Table of Contents

Ocean Alexander is a familiar name in cruising motorboats, offering many lines in a variety of cruising styles. The 50 Classicco hits home as a great model for extended cruising in comfort and luxury. Step aboard for a tour and a sea trial that shows us her capabilities in a seaway.

Let the filtration and polishing discussion continue! Reader Scott Strickland sent us a letter detailing his recent offshore experiences with bad fuel, fouled filters, and fuel sampling. Bill follows up on Scott’s lessons-learned story and leads the discussion further down the road to enlightenment. Find out how this analysis can apply to your own cruising experience.

Fear of the unknown is one of the reasons some folks take so long to finally cast off lines. There’s plenty you can do to tackle your fears and get ready for long-term cruising. But, as Tom Neale points out, until you get under way, you’ll never know how prepared you really are. Tom shares his thoughts on the subject, garnered from years of experience, and tells us what to expect once you let the adventure begin.

Bill tours a unique boat new to our niche and reflects on the differences between motoryachts and trawlers and the relationship of form and function. The Hood 50’s stunning design and capable performance landed it squarely in the middle of Trawler Fest in Stuart, Florida. Come aboard with designer Chris Hood and see what it means to truly think outside the box.

Get ready to ride the next wave of technology in marine products. Steve sorts through the maze of offerings in LED lighting, from navigation lights to cabin floodlights to dimmable overhead fixtures. Discover the advantages of LEDs, the science behind the improved technology, and what to look for as you select or upgrade your boat’s lights.

Readers Bill and Meradith Hill travel to Nova Scotia’s Bras d’Or Lakes and experience the joy of cruising a scenic region that is off the beaten track but within reach of most cruisers. Follow the Hills from their home port in Maine as they prepare for their cruise, plan their routes, and gain new confidence in themselves and in their capable smaller boat, a Downeast-style Duffy 35.

Keeping in touch is essential when passagemaking, but the options for doing so can be complex and confusing. Understanding the technology behind SSB radios, email servers, and other equipment designed for long-range communications will help you narrow down your choices and decide what you really need on board.

We recently wrote about legal changes in Mexico that have helped ease travel procedures for boaters in that country. In the spirit of cruising foreign waters, it’s a pleasure to introduce you to Tere Grossman, the woman who fought tirelessly for many of these improvements. Tere and her family operate several marinas in San Carlos, and her story is one of determination, triumph, and pure dedication to the cruising community.