Skills for Cruising

Cruising involves so very many things -- and some skills that many of us find a little different than for living on land.

Good news -- you can develop many of these long before you set foot on a boat.

(Re)Learning Weather Lessons

Published on October 5, 2021; last updated on September 28, 2021 by Nica Waters

It’s easy to try to read what you want to in a weather forecast. It’s better not to. [More] (Re)Learning Weather Lessons

Preparing for those Winter North Winds

Published on May 5, 2021; last updated on April 28, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock

Even when your boat is in a warm climate, you need to be prepared for a winter storm. Here’s what we do when a norther passes over our location. [More] Preparing for those Winter North Winds

The Future of AToNs

Published on March 3, 2021; last updated on March 2, 2021 by Carolyn Shearlock/Dave Skolnick

New technology has brought many changes to navigation. Here’s how to make sense of AIS aids to navigation before you get into trouble. [More] The Future of AToNs

Learning What Works

Published on August 16, 2019; last updated on March 9, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

When you first start living on a boat and cruising, the learning curve is steep. But pretty soon, you figure out what works. [More] Learning What Works

GPS to Wifi iPad for Aqua Map – Under $10

Published on April 15, 2019; last updated on September 8, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Step-by-step how to use your phone’s GPS information on a wifi-only iPad (without GPS) with AquaMap. Cost: less than $10 vs. $100 for external GPS. [More] GPS to Wifi iPad for Aqua Map – Under $10

Best Books for Soon-To-Be Cruisers

Published on February 8, 2019; last updated on February 3, 2019 by Carolyn Shearlock

The best books for cruisers, to help you buy a boat, maintain it and cruise it. Reference books you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. [More] Best Books for Soon-To-Be Cruisers

9 Great Books for the Soon-to-Be Cruiser

Published on November 5, 2018; last updated on September 21, 2021 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

Building Cruising Skills: Googling

Published on November 4, 2018; last updated on November 5, 2018 by Carolyn Shearlock

Yes, Googling IS an essential cruising skill and a great one to be practicing as you’re in the pre-cruising learning phase. [More] Building Cruising Skills: Googling

Where Are the Wood Plugs?

Published on August 15, 2018; last updated on September 8, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

Seconds count in an emergency. Are you really ready? Can you lay your hands on everything IMMEDIATELY? [More] Where Are the Wood Plugs?

Doing New Things . . . Badly

Published on May 9, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock/Pamela Douglas Webster

If being willing to try something new is a basic cruising skill, being willing to stink at things while you’re learning them might be just as important. [More] Doing New Things . . . Badly