How-To: Stripping Your Boat’s Bottom
This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue of 48° North. It’s April and in the boatyard, the tide is beginning to shift. Just weeks ago, a whole day may have gone by before we spotted anyone else laboring…
How-To: Get Away From the Dock, Stay Away from the Dock
This article was originally published in the September 2021 issue of 48° North. About a year ago, my partner and I made the decision to leave our costly liveaboard moorage and make an attempt to stay at anchor for as long as…
How-To Insulate Your Boat’s Windows
From the April 2021 48° North issue Spring is here, but outside it will still be predominantly cool and wet for a few months. Conversely and unsurprisingly, we would prefer the inside of our boats to be as warm and dry as…
How To: Smooth Reefing for Smooth Sailing
From the January 2021 issue of 48° North. Winter winds are here! It’s something to celebrate, but also something that requires special readiness. Being able to reduce sail to maintain better control of the boat is, of…
Love Thy Diesel: Part 2
PART 2: REGULAR, LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST From the June 2019 issue of 48° North. Last month, we discussed how and why to go through a thorough checklist before starting up your boat’s diesel engine each day. This…
Love Thy Diesel
PART 1: A PROPER PRE-START CHECKLIST From the May, 2019 issue of 48° North. Whether it is the main engine or a generator, any engine has a checklist of things to go over in the course of normal operation, as well as regular…
The Ins-and-Outs of Using Your Horn Cleats
Cleats = Good. Proper Use = Even better! Properly installed horn cleats are some of the most important pieces of gear that we have aboard our boats. And it's also imperative to know how to use them them properly. You'd be…