Blog — FollowingSeas
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The All-Important Spring Sea Trial

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The All-Important Spring Sea Trial

The best way to have a trouble-free cruising season is to perform a thorough sea trial after you launch the boat. And be sure to run the boat at full throttle, which will surface equipment and components that are ready to break, clog, or disintegrate. 

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Times are Changing - Developing Young Craftsmen

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Times are Changing - Developing Young Craftsmen

It is time to develop a skilled workforce in the marine industry, as many older techs retire. Developing apprenticeship programs is now the focus of industry, federal, and state government who partner to create a talented and quality labor resource for the future.

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Monday Minute - My Chain Hook

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Monday Minute - My Chain Hook

Here is my version of a traditional chain hook with locking gate, custom made of 3/8-inch stainless steel plate. It is super strong and will never separate from the anchor chain, so I can sleep soundly, knowing the snubber/bridle will do its job even if we are in shallow water.

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The Bucket

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The Bucket

One of my all-time favorite true stories about a couple, alone in an anchorage, when something terrible happens that neither expected. Proof that great things never happen in comfort zones.

Have a box of Kleenex handy.

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Monday Minute - Refresh Your Passing Skills

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Monday Minute - Refresh Your Passing Skills

If you are doing the Loop, ICW, northern canals, or other waterway cruises that involves narrow rivers or canals, reacquaint yourself with the proper signals for passing other boats and marine traffic.

Is it one toot or two?

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Stormy Petrel

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Stormy Petrel

When you dream of the perfect boat for all the cruising dreams you want to do now, stop thinking you need a battleship. Take a chill pill and read about a couple who went way beyond the cruising plans of most anyone wanting to liveaboard and see the world.

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Monday Minute - Bridge Clearance

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Monday Minute - Bridge Clearance

As the new cruising season is on the horizon, it's not a bad idea to review some basic cruising information that not every cruiser deals with often. In this case, we clarify bridge clearance.

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Check Your Inflatable PFDs

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Check Your Inflatable PFDs

Safety gear can sometimes be forgotten when it comes to maintenance. I recently examined my inflatable PFDs to make sure they will inflate if they are ever needed.

When was the last time you checked yours?

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Monday Minute - Treat Yourself to A Voluntary Survey

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Monday Minute - Treat Yourself to A Voluntary Survey

Consider a marine survey of your boat, especially if you have owned it for years. It is a good way to identify issues before your cruising season begins.

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Diesel Duck's George Buehler has Died

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Sad news to pass along. George Buehler has passed away from complications resulting from an aortic aneurysm. 

We first met George and his wife Gail on Whidbey Island soon after launching PassageMaker. His unique design style and philosophy was apparent from the first moment.

While I did not agree with all of his concepts, his perspective was uniquely his.

I wish Gail peace and give her our prayers. Details on the link:

http://bit.ly/2FOIXLZ

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