Cruising Lifestyle
A sample of the cruising-under-power way of life, written for boaters by boaters. Whether you plan to spend years, or a couple of weeks a year, aboard, whether you’re interested in bluewater ocean passages, or enjoying a slow cruise on the Great Lakes or the rivers of America’s heartland, we offer stories of true boaters sharing their experiences and insights of the cruising lifestyle.
Freaks of Nature
New wave-measuring technology shows how rogue waves reach up to 100-foot heights.
Trawler Appeal: What Makes a Marina Great for Long-Range Cruisers
Good marinas make for easier boating. Great marinas are the stuff of fantastic cruising memories.
Liveaboard Reality: Rising Stars of the Small Screen
By filming their liveaboard experiences, these YouTubers are introducing thousands of people to the cruising lifestyle.
Felicia Schneiderhan, Marine Trader 38 Owner
This classic trawler owner fell in love the first time she climbed aboard a Marine Trader 38—first with the captain, then with the boat itself.
Tales From the Loop: Our Waypoint Wanderlust
While having a general plan for the Loop is always important, for us, the ability to be flexible along the way was key to making great memories.
The Compatibility Test
When choosing crew and guests, think about more than who’s fun at the bar.
Raspberry Fool
Really, any berries you have on board will do. And this dish will still be delish.
Vote Now for America's "Best Harbor"
Join millions around the country to vote in an annual contest to find the “Best Harbor” in the United States.
Great Looper Q&A: Room To Move on a Marlow 65
Completing the Loop in a larger boat brought special challenges, but also more space and comfort in which to handle them.
The Pardey Line: Life Aboard, One Plank at a Time
Meet Rudy and Jill Sechez, mariners and philosophers who imagined, designed, built and now live aboard a 34-footer like you've never seen.
Pro Files (Great Loop Edition): Learning Underway
As the Bowlin crew aboard the Cruisers 4450 "Light & Salty" found, there's no shortage of grand moments on the Loop.
The Perfect Great Loop Boat
From air draft to shore-power cords, here are the core components of the ideal Great Loop boat.
Getaway Tinkering
Like good books, some DIY projects make a weekend aboard the boat even better.
Grilled Lamb Chops with Blueberry-Rosemary Sauce
If elegant is what you’re after, then lamb chops are the way to go.
Classic Cruisers Club: Julie Parmentier
A boater from an early age, her husband reintroduced her to life on the water when they bought a 1984 Island Gypsy to explore the PNW.
Seeking Solitude in the Apostle Islands
Despite the best-laid plans, nothing on a boat ever goes how it's supposed to go, even when expectations are low.
Earning the Captain's Chair
At 65, Stephen Dunn finally bought the boat of his dreams. Then, he realized he had to learn how to run her.
There Will Be Blood
For "A Dash of Salt" columnist Chris Caswell, DIY boat projects conjure memories of doctoring by hook, by crook or by duct tape.
Classic Cruisers Club: John Garza
This Grand Banks Alaskan 46 owner has seen a lot over his lengthy career. Today he still makes time to give back to the boating community.
Off the Scale: At Home with Master Modeler Malcolm Darch
A model maker applies zenlike focus to creating masterpieces in miniature.
Apple Puffed Pancake
First curated in our galley, here's one of the most delicious things you'll ever eat for breakfast.
Mr. Seagull, It's Time to Go
This simple method has kept my boat free from seagull attacks for nearly five years.
Shaken & Stirred: Adventures in the New Arctic
Waves are thrashing the sea ice in the western Arctic, clearing a path for more boats to enter.