Power, Sail, Marine Systems, Boats
Bill Parlatore
Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the ...

It’s been a long time coming but we now see tangible progress emerging to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. If the U.S. Navy can prove that it works, isn’t it about time the concept of the modern cruising boat includes hybrid forms of propulsion?

Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?
Electronics, Power, Sail
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps

The end of the year is time to renew subscriptions and replace older apps with new ones. New technology and improved functionality promise a safer, faster, and easier user experience. In this case it is from Navionics, a Garmin Company. And General Motors.

Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps
Boats, Power, Sail, Travel
Bill Parlatore
The Rogue Wave

The fear and mystery about sea monsters and rogue waves goes back to the early seafarers. With much improved technology, computers, and satellites, we know much more about this phenomemun today…and they are much more common than previously believed.

The Rogue Wave
Boats, Sail
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out

Susie Goodall had a really close call, but she is safe after losing her Rustler 36 in the Southern Ocean. The 29-year-old was knocked unconscious when her boat pitchpoled end over end in rough seas and high winds.

She was eventually picked up by a cargo ship on its way to Argentina.

Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out
Power, Sail, Marine Systems
Bill Parlatore
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

If you are an “experienced” cruiser (aka old person) you probably remember the days of Selective Availability (SA) and intentionally reduced GPS accuracy. The military only let us know our location within 100 meters. This continued for years, despite ongoing pleas from the FAA and USCG to provide everyone with the accuracy available from the GPS satellite system.

It took a jetliner being shot down to turn off this reduced-accuracy SA.

Today we could not live without accurate GPS information. At home, on the road, and on the water.

Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

Sail

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Righty Tighty

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Righty Tighty

Checking for tight electrical connections is a great part of your spring ritual. Making sure all important wiring is securely tightened, as loose connections are the primary source of electrical and electronic failures.

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Monday Minute - Look Out The Window!

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Monday Minute - Look Out The Window!

Technology has made remarkable progress in the past decade, making navigation easier, safer, and more reliable. But we're not at the point of autonomous boating, so it is still the operator's responsibility to maintain situational awareness.

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Piloting in Limited Visibility

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Piloting in Limited Visibility

Sometimes we find ourselves traveling in less than ideal conditions. But if one is prepared, it is safe to keep going, but at slower speeds and using all the tools available.

Other times it is best to stay put. 

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It's a Risky World

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It's a Risky World

A couple of incidents worth reading about bring up the subject of maritime security. Military branches from many countries are working together to address these issues, but it is a complicated.

And an outstanding effort by the Australian Navy makes a miracle happen.

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Monday Minute - A Slick Way to Carry Documents

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Monday Minute - A Slick Way to Carry Documents

A nice solution for carrying one's license, credit cards, and cash when a wallet or purse is vulnerable, such as wet dinghy ride going ashore.

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Secrets to Maintaining Brightwork

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Secrets to Maintaining Brightwork

There are a few tricks to keep your brightwork looking good during the season. Here are some ways to hold off expensive refinishing jobs. Keeping up with brightwork while cruising isn't hard and is so worth it.

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Monday Minute - You Can Fix A Chart Error

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Monday Minute - You Can Fix A Chart Error

NOAA's Coast Survey group has a website for all cruisers to report errors in nautical charts. It is a chance to assist in making our charts more accurate.

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Times are Changing - Developing Young Craftsmen

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Times are Changing - Developing Young Craftsmen

It is time to develop a skilled workforce in the marine industry, as many older techs retire. Developing apprenticeship programs is now the focus of industry, federal, and state government who partner to create a talented and quality labor resource for the future.

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Monday Minute - My Chain Hook

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Monday Minute - My Chain Hook

Here is my version of a traditional chain hook with locking gate, custom made of 3/8-inch stainless steel plate. It is super strong and will never separate from the anchor chain, so I can sleep soundly, knowing the snubber/bridle will do its job even if we are in shallow water.

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The Bucket

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The Bucket

One of my all-time favorite true stories about a couple, alone in an anchorage, when something terrible happens that neither expected. Proof that great things never happen in comfort zones.

Have a box of Kleenex handy.

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Monday Minute - Refresh Your Passing Skills

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Monday Minute - Refresh Your Passing Skills

If you are doing the Loop, ICW, northern canals, or other waterway cruises that involves narrow rivers or canals, reacquaint yourself with the proper signals for passing other boats and marine traffic.

Is it one toot or two?

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Monday Minute - Bridge Clearance

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Monday Minute - Bridge Clearance

As the new cruising season is on the horizon, it's not a bad idea to review some basic cruising information that not every cruiser deals with often. In this case, we clarify bridge clearance.

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Check Your Inflatable PFDs

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Check Your Inflatable PFDs

Safety gear can sometimes be forgotten when it comes to maintenance. I recently examined my inflatable PFDs to make sure they will inflate if they are ever needed.

When was the last time you checked yours?

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Monday Minute - Treat Yourself to A Voluntary Survey

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Monday Minute - Treat Yourself to A Voluntary Survey

Consider a marine survey of your boat, especially if you have owned it for years. It is a good way to identify issues before your cruising season begins.

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Monday Minute - Mustang Gets Her Engine Fixed

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Monday Minute - Mustang Gets Her Engine Fixed

I came along on a sea trial aboard Mustang, whose Cummins diesel got some new parts. Nice to be aboard her again, one of the most impressive sailboats I have been aboard.

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Monday Minute - A Fuel Filter Vacuum Gauge at Your Helm

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Monday Minute - A Fuel Filter Vacuum Gauge at Your Helm

Adding a second, remote fuel filter vacuum gauge at your helm is another tool worth considering as you plan for extended cruising. It takes some of the guesswork out of running your boat, and you will feel more confident that things are well in your engine room.

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Get With the Program and Conduct a Proper Radio Check

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Get With the Program and Conduct a Proper Radio Check

Do you know about Sea Tow's Automated Radio Check service? It should be part of your normal operations routine, and used often to ensure your radios and antennas are working as well as you hope they are.
Far better than the traditional radio check of throwing out a call and hoping someone will respond. And let's leave "10-4, Good Buddy" ashore, please.

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Monday Minute - Thoughts on Sizing Engines and Generators

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Monday Minute - Thoughts on Sizing Engines and Generators

Conversation with industry specialists often drifts into other related topics. In this case, we talked about how best to size a propulsion engine for a new boat, and then selecting the right size generator for the boat's electrical demands.

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Featured
Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?
Will Cruising Powerboats Ever Catch Up With the Rest of the World?

It’s been a long time coming but we now see tangible progress emerging to reduce our dependence on fossil fuel. If the U.S. Navy can prove that it works, isn’t it about time the concept of the modern cruising boat includes hybrid forms of propulsion?

Read More →
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps
Monday Minute - End of Year Changes to Apps

The end of the year is time to renew subscriptions and replace older apps with new ones. New technology and improved functionality promise a safer, faster, and easier user experience. In this case it is from Navionics, a Garmin Company. And General Motors.

Read More →
The Rogue Wave
The Rogue Wave

The fear and mystery about sea monsters and rogue waves goes back to the early seafarers. With much improved technology, computers, and satellites, we know much more about this phenomemun today…and they are much more common than previously believed.

Read More →
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out
Monday Minute - Another Sailor is Out

Susie Goodall had a really close call, but she is safe after losing her Rustler 36 in the Southern Ocean. The 29-year-old was knocked unconscious when her boat pitchpoled end over end in rough seas and high winds.

She was eventually picked up by a cargo ship on its way to Argentina.

Read More →
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu
Monday Minute - Differential GPS Bids Us Adieu

If you are an “experienced” cruiser (aka old person) you probably remember the days of Selective Availability (SA) and intentionally reduced GPS accuracy. The military only let us know our location within 100 meters. This continued for years, despite ongoing pleas from the FAA and USCG to provide everyone with the accuracy available from the GPS satellite system.

It took a jetliner being shot down to turn off this reduced-accuracy SA.

Today we could not live without accurate GPS information. At home, on the road, and on the water.

Read More →
The Cost of Cruising - Part 4 - Cutting Expenses
The Cost of Cruising - Part 4 - Cutting Expenses

Let’s take a look at some ways to cut expenses, and conversely, how to make money while cruising. They both contribute to allow you to keep enjoying the lifestyle.

Not many couples can get by making video vlogs on YouTube of their adventures, and expect others to pay for their experience through donations and Patreon.

Read More →