News

9th January 2024

VHF Radio is a Boater’s Best Friend

With the age of cellphones many boaters may think they don’t need to install a very high frequency (VHF) radio…

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2nd January 2024

Rosario Resort & Spa, Orcas Island

Cruising northwest in Orcas Island’s East Sound, the white Moran Mansion of Rosario Resort & Spa comes into view well…

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11th December 2023

Telegraph Harbour

Located in the heart of the Canadian Gulf Islands, Telegraph Harbour is a special place, with two marinas and the…

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4th December 2023

False Creek

Considered one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver boasts spectacular mountain views, an amazing collection of beaches…

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27th November 2023

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…

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20th November 2023

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…

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13th November 2023

Preparing for Winterization

As winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, boaters start to think about winterization for their vessels. Some hire professionals…

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31st October 2023

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…

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23rd October 2023

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….

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17th October 2023

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,…

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10th October 2023

Boat Cards

Boating provides the opportunity to meet different and interesting people. Boaters like to get together. It can be difficult to…

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3rd October 2023

Anchor Trip Line

A Simple Inexpensive Insurance Policy   You have most likely read or heard stories of boaters having a hard time…

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25th September 2023

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…

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19th September 2023

Caring for the BBQ

Nothing beats a BBQ for onboard cooking, but don’t forget cleanup. Barbequing is many boaters’ favorite way to prepare a…

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5th September 2023

Getting the Most From Weather Observations

Most boaters know it is good practice to monitor appropriate VHF radio frequencies. Staying informed of current weather conditions and…

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31st August 2023

Sea Strainer Shouldn’t Strain to Strain

Raw-water strainers have a vital job aboard the boat, and their need for routine attention is well worth the effort….

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22nd August 2023

Caring for Your Boat’s Transducer

Hidden below the waterline, the transducers are the eyes of our depth sounders and fish finders. They rarely cross our…

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14th August 2023

Navigation in the Fog

Even though the back of your neck might prickle and the hairs rise up at the sight of fog creeping…

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31st July 2023

Alert Bay, Cormorant Island

Alert Bay, Cormorant Island A Walk Through Namgis Culture   Alert Bay on Cormorant Island, located on the northeastern side…

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26th July 2023

Flags, Ensigns, and Burgees – Getting it Right

Flags, Ensigns, and Burgees Getting it right.   Flags and pennants tell a story to those who observe them, so…

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16th July 2023

Walsh Cove Marine Park

Walsh Cove is one of the many marine parks that British Columbia has to offer. The park can be found…

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12th July 2023

Tod Inlet

Tod Inlet A visit to the southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia would not be complete without a visit to…

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4th July 2023

Museums of British Columbia’s Central Coast

Museums of British Columbia’s Central Coast One of the enjoyable aspects of cruising the waters of British Columbia is seeing…

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19th June 2023

Tips for Better Boating Photos

Want your boating photos to be the ones that everyone wants to see? The ones that look crisp, colorful, and…

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14th June 2023

Casting-off and Enjoying the Cruising Life

“We’ll leave when everything on the “to-do-list” is completed.” Sometimes that’s easier said than done.  All some individuals do is…

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9th June 2023

Boating with Guests

For a successful experience boating with guests, whether for a short tour of local waters or for an extended multiple-night…

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5th June 2023

Ganges, Saltspring Island, B.C.

There are many peaceful seaside communities in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, but there is only one place that honestly can…

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29th May 2023

Preparing Your Diesel Engine for Cruising

For many coastal cruisers, there’s nothing more pleasurable than sitting at anchor in a secluded cove of northern British Columbia…

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16th May 2023

Handy Galley Tools

Everyone knows what you need in a good kitchen. It starts with a complete set of sharp knives and a…

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15th May 2023

Roche Harbor Resort, San Juan Island

Roche Harbor Resort, on San Juan Island, has come a long way from its beginnings when Hudson’s Bay Company built…

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1st May 2023

Tips for the First Time Inside a Passage Cruiser

Who among us hasn’t daydreamed about the ultimate cruise up the beautiful and breathtaking B.C. Coast? The one where you…

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27th April 2023

Port Sidney Marina to Host Largest In-the-water Boat Show on West Coast

Nothing will take the chill out of the air than a spring boat show. Celebrating its 32nd anniversary, the BC…

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17th April 2023

Know The Rules of The Road

While driving your car, you operate in a well-organized environment. There are roads, lanes, signs, traffic signals and rules. But…

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10th April 2023

Gibsons, British Columbia

Twenty miles northwest of Vancouver on the Sunshine Coast, the colorful seaside village of Gibsons, attracts hundreds of boaters year-round….

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27th March 2023

Freedom Marine is #1 in Canada for 11 Years* and Counting!

With 26 years of experience, Freedom Marine is constantly staying ahead of the evolving power boat and sailboat market. We…

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27th March 2023

Keeping Your Fenders Looking New

Nothing spoils a boat’s appearance as much as dirty, stained fenders hanging from the rails or lined up on the…

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14th March 2023

When (Anchor) Size Does Matter

Anchoring can be a humbling experience, even for seasoned skippers. But the use of the proper style oversize ground equipment…

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6th March 2023

Sullivan Bay, North Broughton Island

The first thing that strikes you when approaching Sullivan Bay Marina, located on Sutlej Channel, is the huge Canadian and…

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3rd March 2023

Spring Cleaning and Polishing

The annual ritual of washing and polishing the boat before spring use can be tedious. It doesn’t need to be…

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20th February 2023

Port McNeill, Vancouver Island

Port McNeill is the gateway to the Broughton Archipelago. Located on the northeastern Vancouver Island shoreline and on the doorstep…

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13th February 2023

PRE-SEASON INFLATABLE CARE

Most inflatable boats are used as tenders and are subjected to some tough conditions, but if maintained properly they should…

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6th February 2023

Mural Town – Chemainus, British Columbia

Located on Vancouver Island’s eastern shore, Chemainus is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Its name comes from the…

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26th January 2023

It’s Boat Show Time – Vancouver International Boat Show

Nothing can drive the chill out of frigid winter days like a boat show. Strolling past row after row of…

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9th January 2023

A Calculated Investment

Purchasing a boat is more than signing on the dotted line. A boat is a calculated investment that pays dividends…

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3rd January 2023

Prideaux Haven

When cruising through Desolation Sound, it’s hard not to stop by the anchorages in Prideaux Haven to enjoy picturesque sunsets…

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2nd December 2022

Mid-Winter Boat Checks

If your boat has been winterized thoroughly and buttoned-up tightly to anticipate wintry weather, you’re justified in not visiting your…

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25th November 2022

Dinghy Dock Etiquette

In many popular Salish Sea cruising destinations or stopovers, dinghy docks can become very crowded during the height of the…

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16th November 2022

Engine Fluid Analysis

Engine fluid analysis is like a blood test for your boat. The patient may look fine, and even feel well,…

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10th November 2022

Winter Boat Smarts

Winter Boating Smarts The summer boaters have packed it in, the tourists have gone home, and the islands and coast…

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2nd November 2022

Seven Tips for Safe and Fun Winter Cruising

Winter cruising means enjoying familiar anchorages and harbors without the crowds! It’s not that unusual to be the only transient…

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