Photo Essay: On the Water Under Covid
Editor's Note: The article below characterizes one boater's choices and observations. It references the reality that some individuals are not complying with social distancing guidelines as closely as others. Both 48° North…
Secret Behind Portland’s Marine Graffiti
Graffiti found at Portland's loading docks is more than it appears The Lower Willamette River is known for its Superfund site and industrial loading docks. There is no natural shoreline, just huge vertical piers. It’s an…
Close to the Water: Where the Action Is
Large crossings in a small boat create a deeper appreciation for the simple beauty of shallow water and vibrant shorelines One of the reasons I love small boats is because they are so well suited for cruising in shallow…
Sailing with My Clan
From the April 2020 issue. I’m hardly the first to row or sail the Inside Passage in a small craft. Yet, during the first 100 miles of my journey south from Port McNeil, Row Bird was the sole open boat on the water. Pulling…
Rowing the Rapids of the Inside Passage
Heading south from the Broughtons on a small boat, the big rapids of the Inside Passage are calling If you haven't already read the first in Bruce's series on his Inside Passage small boat adventure, check it out here. Every…
Go North to Go South
48° North columnist Bruce Bateau has been sharing the story of his small boat voyage south from Port McNeil, BC to Anacortes. This story appeared in the February issue of the magazine, and you can see his next web exclusive…
Saving Lakebay Marina for Everyone
Murkiness surrounding the fate of South Puget Sound's Lakebay Marina is beginning to look a bit more clear The first time I tied up at the Lakebay Marina, a shaggy-looking guy tried to sell me a used motorboat. Then I nearly…
Close to Home Adventures on the Willamette
Like many Pacific Northwest boaters, come summer, I dream of sailing north, to places familiar or unknown, but always far away. The allure of the local is left to the neighborhood farmer’s market or the nearby park. But…
A Porta Potty Party Barge? No Foolin’
As April fools day approaches, my mind always strays to the regional tall tales locals like to spin: Scotland’s Loch Ness monster, our Pacific Northwest Bigfoot, and the rumored alligator of my own cruising grounds, the…
Rules, resolutions and varnishing in 2018
I spent far too much time in 2017 applying toxic marine products to my boat. On sunny, breezy summer days, it was hard to avoid feeling like the best part of the season had escaped me: respirator strapped on, I felt like…