Boating terminology is often a complex mix of archaic words and modern approximations, confusing mixes of parts of traditional vessels…
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.
Electric Boat Motor: The Right Way to Power Your Boat?
Electric-powered toys are everywhere. Lithium battery technology has come far enough that electric cars are just as functional as their…
Fastest Catamarans for Cruising in 2023
Catamarans appeal to sailors and would-be sailors for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is the need for…
Cheap Catamaran: Affordable Cruising Catamarans to Get You Sailing Now!
So, you’ve spotted the online brochures, the Instagram and YouTube influencers, or maybe even stepped aboard a few at the…
How To Pick a Small Catamaran — Everything You Need to Know
Catamarans have had the sailing world abuzz for several decades now. To the salty monohull sailors’ chagrin, they aren’t going…
Sail Away in Style: Explore the World on the Best Liveaboard Catamaran!
Liveaboard catamaran sailboats are some of the most comfortable vessels on the water for long-term living and traveling. The choices…
How Much Are Houseboats: A Comprehensive Guide
With a little web surfing, you can find out how much it costs to live on a houseboat. But how…
18 of the Best Books on Sailing
I know–we’re all “connected” and glued to YouTube and online forums. But the truth is, you can’t replace a book.…
Best Marine Composting Toilet – Options and Opinions
Collect any group of boaters, and what do you think they’ll talk about? Anchors? Sail trim? Religion? Politics? Maybe eventually,…
7 Best Houseboat Manufacturers and Brands for Every Budget
If you live on a protected waterway and want the most comfortable living space, a houseboat is the answer to…
How to Build a Houseboat: Time, Plans and Cost
Why would anyone want to know how to build a houseboat or floating home? Chances are there are two reasons:…
The Best Boat for the Great Loop in 2023: Your 6 Boat Options
The Great Loop is one of North America’s best long-term boating adventures and maybe even the entire world. This 6,000-plus-mile…
What Size Boat Requires A Captain’s License?
When you’re a teenager, you get your learner’s permit before your driver’s license. If you want to learn to fly…
How Far is Cuba from Florida by Boat? And, Can You Cruise Cuba?
Cuba, the largest Caribbean island, has an intriguing history. Its relationship with South Florida and the US is even more…
Picking the Best Boat for River Fishing – 6 Choices for Every River Angler
The world of boats and boating can be daunting if you’re just starting out. Boats come in every shape and…
What Is an Outdrive Boat?
There are a few things that get boaters talking, comparing notes, and sharing opinions. If you want to start a…
Red and Green Light on a Boat: All You Should Know
What is the green light on a boat? What is the red or white light on a boat? This article…
Where Can I Park My Boat? Boat Parking and Docking Explained
Boat parking or storing it is always an issue, no matter what size or type of boat you dream of.…
Finding the Best Family Boat for Getting Out There
Are you looking for the best family boat for adventures? Family boats are like any other type of boat–they must…
Things You Never Thought to Ask About the Boom on Sailboat
Most sailboats have one because they’re awfully handy. But sailboat booms are also one of the most dangerous parts of…
Sail Around the World Route – Best Options Explained
Before you ponder your route to sail around the world, think about why you’re even thinking about such an undertaking. …
Choosing the Best Dinghy for Your Boat
It is often said that a boater’s dinghy is like their car. When traveling between ports, you will often only…
Sailing Logs – What They Are, Why You Should Have One, and How to Do It
Captains log, Stardate 5923.1. The sailing vessel Dulcinea is enroute to the Proxima Centari star cluster at 3.5 knots. If…
How to Reef a Sail – What, Why & How To GUIDE
Of all of the skills a sailor needs, reefing a sail quickly is one of the most important. Reefing is…
Sailing Knots and Their Uses — A Beginner’s Guide
Boat knots intimidate a lot of would-be boaters. Some people even avoid sailboats altogether simply because they can’t get their…
Sailboat Chartplotters Compared – Ideal For Life Aboard a Sail Boat
A chartplotter is a marvel of modern technology that would make the explorers and adventurers of yesteryear green with envy.…
How Long Does It Take to Sail Across the Atlantic? EXPLAINED
Sailing across the North Atlantic is probably the most common bluewater passage on the planet—but there’s still plenty of adventure…
Average Cost of Owning and Buying a Liveaboard Sailboat
Dreaming of quitting the 9-to-5 and sailing away into the sunset? Are you wondering if it’s an unattainable lifestyle of…
All About the Rudder on a Sailboat
The rudder on a sailboat is one of those important parts that often gets overlooked. It’s hidden underwater most of…
6 Tips for Sailing with Your Dog
If there’s a dog in your family, chances are you’ll want to take them sailing with you when you set…
The Ultimate List of the 17 Best Sailing Movies
Nothing can inspire dreamers quicker than an evening of streaming old sailor movies. Sailing adventure movies can be terrifying survival…
What are the Best Single-Handed Sailboats and Catamarans?
Single-handed boats aren’t just limited to solo travelers. Many cruising couples will tell you that it’s a good idea to…
Choosing a Wind Generator for a Sailboat – Complete GUIDE
Nothing denotes a salty off-the-grid ready yacht more than the sight of a wind generator mounted on the stern. Once,…
Ketch Me If You Can…What’s a Two Masted Boat Called?
How a boat’s sails and masts are arranged is called its sail plan or rig. Each rig type has a…
What is the Average Speed of a Sailboat? ANSWERED: Measurement, Hulls & Speed Factors
Sailboats are not the best choice of transportation when speed is an essential factor. The average speed of the typical…
Why Are Boat Steering Wheels on the Right? Answered!
In different countries, cars steer on different sides of the road. For example, in the U.S., cars drive on the…
Cutter Rigged Sailboats [GUIDE] Advantages, Sailing, Options & Features
Cutter rigs are often more prevalent in boating magazines and theory than they are in your marina. Most cruising sailboats…
What Is Kedging and How to Set Kedge Anchors?
Now and again, you come across a word in sailing that piques your interest. Sometimes it’s a word you know…
Do You Need a Watermaker for Boat Living?
A watermaker is one of the miracles of modern cruising life. These marvels of modern technology make fresh drinking water…
Through Hull Fittings Below the Waterline
Every boat has holes in it. Say what? That’s right – boats come with holes in the bottom called through…
How to Climb a Mast – Is a Mast Ladder Worth It?
One of the inevitable parts of owning a sailboat is climbing the mast. Some people enjoy this task. For them,…
Secondary and Stern Anchor Tips
Having more than one anchor onboard is good seamanship. Most of the time, cruising boats can simply set their primary…
Painting Over Gelcoat – All You Need to Know
For most of a boat’s life, its gelcoat will survive if taken care of. However, occasionally you become the caretaker…
All About the Super-Cool Soft Shackle
There was a time when all of the rigging components onboard a tall ship were made from rope. This was…
7 Best Trailerable Sailboats for Cruising
Many sailors balk at the idea of leaving their boat in the water at a marina. Slip fees are expensive,…
Sailing Routes Across the Pacific – Currents, Winds, Places To Visit
Imagine heading into the sunset – out of your ordinary life and sailing across the Pacific. Mai-Tais and tropical island…
Underdog Cruising Cats — Under-Appreciated, Underrated, and Under $300,000
My wife and I were lucky enough to live the catamaran cruising lifestyle for four years on our Lagoon 380.…
Pontoon Boat with Bathroom – GUIDE
When nature calls, you don’t want to be out of sight of land. Unless you’re prepared, of course. Many boats…
Do Boats Have Transmissions?
What is a transmission? Before you can understand if a boat has one, you’ll have to decide what a transmission…
Points of Sail
The points of sail refer to the boat’s current angle compared to the wind’s direction. For example, if you are…
Sailboat Types: Full-Guide
For generations, sailing has been a mode of essential transportation, a rewarding hobby, an active and competitive sport, and a…
Do Boat Trailers Have Titles and Tags in My State?
In most states, vehicles that drive on public highways and roads are licensed to do so by the DMV (Department…
Semi Displacement Hulls – A Detailed Guide For Owners
Understanding some of the basics is fundamental to understanding all the latest trends and most exciting technologies in boat design. …
How to Jump a Boat Battery – Boat Battery Basics
Boat power systems vary greatly depending on how the owner uses the boat. Therefore, it is tough to figure out…
Boat Fuel – Types & Which You Should Be Using
Boats come in all shapes and sizes, so you might be wondering what fuel do boats use. The answer is…
Boat Wont Plane Out? Tips and Solutions
Whether you’re at the helm of your inflatable tender, a center console fishing boat, or a decked-out express cruiser, go-fast…
Illustrated Guide to Sailboat Parts [Updated 2022]
The lingo of sailing is baffling to many newcomers. While the actual sailing is pretty easy, it’s hard to wrap…
100 Sailing Terms You Need To Know in 2022
Boost your sailing vocabulary with these terms. In compiling this list, we’ve stuck with terms used today. So, you won’t…
Best Boat for Beginners – Starter Boats for Cruisers and Liveaboards
There are two schools of thought when picking your first boat. Either start small and work up to the big…
Where Should a Boat Compass Be Mounted? Answered!
We live in an amazing time for navigation. Today, we can cross oceans using satellite technologies without knowing anything about…
Minimum Water Depth for Boat — All About Boat Draft
If you run your boat in water that is too shallow, you will run aground. This simple fact is obvious…
How Many Hours on a Boat is A Lot? ANSWERED
If you’re a dreamer like me—and it seems that all boaters are!—then you might spend a lot of time looking…
Boat Gas Tank Vent Problems and System Troubleshooting
Of all of the systems on a boat, the fuel system seems to be one of the simplest. After all,…
Aluminum Sailboat – The Ultimate Expedition Yacht?
Love them or hate them, aluminum sailboats are an excellent option for serious blue water cruising. They’re robust and sturdy…
10 Great Sailboats to Live In For Full Time #BoatLife
There is an undeniable romanticism to the idea of living on a sailboat. Sailboats speak to traveling the world—going wherever the wind takes you.
Christening a Boat – Traditions, How-To & More
Christening your boat is a wonderful way to celebrate your new addition. A christening ceremony allows friends and family to…
Best Bluewater Cruising Sailboats: Top Picks & Reviews
A “bluewater sailboat” is capable of seeing those blue waters. It’s capable of venturing offshore, and it’s capable of the self-sufficiency required to survive out there.
How Much Does It Cost to Re-Gelcoat a Boat? All You Need to Know!
If your boat is looking a little tired, you might think a fresh coat of gel coat or paint will…
What Is the Transom of a Boat? EXPLAINED
Transom is an old word deeply rooted in tradition, like many nautical terms. The word is also used in architecture…
Boat Key Replacement: What To Do If You Lose Your Boat Keys
Boat keys are considerably less complex than car keys. That’s good news because if you’re trying to replace a lost…
Price of a Speedboat – What You Can Expect to Pay For Each Type of Speedboat
What comes to mind when you think of a speed boat? Obviously, it’s fast. But is it big enough to…
25 Best Sailboat and Catamaran Manufacturers (By Type)
Asking a sailor to pick the best sailboat brands is like asking a car enthusiast to pick the best sports…
Barnacles on Boats – Why & How to Prevent Them
Since humans began building ships and sailing the Seven Seas, barnacles on boats have been causing problems. Even today, with…
How to Tell if Your Outboard Water Pump is Bad
Operating a marine engine in your boat is a little different than a car. A boat engine uses seawater to…
What Should You Do if Caught in Severe Storm Conditions on a Boat – Top Tips
There are few constants in boating—and the weather is certainly not one of them. It is constantly changing, ready to do the unexpected and surprise you!
What Is a Pocket Cruiser Sailboat? – Best Small Boats Under 30 feet 2022
If you want to go on a daysail this week, a week-long vacation over the holidays, and then sail to…
What Color Is a Boat’s Sternlight?
You can learn a lot about boat lights if you just think about what they are for and what they…
Working with Sail Dimensions
Why measure sails? Sailmaking is a complex discipline that blends elements of science and art. Perhaps you want to get…
How to Heave To – Complete GUIDE
Sailboats are a little bit like airplanes in some ways. Their sails work like wings, sure. But they also cannot…
Winterizing an Outboard Motor – GUIDE
Winter is coming! If you are a boat owner, it’s time to learn how to winterize a boat motor. Winterizing…
Inboard vs Outboard Motors: How to Choose the Right One
Inboard-outboard, inboard, and outboard motors. All terms describe different types of engine setups on boats. Which is best, and how…
Starting Motor Out Of Water: How to Do It Safely
You might want to start a boat out of the water for many reasons, from boat maintenance to just running…
Do You Need a License to Drive a Boat? Definitive GUIDE
Boating laws vary from state to state, but generally, most places require boaters to have some amount of education. So…
How to Get Rid of a Boat: 5 Simple Ways
There comes a time in every boat’s life when it isn’t worth fixing up. Sometimes this is a result of…
Are Sea Rays Good Boats? Looking at The Company & Product Range
Sea Ray is one of the best-known brands of powerboats on the market. The company has been in business for…
What Determines if a Speed Is Safe for Your Boat? Answered!
One very noticeable difference between operating a boat is that there are no posted speed limits. In fact, there are…
Do Sailboats Have Motors? Types, Speeds & More EXPLAINED
Sailboats are designed to harness the wind and travel where ever they want to go, right? But many people don’t…
The Best and Cheapest Florida Liveaboard Marinas [LIST]
Here’s a look at some of the best and cheapest liveaboard Marinas in Florida. While slips are quite pricy, you can still find bargains in the quieter areas.
How to Remember Port and Starboard: 8 Fun Ways
When you first learn about boats, one of the trickier nautical terms to get your mind around is the use…
What is the Steering Wheel Called? Answered!
There’s a ton of jargon to learn when you’re new to boating. Simple things–like what you call the steering wheel…
The Perfect Wind Speed for Sailing – How Much Wind Do You Really Need? ANSWERED
If you’re new to sailing, you might be wondering what the best sailing wind speed is. It seems like an…
What Size Sailboat Do I Need? Sailboat Size Buying Guide
Picking the size of your first boat is one of the hardest choices you’ll ever have to make, at least…
Yacht vs Sailboat – A Definitive Guide
What exactly is a yacht, anyway? Does it have to be a motor boat? But what about large sailing yachts?…
Basics of Sailboat Hull Design – EXPLAINED For Owners
There are a lot of different sailboats in the world. In fact, they’ve been making sailboats for thousands of years.…
Comfortable Kayak Seat Upgrade Options
Many RVers and boaters carry a recreational kayak with them on their adventures. Kayaks are the nautical equivalent of bicycles–they…
How to Sail Into the Wind – Tacking a Sailboat
One of the first sailing fundamentals you learn with you’re new to the world of sailing is the idea of…
Helm for a Boat – Types, Features & Traditions
Here’s another one of those terms that sounds simple to define but is actually a bit more complicated. Most people…
Living on a Sailboat – Cruiserlife Reality, Pros & Cons Of Boat Life In 2023
What could be more romantic or inspiring than living on a sailboat? Maybe you dream of traveling and “sailing off…
Wing Keel Sailboats Explained – History, Purpose, Advantages & Disadvantages
Sailboat keels are more complex than many people give them credit for. Most people intuitively realize that the weight of…
Sailing Catamaran Speed
You’ve probably heard that one of the best reasons to get a catamaran is because they’re fast. After all, there’s…
How to Mark Anchor Chain – Complete GUIDE
Anchoring is a complex art form that requires knowing a bit of the theory and then practicing every chance you…
Best Sailing Sunglasses for Serious Sailors
Protecting your eyes and enhancing your vision are vital parts of the sailing lifestyle. Sailing without sunglasses can cause long-term…
Sailing Materials – What Are Sailboat Sails Made of?
Of all of the sailing materials found on the modern cruising or liveaboard sailboat, the sailing fabrics that make up…
Boat Fire Safety GUIDE for #Cruiserlife Crew
Fire is without a doubt the scariest emergency any boater can face. There are few more dangerous places than in…
What Sailing Bag to Buy? – 12 Best Sailing Bags for Boaters
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of sailing bags out there. Whether you need a big duffle to store your…
Boating Accidents — What You Need to Know
In the United States, there are very few education requirements for boaters. That means that many people learn the ropes…
Types of Sails on a Boat – Complete GUIDE for Cruiserlife
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of names for the many varied types of sails found on sailboats. Sailboats have…
What is a Boat’s Beam?
A boat’s beam is the widest point of the boat. It’s an important measurement to know, just like the length…
Monohulls or Catamarans — Which is Best for the Cruising Sailor?
The debate between catamarans vs monohulls still rages, and most boaters are firmly on one side or the other. The…
Battle of the Multihulls – Catamarans Versus Trimarans
For years, catamarans have dominated the multihull segment. Cruisers love to live aboard and sail the world on sailing catamarans.…
Sailing Around Cape Horn – Your Options & Experienced GUIDE
There are trips that anyone can do in the sailing world, and then there are trips that only adventure-seekers want…
What are Those Numbers on Sails? More #BoatLife Knowledge
Have you ever noticed how most sailboats have numbers on their sails? It’s one of those small details that you…
What is a Swing Keel? Advantages & Vs Centerboards, Lifting Keel, Canting Keels
Swing keels are an often misunderstood sailboat feature. They stand unique as a capable offshore sailboat with good windward performance—but…
Boat Wiring Basics for Beginners – DIY Boat Electrical Maintenance
Marine electrical systems are complicated. Before diving into doing any work, be sure to learn the boat wiring basics first.
Best Boat Beds Improvements
Something that gets less attention than it should in the boating world is boat beds. Boat makers equip boats with…
Best Sailing Knife: 13 Options Reviewed
Like many outdoorsmen and women, sailors know the importance of a knife. The best sailors knife is the one that’s…
Top Best Marine Binoculars
It’s hard to imagine a sea-faring captain standing at the helm of his tall ship and barking orders to his…
6 Best Sailboat Autopilot Systems
Hand steering a sailboat is so much fun – until it isn’t. In actuality, it’s tiring work that requires more…
Sailing From Florida to The Bahamas [GUIDE] for #BoatLife
There is plenty to learn and some challenges to overcome if you decide to go sailing from Florida to The Bahamas, but it’s all worth the effort.
Best Gifts for Boaters
The best gifts for boaters are those that show you’re paying attention and care. What do they most love about their boat–fixing it up, fishing off of it, or voyaging across oceans? Find a gift they’ll love by narrowing it down a little.
The Ultimate Guide to DIY Boat Detailing
New boat owners commonly wonder what products and techniques they should be using to clean their boats. Is cleaning and boat detailing all that hard? Let’s look at the best techniques and products to use for cleaning your floating home inside and out.
Removing Mildew from Boat Seats – GUIDE for Boat Life
Still, got mold or mildew stains building up on your boat seats? It’s time to break out the big guns. Here are some ways of removing mildew from boat seats.
How to Clean Boat Seats – Detailed Step By Step GUIDE
Keeping your boat’s upholstery clean and dry is the key to making it last longer. Let us guide you on how to clean boat seats so they will last longer.
A Beginner’s Guide to Boat Maintenance – Tips to Look After Your Boat
Boat maintenance is an expansive subject. Boats are complicated, and if you’ve just bought your first boat, there’s a ton…
Everything You Ever Wondered About Living on a Boat
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing…