Test and Document Your Boat’s Power System
From the April 2021 48° North Issue. To keep everything working on your summer cruising adventures, spring is the perfect time to learn more about and test your boat's electrical systems. I like to say your boat has two…
Tips to Get Your Boat Out of its Winter Slumber
From the April 2021 issue of 48° North. One of the fortunate parts of being a boater in the Pacific Northwest is that the waters of the Salish Sea are open for year-round racing and cruising adventures. That said, most…
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…
Cheesemaking a Cruiser’s Guide
This month’s Galley Essentials was written by Fi while she was cruising Australia. When Fi joined us on a South Pacific sailing expedition, we caught a glimpse of her talents as an Irish dancer but she did not let on that…
Artist’s View: Sea Gooseberry
From the March 2021 issue of 48° North. Imagine, if you will, it’s a spring evening and you glance over the rail. A small round and luminous clear orb of jelly the size of a marble seems to swim by your boat. It’s underwater…
The Nuts & Bolts of Lithium Power Systems
Tech Talk with SeaBits From the February, 2021 issue of 48° North. Lithium battery systems have become increasingly popular in the last few years, and offer a wealth of benefits for boats. However, there are some…
US Sailing Updates Safety at Sea Certificate Requirements Due to Pandemic
US Sailing has updated the Safety at Sea certificate requirements and expiration dates in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to continued restrictions for hosting in-person courses in 2021, US Sailing specifically…
Ode to the Iron Genny
Lessons Learned Cruising From the February 2021 issue of 48° North. Sailboats! Most of our cruising boats come equipped with noisemakers below deck: the so-called “Iron Genny” comes into service at times when it’s impossible…
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…
Artist’s View: Humpback Whale
From the January 2021 issue of 48° North A couple months ago, a juvenile humpback whale was found on the beach at Marrowstone Island, probably hit by a freighter. This is sort of a requiem to that whale, but also to pay…