The Boat Life Knowledge Base
-
We’re Matt and Lucy Claiborne. We’re experienced boat owners (25+ years), living aboard (10+ years), and cruising full-time (8+ years). We want to share some of the tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way. On this site, you’ll find…
-
Galley Goodness: Matt’s Cocon-oat Bars
This easy and quick treat is perfect for sharing with friends, new and old, at dock-tails and potlucks. It’s also a great addition to your own teatime festivities! Quick and Easy Coconut and Oat Bars Loosely based on Eagle Brand’s…
-
Using Two Anchors: When, Why, and How
With the advent of modern anchors like the Mantus and Rocna, it has become unfashionable to put out two anchors. These new design anchors are incredibly reliable. They often provide quick resets in even the worst conditions. So much so…
-
Basic Boat Teak Care for Beginners: Keeping Wood Care a Simple Boat Maintenance Task
Our boat is loaded with brightwork (teak and wood trim), and we still love it. We fully appreciate that this opinion is not shared by most boaters today, most of whom prefer lower-maintenance (it’s never maintenance-free!) fiberglass. But our boat…
-
Authentic Bahamas Rum Punch Recipe
A real Caribbean Rum Punch is something you just can’t get when not on an island in the Caribbean. I’ve had some great ones on previous trips to the Bahamas, the BVI, but never in the States. In the US,…
-
Chesapeake Bay Destinations by Boat — Where to Go and What to See on The Bay
Chesapeake Bay is one of America’s most storied cruising grounds for sailors (blow boaters) and motorboaters (stink potters). It’s full of possibilities for gunkholing, plus a number of key towns and noteworthy destinations along the way. This list is to…
-
Best Great Loop Towns and Destinations, According to Boaters
One of the things that makes America’s Great Loop a bucket-list-worthy adventure is that it can be many things to many people. There are all the possible routes and side trips you might want to take. And then there’s the…
-
How to Buy a Boat: Tips for a First Time Buyer
So, you’re dreaming of the boating lifestyle, maybe even considering selling it all and sailing off into the sunset. Early on in the dreaming phase, it will probably strike you that buying a boat, particularly a big cruising boat, is…
-
Boating Destination: Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts
There are some pretty famous islands in Massachusetts, but this isn’t about them. Cuttyhunk is a tiny little speck of an island at the mouth of Buzzards Bay, much less known than some of her more popular neighbors. Climb the…
-
Boating Destination: Camden, Maine
Penobscot Bay is high on my list of favorite cruising destinations. The jewel of Maine’s coastline is studded with beautiful islands to explore and blessed with summer seabreezes that make every afternoon outing a pleasant one. Add in the fact…
-
Best Place to Live on a Boat — US East Coast Options for Liveaboards
Living on a boat is a dream shared by many people, but being a liveaboard means different things depending on how you intend to do it. Will you be parked at a marina, essentially using your boat as a waterfront…
Join our newsletter
Get the latest Boat Life Academy articles and course news right in your inbox