Thinking about moving aboard a boat? Selling the house and all that stuff? Worried about whether it will work and about what kind of boat-and how big-is needed?
It takes a huge commitment to a new way of living. An ability to plan, to establish priorities, and to live elbow-to-elbow with spouse, mate, or friend are necessary attributes for those choosing a floating lifestyle.
Tuff Baby
Written by Bill ParlatoreWhen Dave and Margi Grow decided to make the switch from their Columbia 50 sailboat, Stampede, to a cruising powerboat, they decided to aim for a rugged and practical family cruiser. Sailing had always been a passion, and Stampede was the latest in a series of sailboats that included a 1939 Sparkman & Stevens wood ketch.
Modern Water Systems
Written by Robert M. LaneDrinking water just isn't what it used to be.
It can taste awful. It can smell. It may carry disease-causing organisms, and plug pipes and fixtures with rust and dirt.
No longer can hikers sip from crystal-clear mountain streams because of lurking, invisible bugs that will do a number on the gut of the unwary.
Sometimes, clean, sweet water is hard to find in a faucet, and many carry it home from the grocery in plastic jugs.
Many of today's cruising powerboats come from production yards, most of which offer more than one model in an attempt to satisfy various budgets and owner needs. The typically healthy lists of options for these boats provide potential buyers an assortment of choices, all ways to make one boat more unique, more personal, more "mine."
Roughwater
Written by Robert M. LaneIn the late 1600's, and air force officer named Hal Paris flew from Taiwan to Seattle to see Ed Monk, the famed naval architect. Paris, who some say flew the U2 spy plane, wanted plans for a boat he could build in Taiwan for export to the U.S.
As the story goes, Monk pulled drawings for a wood 34-footer from a file drawer and said something like, "Why don't you try this in fiberglass."
Cats Out Of The Cradle
Written by Bill ParlatoreAlthough there are many new boats coming on the cruising scene these days, the majority are built to appeal to the upper end of our big boat market. Among these new craft are the cruising power catamarans, long awaited by an patient crowd of cruising folks.
It is refreshing to see one of these new boat aimed towards the smaller end of the scale-a cat developed for those on a budget, just getting started, or having simpler needs. And the fact that it's a cat makes it all the more interesting.
From the Pilothouse - Go Have Fun
Written by Bill ParlatoreWhew! The fall shows are done, and life can get back to normal. It was a fabulous fall season, and we met thousands of people at our TrawlerPorts and boat shows.
