The Boat Life Knowledge Base
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If you’re outfitting a new-to-you boat or thinking about going cruising, you may find yourself having to choose between AIS or radar. There is a lot of information on the topic, including advice from experts more knowledgeable than yours. However,…
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Should We Take the Dismal Swamp Canal? The ICW’s Alternate Route Explained
Note: As of March 2025, the Dismal Swamp route is closed to navigation while they make repairs to the Deep Creek Bridge. You can still travel up and down the canal, for an out and back from Elizabeth City, but…
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Does My Boat Need a Generator in 2024?
Conventional thinking is that a liveaboard cruising boat should have a generator. Sure, plenty of people make do without one, and many arguments exist against getting one. But a few key modern technologies are making them increasingly less important. Let’s…
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Marine Air Conditioning — Do I Need Air Conditioning On My Boat?
This is the second article in a series about big accessories that we often wonder—do I really need that on my boat? Watermakers, generators, and air conditioning are generally things you will have on your want list, but should they…
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Thoughts on Watermakers After Ten Years Cruising US East Coast
When we purchased our first full-time cruising and liveaboard, a Lagoon 380 catamaran, we set out with the same list of outfitting and equipment questions that most new boaters do. Although we had been boaters for years prior, we were…
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Working Remote on a Boat: True Freedom to Live As You Wish
Working remotely from a boat is within your reach! Cruising used to be reserved for retirees, as getting remote work and staying connected was an often insurmountable challenge. Now, as many companies offer remote work options and Starlink offers fabulous…
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Starlink On a Boat — The Game-Changer Is Here
Article Updated November 1, 2024 (Important notes highlighted) We have been using Starlink on our boat since June 2022. Having reliable, fast, unlimited internet gives us more freedom to cruise while we work remote jobs. For example, we just got…
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Tips and Tricks for Doing Chores on a Boat
I could manage cruising and working much easier with a full-time chores concierge. Back when we took a sabbatical and didn’t have to work for money (oh, heavenly days!), I could afford the time to do laundry in a bucket…
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Maine Anchorage: Buckle Harbor, Jericho Bay
Buckle Harbor, Maine seems like a tight anchorage next to a nondescript island. However, a closer look reveals a cozy harbor, all-tide beach, and a small network of trails with whimsical surprises. Buckle Harbor is in a perfect location and…
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Maine Anchorage: Seal Bay, Penobscot Bay
Seal Bay is an all-around favorite anchorage for those exploring Penobscot Bay by boat. There are many different anchoring possibilities with all-around protection. Cruisers, day-trippers, and weekenders all enjoy the tranquil surroundings, wildlife watching, low-tide sandbars, and trail access. This…
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