In this sailing how-to video, Simon covers a thru-hull fittings seacock replacement. Simon also explains what they are, how they work, how they break and provides a demonstration on how to replace one. Carry on reading below the video to find the products we used during our thru-hull fitting replacement, a checklist that covers the steps[Read More]
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20 Boat Organization Ideas
Discover 20 boat organization ideas that will help you save time, find things when and where you need to find them, and reduce the likelihood of problems. The first step with boat organization and storage is to understand what should and should not be on the boat in the first place. 1. Start with understanding[Read More]
Installing Lithium Batteries in Boat
Many Bluewater cruisers are now taking the opportunity to swap out their old lead-acid or gel batteries for lithium batteries. Is installing lithium batteries in boat a good idea? The advantages are many. Read on and make sure to watch the video too! Installing Lithium Batteries in Boat Benefits You get more output for the[Read More]
CopperCoat Antifouling Nightmare
We had CopperCoat Antifouling applied to the hull of our Oyster 56′ in 2016. Since then we’ve had nothing but problems. To get the full story, watch the following video that highlights. If you want the lasted update, see the links below the videos: our first CopperCoat application in North Carolina a haul out in[Read More]
What’s The Best Cruising Sailboat – 10 Strategic Steps
If I told you that there was one particular monohull or catamaran cruising sailboat that is absolutely perfect for cruising, would you want to know which one it is? Unfortunately, there is no ideal cruising boat that suits everyone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer about what you should do with your life. Different people have different[Read More]
Solar Power Installation On A Sailboat
Here’s the scoop on our solar power installation on a sailboat – Sailboat Britican. We are five years into our liveaboard lifestyle and we still cannot say we are experts about the power systems on our boat. But it has been enough time for us to determine that a solar power installation was in need.[Read More]
How To Service A Diesel Generator On A Sailboat
In this video, Simon will show you how to do a yearly diesel generator service. This service includes changing the air filter, oil filter, oil, belts, coolant, changing any bad hoses, impeller, cleaning the heat exchanger and putting on a new anode. When we first got a boat, we let others service our engines for us. Time after time we were disappointed to find that things were done wrong or not done at all. Discover how you can service your generator yourself!
14 Dos & Don’ts to Bluewater Cruising
How can you successfully start bluewater cruising? If you’re going to spend time, money, and emotional energy getting a boat and heading out to sea wouldn’t it be great to get an edge by learning some dos and don’ts? Becoming a bluewater cruising sailor is incredible. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures, look out at sandy beaches, tall[Read More]
20 Tips For Provisioning For A Long Sailing Trip
Provisioning a boat can seem like one of the most overwhelming jobs when preparing for a long passage. There’s quite a bit of pressure on the person stocking the boat with enough food, water, and necessary ancillary products (think toilet paper) to survive.
What foods are best to have? What veggies will last a month and what won’t? What can and can’t be frozen? How can you make food prep, while under passage, fast and easy – especially when the seas are sloppy? And how can you ensure that all the passengers are fed and watered properly?
After your first week-long or month long passage you’ll surely be much wiser as to what to do and what not to do. Wouldn’t it be invaluable, however, to learn from those that have already done it? Wouldn’t it be less stressful if you could make that first passage a massive success rather than a mediocre learning experience? With the following 20 tips, you’ll certainly have a greater chance of enjoying provisioning success. Read on.
Provisioning Dry Goods And Freezer Inventory
Sometimes the best way to learn is to see exactly what someone else has done, take what you want, and then customize it to suit your needs. Before we crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and an 18-day passage from Gran Canaria to St Lucia, Caribbean, I created several inventory spreadsheets. These spreadsheets were created to help remind me, and our guests, as to what and where meals, dry goods, beverages, and paper goods were located. I called them my provisioning dry goods and freezer inventory spreadsheets.
Within the ‘Atlantic Crossing Dry Goods Inventory’, you’ll find a list of all the shelf-stable items I packed including canned goods, kinds of pasta, grains, jars, sauces, beverages, mixes and so forth in addition to the quantity and the place where I stored the goods.
On the ‘Atlantic Crossing Freezer Inventory’, you’ll discover what meals I pre-made in addition to all the other items I chose to freeze. This spreadsheet also has instructions as to how to cook some of the meals.
Furthermore, I’ve also included a document that you can use as a basis for a shopping list. It provides all the meal provision groupings to ensure you cover all bases. Download these spreadsheets and change according to your specific needs…
