Be a better boater.

Charts are essential, but my favorite navigation resource is the Coast Pilot.Its title sounds like a for-profit book that should appear on the USCG’s best seller list (if such a list existed), but in fact it is published by the NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, and can be accessed entirely...Read More

Back in the early 90s, my father bought a new Sea Ray 400 Express Cruiser. I distinctly remembered being excited to operate the Good Free Windlass without supervision, but more importantly, I remember the line on that anchor was dyed different colors every 25 feet.Fast forward to 2017, and my...Read More

I’ve been making boats look shiny since I was a little kid; it’s become a passion, therapy, and investment all-in-one.Along the way, I’ve picked up a few pointers to make this process easier. Here you go:1) Wear Gloves. Most polishes and waxes will turn your hands into sandpaper for a few...Read More

I’m always intrigued how the maritime community is intrinsically helpful without even trying. In my experience, humans are not like this on land, and even when a good deed is done, it’s usually considered a rare act or often described with, “that still gives me faith in humanity.” Seriously? Returning...Read More

Most of us Captains are self-sufficient. We get that it’s our responsibility to maintain the vessel, and rarely do we invite guests with the expectation that they’ll show up and change the oil (or something like that). But while on a cruise, there are a few things guests can do...Read More