At this point, the issue isn't the height of the mast, but rather the hieght of your life-line stanchions on the cabin top. With my mast off, I can fit under a 7' clearance without worry (railroad bridge on local lake); I'd worry at 6', though. Even at 7', I have to duck my head down. Mast crutch w...

Well...I'm about 100 miles NNE of you. You'd be wanting to sail Lake Carlyle (Carlyle, IL)--pretty much directly east of you about forty miles: the winds are usually wonderful blowing across the prairie. I understand Kentucky Lake (Paducah, KY) is nice, too: a bit further at about 170 miles. I've sp...

Actually, the cost of shore power tends to be about $50-70; at least if you choose the cheap route. Make a wire or buy ready made 30A locking male connector to female 110V spade connector: roughly fifty maybe a bit cheaper for do-it-yourself. I would recommend GFI protection either way just to be sa...

As I understand the current administration's take on Cuba, even if they suspect you MIGHT go to Cuba, they can confiscate your boat. It's interesting that this "guilty until proven innocent" philosophy violates the traditions of American law; however, sexual harassment is treated this same...

I have often heard the antenna being the reason people go for fixed, but couldn't one attach a fixed antenna at the top of the mast to a handheld for the times you need the distance? I admit I have never quite understood the whole antenna thing, and I know antenna length is dependent on wavelength; ...

DLT wrote:By this I assume you mean passports, as they are now required...

Are they required, yet? I knew they were required for arrival by plane, but I thought you could still get in via boat (or car) for this year. At least, that's what I get out of http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

kmclemore wrote:Here's a picture of the new trailer:

Well, to some extent anyway: it's the same old photo with a new trailer plopped in. Roger reuses photos and videos; I'm impressed by his commitment to recycling.

Is there even a Statute mile scale on nautical charts? Actually, those of us in the Midwest tend to use statute miles most of the time. Rivers are measured that way, and it tends to be more convenient on small inland lakes, as well. Even charts of the Great Lakes have a statute mile scale (along wi...

Since so many respondents are acquainted with the Power Squadron, and because I am always curious about statistics, I decided to create a poll.

Moe sums it up rather well. Several options to the public are offered (both boating safety and topical seminars), and courses are normally available for the cost of the books (a few local squadrons charge extra but most don't). Member courses are going to lead to Inland, Coastal and Offshore certifi...

If you have head odors, prevent the source of the odor, rather than trying to blow it away. I don't think my head smells any worse than the next guy's, but a porta-pottie tank with waste in it on a hot summer's day doesn't smell very pretty. Blowing that odor out of the boat rather than into it see...

Several threads exist in the archives about this, and I think a couple of mods have been posted. I have been interested in doing this, as well. I don't want a vent on deck where I walk, though. I'd rather go through the side behind the windows. Several people have told that would be a bad idea (pote...

I have debated two options. One choice would be to put a standard 30A locking recepticle outside the boat near the galley/companionway (near the DC panel on my X) with a short wire run to a GFI outlet inside and maybe another near the dinette. It doesn't seem like I'd need anything more complex. Am ...

My bank, an affiliate of a VERY small town bank, had the best rate when I bought mine. They treated it just like a car loan; I don't remember the exact details without going to the fire-safe for the documentation, but I think it was 5 years at 4.5%. The important thing is that it has to be a secured...

I'm probably not too picky, but I haven't test sailed any of the boats I've owned: Catalina 22, Hunter 170 and MacGregor 26X. I did sail on a 26X before I bought one, but I didn't sail the one I bought! I have been pretty happy with all of them.