False Creek
Considered one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver boasts spectacular mountain views, an amazing collection of beaches and parks, and a bustling urban core famous for its diversity. On any given day, False Creek, located at the heart of Vancouver, is active with a lively mix of watercraft, from mini-ferries, rowing shells, […]
What’s in Your First-Aid Kit?
Scrapes, cuts, and bruises are all part of life on and off our boats. Being able to deal with medical situations appropriately makes them minor annoyances rather than emergencies. An on board first-aid kit is your first line of defense. The kit’s contents should enable the crew to initiate appropriate care for common medical problems […]
Rules to Play By for a More Pleasurable Time on the Water
For many the dream of cruising British Columbia’s coast centers on freedom, self-reliance, adventure, discovery, challenge, camaraderie, and plain old fun! There are four basic guidelines for safer, more enjoyable boating that serve mariners well when embarking on a journey. While each taken alone at face value may seem like obvious common sense, together they […]
Preparing for Winterization
As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, boaters start to think about winterization for their vessels. Some hire professionals to do the job and others like to invest a little time doing a portion or all of it themselves. Whatever the case, the process is the same. When winterization is performed properly it will […]
Understanding Crankcase Oil Ratings
The fuel is what makes your engine fire, but it’s the crankcase oil that keeps it running. It’s important to use the proper type and grade of oil, and to do this, you need to understand the alpha numeric rating printed on the container. Before switching to a different brand or type of oil, check […]
Build a Comprehensive Owner’s Manual
There is no more important and useful tool for a boat owner than the owner’s manual supplied by the manufacturer. But all manuals are not created equally, so it makes sense to verify that what you have is what you will need to properly maintain the boat or rely on in case of an emergency […]
Herring Bay, Ruxton Island
If you are in search of a lovely Gulf Island anchorage with white-shell beaches and interesting weather carved sandstone formations, Herring Bay at the northwest end of Ruxton Island may be the spot you’re looking for. This cozy anchorage, with its outer limits defined by drying reefs and gorgeous view of Vancouver Island, is well […]
Boat Cards
Boating provides the opportunity to meet different and interesting people. Boaters like to get together. It can be difficult to keep everyone straight. Writing down their email and/or blog address, boat names and names of everyone you meet isn’t practical, so boaters simply exchange boat cards. Many cruisers carry boat cards to trade with one […]
Anchor Trip Line
A Simple Inexpensive Insurance Policy You have most likely read or heard stories of boaters having a hard time retrieving their anchor because of snagging an old logging cable, being lodged between rocks, or hooking another boat’s anchor. If they had a simple device called an anchor trip line, they may have been able […]
Autumn Boating on the Salish Sea
The rewards of autumn cruising include a slower pace, quieter destinations, and surprisingly good weather. For some coastal cruisers this is their favorite time of the year. After a treasured sunny, almost warm late-autumn day a harvest moon rises big and bright in a cloudless sky, its track shimmering across the water into the anchorage. […]