Three Sheets Northwest: Two Sailors Walk into a Bar

An Interesting and Informative Electrical Seminar Sparks a Bevy of Boaty Questions

Three Sheets Northwest: Snagged in the Swinomish

The Swinomish channel current swirls alongside…

Three Sheets Northwest: The Homeport

When switching marinas is more sentimental than anticipated

Three Sheets NW:
A Van Isle Cruiser’s Hat Trick

Sunrise over Vancouver Island on approach to…

A Reluctant Bilge Dive Reveals Big Trouble

Even a well prepared boat like Rounder can have some gremlins…

Working on Boats: A Space Odyssey

I’ll just come right out and say it — I’m one of those weirdos who actually enjoys working on boat projects nearly as much as I enjoy being out on the boat.  Of all the upgrades and repairs we’ve made to our 1984 Passport 40…

Recommissioning: From the Blues to Blue Skies

This article was originally published in the March 2022 issue of 48° North Ah, spring at the marina. Full of promise. Renewal. Great times lay ahead.   Blah, blah, blah.  I trudge down to the boat in early March, dock cart…

The Four Lessons from a 10-year Refit

This article was originally published in the January 2022 issue of 48° North. It was a miserable February day in 2012, a gray slush dripping from the leaden sky as my wife, Deborah, and I walked carefully down the dock at a…

Report: 48°N Columnists Share Experiences and Tips Crossing Newly Opened US-Canada Border

48° North columnists Marty McOmber and Deborah Bach recently crossed the newly opened U.S.-Canada border in Sidney, British Columbia. Here's how it went for them, along with some tips for other cruisers considering doing the…