Saga of an Old Perkins 4-108
For many boat owners, the engine is the heart of their vessel, providing reliable power for countless adventures. Not only does the engine allow you to anchor and enter marinas safely and quickly, it also charges the batteries for all the electrical needs of a cruiser. Such was the case with our trusty 1977 Perkins […]
Enhancing Anchor Control: Our Experience with the Mantus Anchor Bridle & Snubber System
Our sailboat is our home so we understand the importance of reliable equipment when it comes to anchoring our home securely. Recently, we made an upgrade to our anchoring system by investing in the Mantus Anchor Bridle. The Mantus Anchor Bridle & Snubber System When we decided to enhance our anchor control, we researched various […]
It’s Cracked!: Repairing Our Bowsprit
The bowsprit on our boat plays a crucial role in the standing rigging and overall performance of our sailboat. It’s also an important part of our anchoring system, providing support to the bow roller. Our boat is over 40 years old, but our bowsprit is less than 10 years old. However, it seems some mild […]
Latex Mattress: Upgrading Our V-Berth
When it comes to outfitting our sailboat, comfort is a crucial aspect that directly affects the quality of our journey. A good night’s sleep is vital for sailors who need to be well-rested and energized for their time on the water. If you’re considering replacing your worn-out closed cell foam mattress, latex foam can be […]
Seamstress at Sea
Sewing Projects for Our Sailboat As a cruiser on a sailboat, there’s more to know than just mastering the art of sailing. As a cruiser, you often find yourself in need of practical and customized solutions for various onboard needs. One skill that comes in handy is sewing. Whether you’re looking to protect or repair […]
DIY Canvas Helm Cover: Navigating the Sewing Adventure
Embarking on a sewing project, even without prior experience, has been a rewarding endeavor. Somehow we managed to sew a canvas helm cover for our sailboat, despite being novices in the art of sewing. Equipped with a Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ sewing machine and a determination to use this very expensive sewing machine, we embraced the […]
Protecting Your Alternator: The Importance of Installing an Alternator Protection Device (APD)
With the growing popularity of lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries equipped with internal battery management systems (BMS), it’s crucial to protect your alternator from voltage spikes that can lead to potential damage. We will explore the risks associated with load dumps, explain the role of the Alternator Protection Device (APD) in mitigating these risks, and […]
Upgrading to an Electric Windlass – Installing a Lofrans Tigres
We’ve heard that switching from a manual to an electric windlass can significantly enhance the sailing experience. Most cruisers spend 90% of their time at anchor so making anchor handling more convenient was a must for us. In the videos below, we share our journey of installing a Lofrans Tigres on our sailboat. We explore […]
A Galley Transformation: Switching from Propane to Electric Appliances
In the pursuit of a more reliable and efficient cooking experience aboard our boat, we recently embarked on the journey of converting our propane galley to electric appliances. After years of struggling with a propane oven and cook top range that proved inconsistent and challenging to control, we decided it was time for a change. […]
Installing a Cockpit Shower & Deck Washdown
Cockpit Shower We’ve seen a lot of cruising boats that have a shower pump that can be used in the cockpit. We really liked that concept for a few reasons. Using the shower in the head is a bit of a chore. The curtain helps keep the water off the countertop and toilet, but there’s […]