Twenty miles offshore, critical weather alerts become essential for safe navigation, emergency communications, and contact with shore. Modern boating demands…
Author: Matt C
Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.
10 Best Liveaboard Marinas in Florida (2025 Guide)
Finding the best liveaboard marinas in Florida means discovering your perfect floating home along over 1,350 miles of stunning coastline.…
What Is Draft on a Boat? Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Boat Draft
You’re cruising through a narrow creek, eyes peeled for that perfect fishing spot, when suddenly – THUNK! You’ve hit bottom,…
Electric Boat Conversion: A Complete Guide to Going Green on the Water
Electric boat conversion transforms traditional gas or diesel-powered vessels into clean, quiet machines that run on battery power instead of…
How to Winterize Your Boat: Step-by-Step Guide
When temperatures start dropping, knowing how to winterize your boat becomes crucial for protecting your investment from winter’s destructive power.…
How to Plan the Perfect Sailing Vacations for Families
Sailing vacations for families create magical memories as you watch sunrises from your floating home while kids splash in crystal-clear…
10 Best Liveaboard Marinas in Washington State (2025 Guide)
Washington State’s liveaboard scene is where waterfront dreams come alive – think morning coffee with mountain views and neighbors who…
22 Boat Must Haves: Essential Gear Every Boater Needs
Boat must haves can make the difference between creating lasting memories and facing a potential disaster on the water. The…
7 Best Places to Sail in the US – Time to Explore America’s Top Sailing Spots!
The United States offers some of the world’s most diverse sailing experiences, with over 95,000 miles of coastline stretching across…
Solar Panels for Boats [A Practical Guide]
You’re anchored in paradise, but your batteries are dying, and the nearest marina is miles away. Your fridge stops cooling,…
What to Look for When Buying a Sailboat: The Ultimate Guide
Buying a sailboat represents one of the most exciting yet financially risky decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re dreaming of…
How To Read Nautical Charts Like a Pro: 10 Essential Tips
Staring at a nautical chart feels like trying to decode ancient hieroglyphics – those mysterious symbols, depth numbers, and squiggly…
Pontoon vs Deck Boat: Which Decision Will You Regret Less?
The pontoon vs deck boat debate is like choosing between a floating living room and a water sports machine –…
12 Best Boat Dogs: Water-Loving Breeds That Rule the Waves
You’re cruising perfect waters with your best friend by your side – and they’ve got four legs and a tail…
How Much Does a Boat Trailer Cost? A Complete Pricing Guide
That simple frame with wheels isn’t so simple when it comes to boat trailer cost. Quality trailers run anywhere from…
What Is Liveaboard Boat Insurance & Why You Need It
Trading your landlocked life for endless horizons sounds like paradise – until you discover that standard boat insurance won’t cover…
RV or Boat: Which Is Better for Full-Time Travel and Living?
Trading a traditional home for life on the move is an increasingly popular dream, but the RV or boat decision…
Cheapest Place to Live on a Boat: 10 Budget-Friendly Destinations Worldwide
Record-high housing costs are driving thousands toward floating homes as the ultimate financial escape. As rent hits $3,000+ monthly and…
How to Dock a Boat in a Tight Slip (Even If You’re a Beginner)
That perfect slip is calling your name, but it looks like someone designed it for a kayak, not your boat.…
Do Pontoon Boats Have Bathrooms? Everything You Need to Know
Three hours into the perfect lake day, and someone starts doing the “gotta go” dance. Your options aren’t pretty: cut…
Pontoon Boat Brands to Avoid: What Buyers Should Know
Buying a pontoon boat should be exciting, not a journey toward buyer’s remorse that’ll haunt you every weekend on the…
What Colors Appear on a Mooring Buoy: Proven Guide to Legal Tie-Up
Cruising into a busy harbor, you spot several floating markers ahead – some white with blue bands, others solid red…
Mooring vs Docking: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
Picture this: you’ve just bought your dream boat, and now you’re staring at two completely different parking options that could…
Pontoon Lifting Strakes: What They Are and Why They Matter
Pontoon lifting strakes are channels that create lift under your hull, cutting through water drag so you can get on…
Best Place to Store PFDs on a Boat (and How to Keep Them Accessible and Legal)
Someone goes overboard, and you’re frantically digging through coolers and tackle boxes, desperately searching for a life jacket while precious…
7 Common Boat Engine Problems and How to Fix Them
Engine failure destroys perfect days on the water faster than anything else. Every boat owner encounters these mechanical nightmares, but…
The Complete Guide to the Great Loop Route
Thousands of boaters dream of completing America’s ultimate maritime adventure every year, yet many never make it past the planning…
How to Rent a Boat: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Renting a boat shouldn’t feel like navigating a minefield of confusing licenses, hidden fees, and rental traps. Whether you’ve never…
The Best Time to Buy a Boat – Time The Tide Right!
Timing your boat purchase strategically can save you thousands of dollars. Most buyers make costly mistakes by shopping during peak…
Smart Storage on a Boat: Clever Ideas to Maximize Space and Stay Organized
Living on the water means grappling with limited space where every square inch counts. Dealing with cramped quarters, struggling to…