updated on September 27, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Would you know if water was filling your bilge BEFORE it got over the floorboards? The sooner you know, the better your chance of saving the boat. [More] Bilge Alarm

Thermal Cooker

Published on February 8, 2016; last updated on May 1, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

With a thermal cooker, start dinner when it’s convenient & transfer pans to the thermal cooker. Let it cook 4 to 8 hours while you do other things! [More] Thermal Cooker

Turkish Towels: A Little Luxury

Published on February 5, 2016; last updated on May 8, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Crave a little luxury? These Turkish towels are so soft and absorbant, yet take up almost no space and dry quickly. [More] Turkish Towels: A Little Luxury

Duffle Bags

Published on January 22, 2016; last updated on February 22, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Need a new duffel to take to and from the boat? How about one that’s actually designed for boaters? Why I love Sailor Bags duffels! [More] Duffle Bags

Sunscreen That Doesn’t Kill the Coral

Published on January 20, 2016; last updated on May 1, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

I love the reefs and love to snorkel. I was shocked to find out that many sunscreens could harm the reefs and looked for a way to protect myself from the sun that also protected the reefs. [More] Sunscreen That Doesn’t Kill the Coral