Category: iNavX: How To

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) A ship’s log is a permanent record of where you’ve been, what happened on the way, and what you’ve done with your boat. For commercial shipping, it’s a requirement, and logs can be requested if there are any incidents or problems. So details and procedures can be quite formal. Many […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) All of us have dreamed about finding the perfect boat that suits every sailing wish and desire. Fast around the buoys, but light and comfortable at anchor, with enough space and comfort for the family or another couple for a week without getting in everyone’s way. Of course, there are […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) It’s that time of year again. Fall, the dreaded end of boating season. This month, we’re going to take a quick look at what you can do to make sure your batteries make it through the season in the best condition, so you’re ready for spring. The exact steps will […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) When people in southern New England talk about the “Cape and Islands” they’re referring to the southern shore of Cape Cod and its offshore islands – Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cuttyhunk, and the rest of the Elizabeth Islands. Vineyard Sound and Nantucket Sound offer some fantastic cruising grounds, with some very […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Ah, the boat’s finally in the water and you’re on the edge of summer. Time to load up the boat with food, friends and family and head out for a day on the water. Pick a far-off spot and head for the sunset drinks on the first trip of the […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) As winter fades and we get ready for commissioning season, there are still a few more wintry days and nights when we can work on our boats. The off season is a good time to play with lines and learn new knots, and in the northeast you’ve got a few […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) It’s March, and we’re almost there! We’ve endured frost, snow, slush and freezing temperatures, and warm weather is hinting like the faint red of new buds in the trees. It’s getting warm enough to work under the winter cover without dressing like you’re running the Iditarod, and you may even […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Few things are more aggravating that an engine which just won’t start, or one that starts and stalls. Whether you’re pulling on your dinghies outboard while your kids wait their towels and gear for a ride to the beach, or cranking your diesel trying to get your sailboat off the […]

By B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) If you spend enough time on the water, you’ll have a story or two about things going sideways or pear-shaped (both things we’ve done to our spinnakers). It’s inevitable, no matter how much we prepare and plan, sometimes the world just doesn’t cooperate. And who doesn’t love a good sea […]

by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) There are a lot of romanticized idea about living on a boat, but what is boat life really like? There’s no single answer, because there’s no one way to live on a boat. The experiences of a blue water cruiser who moves from country to country and living at anchor […]