maintenance
Through-Hulls and Seacocks: The Fittings That Keep You Afloat
Every fitting that penetrates your hull below the waterline is a potential point of catastrophic failure. That's not alarmism—it's physics. A failed two-inch
bluewater
The Below-Waterline Audit: Through-Hulls, Osmosis, and Gelcoat
Every bluewater boat has a collection of holes drilled deliberately through its hull. That thought alone should focus your attention. Through-hulls, seacocks, and the gelcoat barrier that keeps
bluewater
Greener Bottoms and Safer Seas: The Cruiser's Environmental Playbook
The days of slathering copper-laden paint on your hull and calling it good are numbered. Whether you cruise the copper-restricted waters of Washington State and California or simply
passage-planning
Spring Passage Planning: Beat the Hurricane Clock
Hurricane season officially begins on 1 June, but the smart passage planning that keeps you safe starts right now. Whether you are heading north from the Caribbean to
sailing
Whale Speed Zones, Hull Rules, and What Cruisers Need to Know in 2026
If you cruise the U.S. East Coast or plan to transit it on your way north this spring, pay attention: NOAA is reconsidering the vessel speed rules
bluewater
Buying a Bluewater Cruiser in 2026: A Balanced Market Favors the Prepared
If you've been watching the brokerage market and waiting for the right moment to buy a bluewater cruiser, 2026 might be your year. The frenzy of
bluewater
The 2026 Used Sailboat Market Is a Buyer's Paradise—If You Know Where to Look
If you have been watching the used sailboat market over the past few years, you have seen a remarkable shift. The pandemic-era frenzy that drove prices to absurd
maintenance
Spring Commissioning for the Offshore Sailor: The Systems That Matter Most
Spring commissioning is a ritual every sailor knows, but if you're preparing for offshore passages rather than weekend daysails, the stakes are different. A failed impeller
maintenance
Spring Diesel Commissioning: Getting Your Engine Ready for the Season
Your diesel engine spent the winter either sitting idle on the hard or ticking over on light loads in warm harbors. Either way, spring is the time to