Blog — FollowingSeas

Dave Pike's Most Excellent Adventure Continues

Dave Pike's Most Excellent Adventure Continues

I catch up with Dave Pike and get a boat tour of his small cruising boat, on his second half of the Great Loop. His modified Walker Bay is a dandy little craft, well thought out and designed for capable cruising.

The Boat Should Fit Your Plan

The Boat Should Fit Your Plan

It is much more fun to live with a boat that fits your actual cruising plans, not some fantasy dream machine that is way more than you need or can afford. Finding a good fit makes for a memorable adventure rather than a trip down bummer lane. The number of big trawlers for sale for "health reasons" is proof that one should focus on the smallest boat that is big enough.

The End of Paper Charts...and More

The End of Paper Charts...and More

So much has happened in our lifetime, so why should anyone be surprised that paper charts are going away? Modern electronic charting and navigation systems at so much better in all ways, whether you are a commercial, government, or recreational mariner. Change is coming...

The Nature of Boat... Owners

Not every boat owner has the same approach to cruising. Some cruisers pass through an island chain, while others have a favorite harbor where they remain to engage the community. Each are valid reasons to be on the water. What kind of type of boat owner are you?

Keeping Diesel Fuel Clean

Keeping Diesel Fuel Clean

Recurring questions and inaccurate answers rule the day on the Internet when it comes to diesel fuel and delivery systems. I'm going through my notes to collect credible information gathered over many years. Ultimately I plan to assemble this into a resource of some value.

New York Canal System Set to Open For Free

New York Canal System Set to Open For Free

Details of the 2017 NY Canal System, which opens this month. It is the bicentennial of the Erie Canal, ans will include lots of special events during the season.

When His Get Home Saved The Day

When His Get Home Saved The Day

Brian Calvert shares his experience of losing his Cummins diesel engine at a critical place and time. After trouble free operation taking him halfway around the world, its loss put him in peril. Thankfully, he installed a Wesmar auxiliary propulsion unit before leaving Seattle. This get home system saved him from serious consequences off the coast of Borneo.

Best Watch System Ever

Best Watch System Ever

I'd like to introduce you to a great watch schedule designed for a four-person crew. Each person gets most of a day off every four days, with a full night off to catch up on sleep. This is my favorite watch system from the many passages I've made.