Blog
Short Haul
on October 4, 2025
If your boat is being lifted for anything more than an hour or so, often called a “short haul,” it is likely that it will be placed on blocks in the yard and supported with jack stands. If this is the case, tell the yard about any relevant structural features of your boat. Some down east powerboats, for example, have hollow keels aft, which could potentially suffer damage if the boat is improperly blocked and […]
Get the shine back
on September 27, 2025
Now’s the perfect time to get that shine back. The trick is you’ll have to roll up your sleeves and work, but the reward is well worth it. Seal out the weather Seal out the oncoming seasons and get your shine back by good old fashioned elbow grease. Remember, maintaining your gelcoat isn’t vanity, it’s also a matter of protecting your boat’s fiberglass. Fall is the best time to get that shine back because if […]
Floating Your Boat
on September 20, 2025
WHAT’S FLOATING YOUR BOAT? Or keeps it afloat…… There are some somber facts about boating mishaps involving sinking.. According to BoatUS, the largest insurer of pleasure boats in the country, for every boat that sinks at sea, four go down in their slips. That’s a fairly amazing stat. Why? The sad truth is you don’t have to meet with a rock to get a one-way ticket down to the bottom. In fact, you don’t have […]
Why Free Speech Matters
on September 13, 2025
Free speech and the freedom to express opinions are essential to democracy and the United States. They allow for an open marketplace of ideas, and enable citizens to hold the government accountable. It is fundamental to human progress and individual liberty. First Amendment The First Amendment protections for free expression are the bedrock of the U.S. system. Our founding fathers knew by allowing diverse voices to be heard, and allowing for informed public debate, they […]
September 11
on September 6, 2025
This week we remember the anniversary of September 11, 2001. Over twenty year later, we are still reminded of the ripple-effects of that fateful day. Together, as a nation, we continue to honor the victims of 9/11 and the ultimate sacrifice of many service people in the wars since. On September 11, we reflect on the pain we have sustained and honor the victims who came from all walks of life. All the Victims The […]
Sunglasses
on August 29, 2025
For boaters having a good pair of sunglasses is critical. Ophthalmologists see photo keratitis on a regular basis among people who spend a lot of time in areas covered with snow, ice, or water, all of which reflect sunlight and increase the overall load on your eyes. And while the symptoms (redness and discomfort, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and extreme sensitivity) are short-term, over time, exposure to excessive UV rays can also do […]
Hurricane At Dock
on August 23, 2025
Do you ride out hurricanes at dock? We might have dodged a bullet this month, but that doesn’t mean we are out of the woods yet. According to members of the BoatUS Catastrophe team, as many as 50% of the boats damaged during hurricanes could have been saved by using better dock lines: lines that were longer, larger, arranged better, and/or protected against chafing. If you decide to leave your boat at a dock, you’ll […]
Thinking of a Cruise
on August 15, 2025
I ‘m often asked, When is the best time to think about a cruise vacation ? It’s a question that really has a lot of answers. Really, it’s not an easy one If you want to see Fall foliage for instance, you will find September and October the best time to take that Canada/New England cruise. If you are into water sports or have a young family you probably prefer to sail the region in […]
Small Boat Anchoring
on August 8, 2025
Here’s some short steps to follow for reliable small boat anchoring. Many boaters — whether fishing, swimming, or socializing aboard — spend their best hours anchored rather than underway. With that in mind, let’s look at ways to keep your time at anchor comfortable and safe. Find a good Spot A good anchorage offers protection from wind and waves, swinging room, and a quality bottom. Choosing an anchorage that’s protected from waves is the best […]
Don’t Get Hosed
on August 1, 2025
Don’t get hosed, all hoses are not created equally. All hoses are not created equally Boat owners are constantly changing hoses, at least, they should be checking them regularly. But you need to get make sure that you use the right hose for the job. Not all hoses are the same, AND NOT ALL HOSES ARE THE RIGHT SIZE FOR THE JOB.. Hoses are sized by their inside diameter (ID) and hose fittings are labeled […]