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.

Looking at Boats to Buy

Published on August 10, 2016; last updated on June 28, 2019 by Carolyn Shearlock

Examining boats for sale: what to look at and how to remember features, plus a handy form to help you. [More] Looking at Boats to Buy

Online Boat Shopping

Published on August 8, 2016; last updated on May 15, 2018 by Carolyn Shearlock

There are thousands (millions?) of online listings of boats for sale. How do you ever choose which ones are worth looking at? Listen in and find out! [More] Online Boat Shopping

Boat Buying: First Steps

Published on August 5, 2016; last updated on May 15, 2018 by Carolyn Shearlock

Get the right boat by doing a bit of research before even starting to look at listings [More] Boat Buying: First Steps

Checking Your Instruments

Published on February 11, 2016; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Don’t assume your instruments — particularly the depth sounder — are set up correctly. Ours weren’t and it took us a while to realize it. [More] Checking Your Instruments

The Learning Curve

Published on November 23, 2015; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Just starting boating or cruising and feeling overwhelmed by everything there is to learn? There are ways to make it easier! [More] The Learning Curve

Why You Need To Check Boat Safety Gear

Published on July 28, 2015; last updated on August 11, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

It’s important to regularly check boat safety gear to ensure that it will work if you ever need it. Your life might depend on it! [More] Why You Need To Check Boat Safety Gear

Our Gemini Catamaran

Published on May 18, 2015; last updated on June 20, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

The pros and cons of our Gemini catamaran (105M) as a full-time cruising sailboat in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas for a couple. [More] Our Gemini Catamaran

What Size Holding Tank?

Published on January 17, 2015; last updated on June 20, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Marinas and mooring fields offer once-a-week pumpouts. But how many boats have a large enough holding tank that they can go a week of full-time use? [More] What Size Holding Tank?

DIY Boat Name Lettering

Published on December 29, 2014; last updated on August 24, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Doing the design and installation work on our DIY vinyl boat name lettering was easier than we expected and VERY cost-effective! [More] DIY Boat Name Lettering

Galley Design & Choices

Published on September 29, 2014; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Looking for a new (or new-to-you) boat? You use the galley multiple times a day, so think a bit about your preferences. [More] Galley Design & Choices

Buying a Boat

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