Author: Matt Claiborne
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The Wonderous Omnia Stovetop Oven
I originally published a blog post, “An Ode to My Omnia,” on our travel blog during the first year of our live-aboard, cruising life. The Omnia Stovetop Oven was one of the first things I purchased for boat cooking, and it’s one of the only items that has stood the test of time. It is…
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Starlink Alternatives for Boaters, Van-lifers, and RVs
Starlink has rocked the boating world like the transformative technology it is. Boats that cruise the Bahamas or other rural areas have spouted Dishys like fungus. RVs love it, too, because they can boondock anywhere and still be connected for work and play. But Elon Musk, on track to become the world’s first trillionaire, has…
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Bahamas Snacks and Treats We’re Missing
Before heading to the islands, many cruisers spend a lot of time worrying about provisioning for the Bahamas. They worry they won’t be able to find X, Y, or Z — or that the prices will be too much to bear. We always like to remind people that the locals eat, too. And while things…
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Galley Goodness: Bahamian Coconut Bread Loaf
This recipe is inspired by the homemade loaves of bread we get from every small Bahamian settlement. Locals make either plain, sweet white bread or sweet coconut bread — they’re both exceptional, but the coconut bread really blows us away. It’s unique, islandy, and thoroughly Bahamian. For the record, our favorite loaves come from Sid’s…
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Galley Tips for Reducing Propane Use on a Boat
As new technologies emerge, things become chic and fashionable in boat outfitting. A recent trend I’ve noticed is boaters ditching their propane galley stoves and ovens in favor of electric appliances. So, is it worth the expense? Can a small boat retain its off-the-grid efficiency and still ditch propane? Here’s a look at how we…
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Product Review: Our Experience with Coppercoat
Note: We have no affiliation or marketing arrangement with Coppercoat. We paid full price for the product after years of research and had no extra help during the application process. Coppercoat anti-foul coating is a fascinating product that’s been on the market for decades, but it’s polarizing and plagued by misunderstandings, misinformation, and some very…
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Making the Ultimate Great Loop Map: Great Loop Route and Alternate Routes
There is a wealth of advice and planning available online about the Great Loop route, but this document has been prepared to help dreamers understand it. It also details all the fantastic side trips and Great Loop alternate routes you might have heard of, like the Triangle Loop or the Downeast Circle Loop. Once you’ve…
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How Not to Drag Anchor: Lessons Learned from Ten Years Living Aboard
The internet (along with every dock-tail party and cruiser potluck) is chock full of anchoring advice. Most of it centers around one anchor being better than another. Curiously, nearly all participants believe that their anchor is the best choice. Sounds like confirmation bias, doesn’t it? We’ve spent most nights at anchor since we started living…
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Navigation Notes: Picking an Anchorage
How do you choose an anchorage? At first, it seems an easy question, but experienced boaters will tell you that it’s one of the most complex skills you’ll have to learn during your first year of cruising. Day boaters seldom anchor; if they do, it’s for a “lunch hook” and not for sound sleep or…
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Thoughts on Fire Prevention and Safety for Boaters
When you hear about something crazy happening in the boating world, some accident, tragedy, or close call, what do you do? Do you shake your head and say, “What an idiot, that’ll never happen to me!” Or do you say, “That’s terrible, what steps can I take to make sure that never happens to me?”…