Is it time to replace your anchor rode? Follow this step-by-step how-to for splicing line to anchor chain [Includes Video] It’s off-season and time for seasonal maintenance and repairs. The work actually begins during the sailing season by noting issues that need attention. In my case, I noticed that the chain in my anchor rode...
So you want to rent a boat? Here’s what you should know before and during your boat rental trip Boat rental businesses are a growing market. More and more, one can find large and small businesses providing boat rentals in one way or another. A boat rental is a great way for new boaters to...
Steps to follow when starting a business in the marine industry to transform your passion for boating into a prosperous career So you love boating and now you’re thinking – how can I start a boating business so I can spend every day on the water? There are many opportunities for boating businesses, from opening...
Captain Rob shares his list of boat equipment and supplies you may need for the upcoming boating season (with a few items you may not have thought about!) You winterized your boat and you probably had her hauled out for winter storage. What to do now in the off-season? Yes, you can plan your summer...
A how-to guide to safe and secure boat raft ups – raft planning, anchor position, fender and line use, overnight rafting and boat configurations Have you ever dropped your hook in an anchorage and noticed 2 or more boats anchored and tied together? That is rafting… or a “boat raft up”. Maybe you have had...
The final steps buying a used sailboat – from making an offer to boat financing and getting boat insurance (buying a used sailboat 3 part series) Congratulations… you have found the used sailboat you want to buy! It can be fun and exciting to research, visit, and test drive boats. Now that you have settled...
Steps to consider when boat shopping, inspecting a used boat, inquiring with a broker and reaching a decision to purchase a used sailboat In my last article, I discussed the thought process one might use to decide if now is the time to buy a used sailboat. If you have made the decision to buy,...
From purchase price to recurring boat expenses, here’s everything you need to consider when making the decision to buy a used sailboat The spring boat show season is upon us with a variety of sailboats on the market for boaters. While there will be new boat models on display, spring is also the time when...
How to plan & prepare vegan and vegetarian boat meals that will satisfy the entire crew when entertaining guests with special dietary needs on your boat It becomes more likely that you will cross paths with a vegetarian or a vegan. If you happen to have one on your boat, there could be disappointment…or worse...
To say that I love what I do as a schooner captain is a gross over-simplification I do not dwell on the pleasure that I get from being a schooner captain. Operating the vessel required too much of my attention. Holding course, checking sail trim, monitoring traffic, keeping an eye on passengers, listening to radio...
The source of a boat leak is not always easy to find (or fix). Here’s how I diagnosed and repaired a troublesome boat leak on my sailboat Spring (and the preceding winter) is the time to prepare our boats for the upcoming boating season. In this article, I will discuss finding and addressing two significant...
Step-by-step on how to buy a drone for boating use and learn to safely launch and recover a drone from your boat [with VIDEO] There is no doubt that small[1] unmanned aircraft systems[2] (sUAS or drones) are becoming nearly as common place as iPads and smartphones. The features and capabilities of these machines are astounding...
Winches are often used in and left exposed to the elements, including salt water spray. Routine maintenance will keep your equipment working as intended and ready when you need it. [HOW-TO VIDEO] On any given sailboat, there are at least 2 or 3 winches and on larger boats, there can be many more. I have...
Professional boat captains experience handling of mega-ships with virtual simulator facility at Marine Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies [Video] As a licensed Captain, I have chosen to join the Chesapeake Area Professional Captain’s Association (CAPCA). Part of CAPCA’s mission is promoting the professional development of our members. Towards that end, there are courses, seminars, and...