Category: News
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Over the last two months we’ve talked to Jim Betts and some of his staff from Betts Boats in Anacortes about custom boat building. We’ve taken you from dreaming and kicking tires (Part 1) to building a hull and deck (Part 2). Now, it’s time to finish the boat and […]
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) It’s often said that a boat is a hole in the water where you dump money. If you’ve ever paid for a surprise repair bill or filled the tank on an offshore sport fisher, you’ve felt it. But even small boats can cost a lot to keep running. With the […]
by B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) Up front, I’m going to confess to a cheat – the cruising grounds of Maine are far too extensive and varied to cover in the few hundred words we have for this blog every month. So we’re going to give you a taste to entice into thinking about taking a […]
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) 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) One of the interesting fun parts of boating is the vast body of lore, custom, history and tradition centered on the sea. The rituals and yes, superstitions, which surround sailing can be a lot of fun. A high point of our evenings at Block Island was the nightly ceremony, usually […]
By B.J. Porter (Contributing Editor) As the days get shorter and cooler, a week or two some place warm sounds better and better. By January, northerly sailors will be climbing the walls to go catch some wind. If you’re thinking about a charter vacation, you’ve got some planning to do. And we’ve got a few […]
