ARTICLES and COLUMNISTS:
“Dock of the Bay” by Catherine Dook
The New Sail
Awakening early, I crept from between the flannel sheets in the aft cabin. I flung on a robe, crouched double and high-stepped through the passageway to sit on a settee berth in the main saloon. The air on my calves was chill … [Read More...]
“How to convert Led Dome lights”
Converting to LED lights have never been so easy.
In the past, lights on a boat with limited battery reserve can become a real problem. Not any longer thanks to LED’s introduction. Over the years prices have come down but not far enough for those whose budgets seems to eroded by increasing fuel cost. Many boaters I have talked with agree that it would… [Continue Reading]
“Instrumentation” by Bill Cook
Sextants
Each week we receive numerous calls from people seeking parts for their marine compass and who get a bit disturbed when we can’t help them without knowing the name of the manufacturer or model name or number. We hear things … [Read More...]
“SV Third Day”
Cool Blue
When people ask me how I started up a water maker company while out cruising and living aboard on a boat in Mexico, they usually look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them, "It just happened". When I built my own high output water maker I … [Read More...]
“Marine Installer’s Rant” by Bill Bishop
Barnacle Blues and Sex
The tiny larva knows it's running out of energy, and its antennae are frantically twitching. It can't feed until it has found a home. A current starts to pull on it. The larva instinctively knows something is wrong, and desperately tries to … [Read More...]
“Skipper Tips” by Captain John
Ten Top Sailing Tips Your Sailing Partner Needs to Know!
Have you put together a checklist to train your spouse or partner in what they need to know to operate your small cruising boat? In an emergency or if you are incapacitated, it's vital that they could run things alone. Boating … [Read More...]
“Spotlight on MER”
Don’t Change Your Oil – Refine it.
SCOR, a new product from MER, promises to extend engine life, while making the oil change all but a thing of the past. In the ever evolving industry of commercial engines & generators, one thing is consistent; oil, and lots of It. … [Read More...]
“Featured Marina of the Month”
Destination: Des Moines
Des Moines Marina (updated 6/1/2011) Boater’s traveling the East Passage between Vashon Island and Seattle/Tacoma’s mainland have reason to rejoice, the long waited multi-million dollar Des Moines Marina renovation is finally … [Read More...]
“Alaska’s inside Passage”
Inside Passage part 8
Day five southbound from Sitka to Bellingham found us anchored in Anan Bay midway between Petersburg and Ketchikan. Last issue I reported on our inland excursion deep into a southeast Alaskan rain forest to watch black … [Read More...]
“From the Coast Guard’s Watch List”
Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircrew medically evacuates boater 80 miles offshore
CHARLESTON, S.C. – A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Savannah, Ga., medically evacuated a boater after he began experiencing life-threatening medical complications aboard his vessel 80 miles off the coast of … [Read More...]
“Captain’s Log” by Capt. Jim Wood
Hear the audio: Chaos on bridge before brutal ship collision
Click here to open a new page for the audio Not long after midnight Aug. 12, the destroyer Porter cleared the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf. Five months into their deployment, it was the ship’s 13th … [Read More...]
“6 Pack” by John Baird
OUPV 14
Rule 5, Look Out International and Inland – Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available … [Read More...]
“Featured Product”
Scan Marine and Wallas turns up the heat
Scan Marine and Wallas are pleased to announce the unveiling of their new diesel stove/heater, the Wallas Nordic Dt. The Nordic Dt replaces the venerable 85DU270 that has been a huge success for Wallas since the … [Read More...]
Cruising destinations
Ranger Tugs 2012 Desolation Sound Cruise
by Bruce Moore In late July, more than 50 Ranger Tugs and Cutwater Boats (both built in the State of Washington by Fluid Motion, LLC) gathered in Ganges on Saltspring Island, BC, to launch the 2012 Desolation Sound Cruise. From there … [Read More...]
“Biterend” by Captain Richard Rodriguez
Vehicles exiting ferries into the water: a summary of 80 incidents.
On March 20, 2013 it happened again, this time on Gabriola Island, BC. 32 year old Krystal Anderson’s car crashed through the safety gates at the terminal and drove across the deck of the MV Quinsam and into the waters of … [Read More...]
“Knot Serious”
One of the most funniest voice mails ever recorded
It's uncommon to have such an event personalized by someone with such an incredible attention to detail, punctuated with addictive laughter. Please enjoy this following video. (bet you will play it over again). … [Read More...]
“Surveyor Soundings” by Anthony Allport
Zink or Swim
When should zincs be replaced? The short answer is when they are about 50% gone; ideally this state of decay will coincide with your regular haul out interval. The trick is finding the right amount of zinc to protect the boat’s underwater … [Read More...]
“From the Boatswain’s Locker”
The last Watch
I knew this day was approaching. No matter how many times I visited that dark vault called denial, the inevitable remained deeply etched into the calendar. October 1, 2004. A date dreaded to the point of wanting to reenact Rip Van Winkle … [Read More...]
Featured light product
LED light strip Video now up
LED a bright idea If you’re like me when on the hook, then you keep a sharp eye on what lights need to be on of off. Some of us do not have the benefit of a generator to recharge the batteries. After a few days, electrical power … [Read More...]
“Legal Assistance”
Legal Assistance
For most of us, it’s rare to need legal advice. However, when you least expect it, a situation arrives requiring legal assistance to resolve. Traditionally, people find themselves researching for legal counsel only to discover, it can be costly to do so. Even with the usual 30 minute free consultation, reaching a successful conclusion can rack up many chargeable hours. Wouldn’t it… [Continue Reading]
