Buying a Boat

Thinking of buying a cruising boat? Whether for weekends on the lake or a trip around the world, there's a lot to think about.

Info on everything from where to start in the buying process to naming your boat and learning her systems.

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

Why Keep the Boat?

Published on November 24, 2020; last updated on November 17, 2020 by Nica Waters

A standard question is asked and answered. In the most raw form yet. [More] Why Keep the Boat?

How to Sell Your Boat

Published on May 8, 2020; last updated on April 29, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t waste your time. Use these tips to make your boat and your pictures attract the right buyer. [More] How to Sell Your Boat

How To Buy Your Perfect Cruising Boat

Published on December 6, 2019; last updated on November 25, 2019 by Carolyn Shearlock

Some wannabe cruisers search a long time to find just the perfect boat. But how do you find the boat that will get you out on the water soonest? [More] How To Buy Your Perfect Cruising Boat

Boat Insurance: Hull Values and Premiums

Published on July 20, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Laura Lindstrom-Croop

How do you figure out the hull value of your boat for insurance? And how does it relate to your premiums? [More] Boat Insurance: Hull Values and Premiums

Getting to Know Your New Boat

Published on January 10, 2019; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Learn your new boat with a systematized approach to learning her systems and your confidence aboard will soar. Step-by-step method for learning each system. [More] Getting to Know Your New Boat

9 Great Books for the Soon-to-Be Cruiser

Published on November 5, 2018; last updated on June 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Nine great books on everything from deciding to go cruising and how to do it to buying a boat and maintaining it, with a couple of “let’s dream about it” selections too. [More] 9 Great Books for the Soon-to-Be Cruiser

Checklist: Documents and Practicalities for New Boat Owners

Published on October 26, 2018; last updated on October 27, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Buying a new (or new-to-you) boat? Make sure you’ve thought of all the things you need before the closing with this handy checklist. [More] Checklist: Documents and Practicalities for New Boat Owners

Maintain-ability

Published on September 26, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Maintaining your boat is key to enjoying it. Ease of maintenance and access is important is check when looking at boats to buy. [More] Maintain-ability

7 Tips for Choosing Your Cruising Boat

Published on September 16, 2018; last updated on June 26, 2019 by Lin Pardey

What is the most important piece of equipment you need on board a cruising boat? What length boat works best? These 7 tips will help you choose a cruising boat. [More] 7 Tips for Choosing Your Cruising Boat