The Fog of Chartplotter Complacency
Cruising the remote west coast of Vancouver Island is the dream of many Pacific Northwest sailors. The journey includes the 80-mile passage from Race...
Moisture Meters: Can You Trust Them? We Test Five Models
You've made an offer on a used boat and have retained a marine surveyor to examine the vessel prior to completing the transaction. One...
Lithium in Winter: Design for the Cold, Not Around It
Winter temperatures are challenging for year-round sailors. Appropriate clothing is vital, including waterproof socks, layering for the legs and midsection, finishing off with a...
The Importance of Sea State in Weather Planning
We all want a crystal ball that tells us exactly what we will be in for during a passage, however long or short it...
Power Up: Planning Your Lithium Conversion on a Budget
I once heard of a sailor who prided himself on sailing “pure”—no motor, no electrical, just wood and canvas. How he could dock and...
Navigating the Secondhand Marine Electronics Market
Electronics, unfortunately, don’t last forever. When an electronic component decides to fail on your boat, you will likely want to have it replaced. While...
No-Sew DIY Tiller Pilot Cover
Although they are rated waterproof, the most common cause of death for tiller pilots is water intrusion. I've had one die from this. Like...
Waterline or Keel? Setting Your Depth Sounder
Ever since electronic or sonar/transducer type depth sounders have been around, sailors and captains have had love/hate debates over how a depth sounder should...
Waterproof Connectors: 4 Year Update of SAE 2-Pin Connectors
I’ve long hated proprietary 12 volt connectors. This project started six years ago when the power plug on my tiller pilot failed, falling to...
How To Maintain A Small Boat’s Electrical System
Well intentioned friends and relatives often make comments along the lines of, “Aren’t you scared of being out on the ocean, all alone, in...
This 24 Foot Sailboat Can Cross Oceans… Seriously
Can you really cross oceans or even live aboard a 24-foot sailboat? In this deep dive on the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24, we break...
Latest Sailboat Review
Cabot 36 Used Boat Review
The Cabot 36 is a sought-after, medium-displacement, 36-ft. cutter from the 1970s that can provide security and comfort for a budget-conscious sailor willing to...