Do You Need A License To Sail Around The World?

Sailboat sailing in the sea

Circumnavigating the globe on a sailboat or yacht is an enormous undertaking, and making sure that you will be welcomed in all the ports on your planned route will require some detailed planning. The documentation required may vary from country to country, but great sailing guides are published in book form and online to help … Read more

Do All Boats Need To Be Winterized?

sailoats at dry dock for winter storage

Winterizing a boat after the season is a great way to protect your boat from the harsh elements associated with boating. The winterization process is also an ideal time to thoroughly check all the aspects of the boat, allowing for repairs or servicing to be done during the winter months when it will cost you … Read more

Why do barnacles grow on sailboats?

I’m just coming back from playing on the lake with my family and friends.   I saw grime and sludge on many of the boats sitting at the dock. This made me curious. Why do barnacles grow on sailboats? Barnacles are a marine growth just like shellfish that grow on sailboats by secreting a glue-like substance that attaches … Read more

Can You Beach A Boat With Bottom Paint?

Beached boat on the sand with Palm trees in the background

Bottom paints are made in various formulations to suit the conditions of the water and the type of usage of the boat. Ablative bottom paints are soft soapy-like finishes that wear off as the water moves over the hull’s surface. High copper content epoxy formulations create a hard and scratch-resistant surface. Beaching a boat with … Read more

Can I Leave My Boat in Saltwater?

Cuddy Cabin Boat tied up to the uncovered boat slip

Storing your boat is a very important decision that can determine its lifespan. If you store your boat on the water—especially saltwater—it is extremely important to properly winterize and remove as much salt out of the systems as possible before leaving it. How long you can leave it on the water is determined by a … Read more

Should I Turn My Boat Battery Off When Not in Use?

Boat Battery

The decision to turn off your boat’s battery is something that should not be made without understanding what happens when you do. There are several factors that determine which circumstances you can leave your battery on and when it is best to turn it off.  When you are not using your boat, you should turn … Read more