There is nothing more important to an offshore boat than keeping the water out. And this is not just a safety issue either since there are few things that will ruin your cruise more than a leak over your bunk.
Colin shares scores of real practical tips derived from keeping the water out of his own boats over tens of thousands of offshore miles.
One of the things that is attractive about metal construction is the ease with which structural modifications can be made. What would require substantial amounts of design, planning, physical work and cost in a GRP boat can require very little effort in metal, whether steel or aluminium. A good example of this is the installation [...]
There are few things more miserable on a boat at sea than salt water below from deck leaks. And if said leaks get bad enough, they can sink you. Colin has a whole series of tips on how to stop that happening to you.
As I think I've made clear in the previous two chapters of this Online Book, keeping the water out is a number one commitment for any offshore boat. And not just large amounts, although obviously that’s a fundamental priority, too. Relatively modest amounts of water can cause real issues with sensitive electronics, especially in today's shallow [...]
A tale of bilge pump woe got me thinking about one of the best pieces of gear we have ever fitted to our boat: The world's best bilge pump switch.
In the last chapter in this Online Book, in reaction to a members's tale of frustration, I recommended a bilge pump switch. But what about the bilge pump itself? When we bought Morgan's Cloud she had a Jabsco 36600 bilge pump that was installed when she was built 27 years ago. And we still have [...]
The sound of gushing water from below has got to be right up there on any voyaging sailor's list of worst nightmares. On Morgan's Cloud, given that we believe that any pump that is practical for a yacht, no matter how powerful, is going to be of limited use in a flooding situation, we have always [...]
It's a sad fact that most production boat companionways are potential boat-sinkers. But it does not have to be that way. In this chapter I provide solid suggestions on how to stormproof your companionway.
Ever wondered about the safety of those big pilot-house windows that we increasingly see on modern designs? John has too.
Solar, wind and hydro generation, it’s all here—real practical advice from an experienced voyager who has walked the walk, not just talked the talk.
Information you need to put together a bullet-poof anchoring system—solid gear recommendations that have been tested in the real world.
There are few activities in the voyaging life that cause more anxiety and stress than anchoring, so here are the techniques you need to get anchored and stay anchored every time.
A complete, but simple, protocol to get the very best life out of batteries—real information that works based on 25 years of live-aboard experience.
Most sailors have thought about transitioning to a power boat, even if only as a way to stay on the water as we age. Here are the issues and options for a sailor’s power boat.
A sailor with decades of experience as a research boat skipper in demanding conditions builds his dream voyaging boat—we can all learn a lot.
Considering buying a boat with a carbon fibre mast or replacing your existing aluminum mast with carbon? The benefits and drawbacks of carbon fibre for voyaging boat masts.
Online Book on docking (coming alongside) that will truly take the drama out of this every day activity for cruisers both power and sail.
There are literally thousands of snug harbours on the east coast of Canada—these cruising notes, collected over twenty-five years sailing this coast, will make planning your voyage easier.
Seasickness is the great spoiler of offshore voyaging—tips and wisdom for fighting off the dreaded mal-de-mer and what to do once it strikes.
An analysis of what makes an ideal cruising boat engine, together with a step-by-step account of a highly successful repower.
If you can’t get along with your crew, your cruise will not be a success. Chock full of practical tips on crew management.
John, Phyllis, Christopher and Colin write about what you need to do to get out cruising and have fun when you do.
The options for storm survival from heaving-to to drogue deployment with a step-by-step guide to putting together an easy to deploy and retrieve system.
The critical issues that you need to understand before you buy a cruising boat. Time-tested tips to help you determine what really matters.
A look at the loss of several yachts and what we can learn from each—reading this book could save your boat…and maybe your life.
Do you dream of sailing in turquoise waters? Join “Pélerin” on a voyage in the Caribbean. Colin weaves a travel tale like only he can.
Often what will really govern how much fun and how safe your cruise will be is how good you are at maintaining your boat.
How to prepare for every voyaging sailor’s worst nightmare—a medical emergency at sea. Medical kits, emergency medical training, it’s all here.
The fruits of a combined century of navigation, much of it before electronic gadgets, and then we relate that experience to modern electronic navigation.
Knowing the difference between a boat that will work inshore and one that can go to sea could save you from making a terrible and expensive boat-buying mistake.
If you fall overboard from a short-handed boat, you are probably not going to be rescued. Tips and procedures that will help keep you and your loved ones on the boat.
Telling the story of your voyage in photographs. Techniques and gear tips that will make you a better photographer.
Setting, reefing and striking sails and doing it in challenging conditions—tips, techniques, gear, sail selection.
A different and much more interesting transatlantic than the classic milk run, with valuable voyage planning and execution information.
In the market for a boat to take you to out-of-the-way places in safety? Even if you don’t buy a Boréal, you will learn a huge amount about what makes a good expedition boat.
There is nothing more important to an offshore boat than keeping the water out. Here are real practical tips.
Step-by-step methods to receive weather information while offshore and in remote places.
A real voyaging sailboat that will be ready to take you around the world in safety and comfort for US$200,000.
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