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Since 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board’s Office of Marine Safety has published the Safer Seas Digest, an annual report examining actions that jeopardize the safety of vessels, personnel, and the environment. The most recent edition, released in June 2024, examines 31 investigations completed by the NTSB in 2023. The report analyzes the causes of these […]
Read MoreChannel 13, Channel 16, Sécurité, Pan-Pan, Mayday, DSC, MMSI. What are they for? Do you know how to make a distress call, and how to respond to one? “Just because everyone has a cell phone in their pocket doesn’t mean the VHF radio is a quaint relic of past technology. Onboard, a VHF is an […]
Read MoreBoat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is advising boaters with vessels that have a U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Documentation to be wary of any letter arriving by U.S. mail offering renewal. BoatUS advises that while the Coast Guard does send official annual renewal notices by U.S. mail, other notices being received by […]
Read MoreA former Coast Guard rescue swimmer provides his views about PFDs, and his opinions may surprise you. “When I was in the U.S. Coast Guard, I couldn’t say this; but I believe the phrase “Always wear your life jacket” is terrible advice. It’s not that wearing a life jacket while boating is in any way […]
Read MoreBuying a boat on a budget of $20,000 is easy! In this video the Practical Sailor team looks at a Pearson 31, a Hunter 31, a Bristol 29.9, and a Cape Dory. They discuss potential problem areas including the mast and rigging, the boat’s deck core, it’s engine hours, and keel bolts. Click to watch […]
Read MoreA former Coast Guard rescue swimmer explains how catchy phrases can perpetuate bad advice, especially at sea. “I’m amazed at how long bad advice perpetuates when it’s given in a catchy phrase. An example: Don’t leave the boat until the boat leaves you. This might be the most misguided advice ever to cross the lips […]
Read MoreThere has been a lot of discussion and some controversy surrounding lithium batteries for boats. In this excellent article from Practical Sailor, Drew Frye explains the positive and negatives of lithum batteries. Click to read “Simple Lithium for Outboard-Powered Tenders, Daysailers, and Sport Boats” from Practical Sailor, written by Drew Frye.
Read MoreDear Fellow Boaters, We have provided you with this information before, but here it is again: USCG Local Notices to Mariners and Light Lists are available in a new format which was finally launched on December 6, 2024: https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/msi . Updated information will be available to anyone at any time. There is a guide to […]
Read MoreSomeone once said “the best hot dogs are the ones with a baseball game in front of them”. I’ve had a few of those and, admittedly, they were pretty darn good. Most people would be surprised to learn that I have literally had only three or four hot dogs at only two or three major […]
Read MoreWe had the wind and current with us as we sailed from Branford to Stonington. Nine hours later we were comfortably secured to a great mooring at Dodson’s Boatyard. Sitting in the cockpit while watching the sun setting is simply the best! We are looking forward to our next venture this season.
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