Cruising & Chartering

Ahhh, living the dream! But what's it really like? What do I need to know?

Tips and skills to help you have a great time, whether it's on your own boat or a charter:

Chartering

Cruising Stories

International Cruising

Underway

Also check out my free and paid courses to help every step of the way.

The Night Sky

Published on July 19, 2017; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Living on a boat and cruising certainly puts you in closer touch with nature. And one of the things I’ve come to love is watching the ever-changing night sky. [More] The Night Sky

Favorite Weather Apps

Published on July 17, 2017; last updated on February 18, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Our three favorite weather forecasting apps (each deals with a different aspect) as well as the email forecast service we love for Florida and the Bahamas. [More] Favorite Weather Apps

Garmin HomePort Route Planning

Published on July 3, 2017; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Step-by-step how to create a route on Garmin HomePort and transfer it to your chartplotter and backup navigation devices. [More] Garmin HomePort Route Planning

Creating and Leaving a Float Plan

Published on June 5, 2017; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

A float plan is an important safety item for every boating trip. Learn more, including how to get around the apparent bug in saving the completed form. [More] Creating and Leaving a Float Plan

Mistakes Happen

Published on May 15, 2017; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Yes, mistakes will happen. But happens next? [More] Mistakes Happen

Helm Notes

Published on April 10, 2017; last updated on August 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t rely on everyone remembering all the details of the day’s journey. Detailed notes at the helm will make the trip safer and less stressful. [More] Helm Notes

Electric Windlass as a Safety Feature

Published on March 21, 2017; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Electric windlasses aren’t cheap and require attention to detail in their installation, but provide important safety benefits. [More] Electric Windlass as a Safety Feature

Bahamas – Sea of Cortez Comparison

Published on February 15, 2017; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Both the Bahamas and the Sea of Cortez are popular first foreign destinations for US cruisers. We’ve had great times in both, but they’re very different! [More] Bahamas – Sea of Cortez Comparison

How Much Does It Cost to Cruise?

Published on February 13, 2017; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

How how much it will cost you to cruise on your boat? Use this guide to determine the factors that set your expenses and how to make a budget that works for you as long as you live on your boat. [More] How Much Does It Cost to Cruise?

Cruising with Kids

Published on February 10, 2017; last updated on December 24, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Can it really work to cruise with kids? Toddlers? Teens? What if we have a baby as we’re cruising? Generally, the kids and parents thrive! [More] Cruising with Kids