John

The eWincher is a breakthrough product, but is this expensive piece of kit something you need? John tests it thoroughly on a 56-foot sailboat and then takes a deep dive into its capabilities.

In all my years of living and voyaging in hurricane-vulnerable places, I have never seen anything like the graphic above. Anyway, it looks like Teddy might come and visit us here in Nova Scotia early next week, and even if he doesn’t I can’t believe we will get through this season without a visitation from one [...]

So what’s the best way to rig a boat, or the best hull design for offshore sailing, or the best place to mount electronics? There are no single best answers for any of that, but one thing for sure, lazy thinking and following the crowd does not yield good outcomes, or boats. John shares some tips on how to think about this stuff to arrive at the best solution for you.

John and Phyllis believe that AIS person overboard beacons are the single greatest advance in recovery technology in their lifetimes. But which one to buy: SeaAngel or Ocean Signal MOB1? John compares the two and ends with a recommendation.

It’s amazing how few cruising boats actually have a good deck layout that makes them easy and fun to sail. John uses the Outbound 46 as an example of sail handling features he likes, and a few he doesn’t.

John agrees with most everything Matt wrote about buying a starter cruiser…except one thing.

Cruisers are adding the comforts of home to their boats more than ever before, but what are the consequences? John takes a look.

To be able to upgrade and/or fix our boat’s electrical systems we need to understand fundamental electrical theory. Here’s a graphic that will help, plus an update on some cool products we will be testing.

One of the most important things we need to think about when planning and budgeting a refit is what it will cost us if the keel must be removed for keel bolt inspection and repair, as is likely with many older boats.

Everything you need to know about one of the most livable interior arrangements, both at sea and in harbour, you will ever find.

John tackles a vexing, and often stressful, close-quarters boat handling situation that is all too common, particularly in southern Europe.

Most every liferaft and many abandon ship bags have emergency rations in them. But is this stuff really useful? John opens a bag to find out.

The reasons for selling our beloved boat are not what most people think. And the real reasons, that John shares, will be of interest to many who are selecting a boat to buy.

One of the biggest snow jobs in boat gear sales is the myth of the smart three-stage alternator regulator. In fact, the alternator regulators that have been available to us cruisers for about the last 15 years are not that bright…OK, they’re downright stupid. But, finally, we now have a truly smart regulator. John takes a look and comes away impressed.