It may be a little past the mid-season point, but there’s still plenty of time to hit the water. Before you do, review these tips on some of the best mid-season maintenance practices. Although this article includes tips for mid-season boat maintenance, it’s in the best interest of your boat to review the factory recommended […]

What better way to have a family excursion, or a solo adventure, than to explore a new waterway on a camping trip. Or maybe you'd…

One of the best things about getting a new boat is naming it. But, similar to naming a pet (or even a baby), this can feel like a big decision. This name represents you when you're out on the water or docked in the harbor with your friends. It has to be perfect. Naming your boat might not seem like a big deal, but that doesn't take away the dread or urgency. We have talked about the ideal name before but this is things that you really should consider when naming the new craft. If you've been sitting there with an unnamed vessel after your most recent boat purchase, agonizing over the best name, we'd like to help you out. We've got a few tips for making your new boat really feel like

Knowing how to tie a boat to a dock is a must if you want to keep your watercraft safe and secure while you're away. It's a basic skill that boat owners should learn. If you're a newbie or someone who needs a little refresher, here is a guide on how to tie a boat to a dock.

Nearly 100 boat-friendly recipes to make great meals on your cruising adventures not just possible but easy. They’re great for camping and RVing, too!

You don't need to spend a lot of money to make your older boat sail better. David Harding shares his six top tips to make your yacht sail efficiently

If you're new to boating, you might want to start your list of first-time boat owner must-haves. Here's a quick list we've put together for you.

An outline of the importance of each seat within the race boat lineup, and what the coach needs from you mentally, behaviorally, physically, and attitudinally.

15 simple things to check if the outboard won't start -- along with how to fix them at least well enough to get home. No mechanical skills needed!

A huge amount of time and effort has to go into getting a boat, planning the finances, and preparing to set sail. But there's also the issue of fitting in as

Here's a list of 101 pontoon boat naming ideas you can take inspiration from. Includes fun names, clever names, things that I consider the best, plus some tips on how you can choose the best name for you vessel.

Are you looking for a Sailboat Maintenance Checklist? Here are 10 mission critical tasks to perform every day and/or week when on a sailboat. Video too!

BoatUS Magazine, the largest boating magazine in the US, provides boating skills, DIY maintenance, safety and news from top experts.

Leaving mildew to grow in your boat carpet could end up creating a big problem. Stop growth early with these tips.

Bringing a boat back to the wharf should be done with great care. Not only is there seldom as much room as the operator would wish, but others will probably stop what they are doing to watch the do…

When and why do you fly a Q flag on a boat? What the quarantine flag means, where to buy one, when to raise it and lower it.

Bring back the shine to your watercraft!

Looking to impress your Midshipman? When it comes to knowing your nautical knots, you might find yourself in a bind, fit to be tied. But fear “knot,” here is a primer on the knots you need to know.

Now that you've finally achieved your dream of owning a boat, the next crucial step is to give it a name. Here is a list of over 400 cool and classy names for your spanking new vessel.

We went backpacking on Catalina Island. We backpacked 7 1/2 miles to camp at Parsons Landing.The sites are seculed and quite.

This is the BEST and MOST EFFECTIVE WAY on how to remove mildew from vinyl boat seats. Take a few simple products and around 30 minutes of your time.

Bordeaux is world-famous for its wine. But the French, even the Europeans really, have been keeping a secret. Bordeaux isn't just fabulous because it produces some of the best wine in the world. It's a

Dave Selby describes the tortuous boat-handling processes which led to him being rear-ended by a pontoon

In 2019, boat sales in the US were at an all-time high. Retailers sold almost 300,000 powerboats alone, the second-highest volume that decade. If you live by an ocean, lake, or river, it’s likely at least one of the men in your life owns a boat. Maybe they’re a passionate freshwater fisherman; perhaps they head far into the ocean on deepsea diving expeditions. Whatever they do on the water, you likely need some ideas for boating gifts for men. If you’re struggling to find the perfect boating gifts for the dad who has it all, read on for a selection of out-of-the-box and practical suggestions. Keeping up Appearances: Boat Cleaning Products Cleaning is a non-negotiable part of boat maintenance. Without the right products and tools, a boat owner can easily make a mistake and risk damaging their vessel. Cleaning Products That Work Boaties need to regularly rinse down their boat after each trip out on the ocean or lake. It’s an essential cleaning step. There are also a few cleaning products that a dedicated boatie might also want in their arsenal. Buy your sailor man a no-slip deck cleaner and he’ll thank you all the way to next Christmas. Outside of the hull, the area that sees the most wear-and-tear on a boat is probably the deck. People walking on it, fish dragged up on board, ice chests, furniture, fishing gear, and more. These can all cause scratches, scuffs, and tears. Don’t forget about all that metal. Even the toughest railings can corrode quickly when exposed to the harsh salt of ocean water. A quality marine metal polish makes the perfect gift for any fastidious mariner. Top Tools for Easier Cleaning Fancy soap foam guns, utility buckets, and water hoses. It’s not only cleaning products that make after-adventure clean-up a breeze. Having the right cleaning tools and supplies makes a potentially tough job quick and simple. Machine washable microfiber sponges and cloths don’t leave streaks or debris behind. The netted mesh surface and microfiber nodules work as gentle scrubbers. Use them to apply wax, clean surfaces, and polish windows. Boat cleaning tools made from silicone, such as silicon squeegees, last a long time. Choose to gift silicon boat cleaning supplies and you’re giving the gift of longevity. Spotless Interiors In bigger boats, the cabin needs as much attention as the exterior if you want to keep it clean and comfortable. Upholstered furniture such as kitchen nooks, lounges, and bar stools need regular brushing to keep them looking fresh. Look for brushes with natural fibers like horsehair. They polish as well as clean leather and vinyl without damaging it. Bathrooms and sleeping cabins usually aren’t well ventilated in even the biggest boats and yachts. Gift your seaman family member or friend mildew remover and you’ll be sure to have a mold-free spot to sleep when they inevitably invite you to sail with them. Essential Boating Accessories There’s nothing a seasoned sailor finds more useful than ropes and lines. They’re used on boats small and large for rigging, docking, anchoring, and towing. Ropes made of plastic materials like polyester or nylon are the most durable. Paddles aren’t just for kayakers. They’re useful on bigger boats, too. Use them to pick up items dropped overboard, push a boat away from a pier, or propel a liferaft in an emergency. Get water-resistant stickers made up and paddles can make useful personalized gifts for boat owners. Other great safety-related gifts include life vests, fire extinguishers, and sound or visual signal devices. Even something as mundane as a manual bilge pump can make a surprisingly useful gift for a boatie that cares about safeness. Boating Gifts for Men: Look the Part From personalized beach towels to boat shoes, oil-skin coats, and below deck decor. Getting your boat-obsessed man something that makes him look ocean-faring will always be a winner. Wearable Boat Tech You can never go wrong with gadgets when it comes to the men in your life. For those passionate about the ocean, a marine or sailing watch is sure to please. Not only do the watches look great on or off the water, but they also come with a range of smart features. These mini-computers can even connect to the boat’s autopilot so you can steer your boat from your wrist. Other technology solutions suitable for ocean use include a fish finder, waterproof action cameras, drones, or even something as simple as a water-resistant case for their smartphone. Boat-Warming Gifts Has the boatie in your life gifted themselves a new boat for Christmas? Add to their seasonal cheer with a boat-warming gift tailored to their brand new ocean-going vessel. Nothing says “I own that boat” than a personalized captain’s hat. Look for something with a wide brim and a tight fit. It will protect the eyes and skin from the sun glaring off the water and stay on in even the roughest of squalls. Add a pair of UV-protective sunglasses and a bottle of water-resistant sunscreen and you have a suitable gift pack! Classic Sailor Tattoos Getting inked makes for a somewhat more unusual good luck gift for a new boat or the boatie that has it all. Treat that salty sailor in your life to a tattoo. Seamen in Britain and the United States have got nautical themed body art for protection, good luck, and guidance for centuries. The legend goes that it was bold adventurer Captain James Cook and his crew that started the tradition way back in the 1700s. They were fascinated by the tattoos they saw on the Maori people of New Zealand that they decided to get tattoos themselves. A compass star is the most authentic symbol, but anchors, swallows, hula girls, crossed cannons, and rope are also popular. Think Useful for Gift Giving Success When it comes to boating gifts for men, practical products are the golden rule. The sailor in your life is bound to enjoy something he can use. Especially when it means he can keep his pride and joy looking great, stay out on the water longer, and look good when he’s chasing that big catch. If you’re hunting for the perfect gift for your boat-mad partner, brother, father, or friend, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you at Better Boat. Shop all marine cleaning products and supplies online today!

Don't let fear of seasickness on a cruise keep you from enjoying a great family vacation. Try these strategies to help avoid motion sickness on cruises.

In this post I list the items you are unlikely to have if you have never done bluewater or long-term cruising before. There are some essential safety product and also a couple of cool upgrades which will help you be comfortable.

When you follow these ten steps for how to winterize a boat you'll help prevent major expenses down the line.

Marine Insight - The maritime industry guide.

I use natural solutions when I do the cleaning, and I can say that I reduced costs considerably - a big improvement in my budget! Besides being economical, these natural solutions are extremely effective. The following carpet cleaner will remove any stain or debris from your carpet, leaving behind a pleasant odor. Prepare your own carpet cleaner for a chemical-free environment. 🛒 You need: a spray bottle 1 tablespoon of baking soda 1/3 glass of vinegar hot water (2-3 cups) 1 spoon of laundry detergent 🧴 How to prepare: Mix the above ingredients until the baking soda and laundry

Learn from 5 industry leading Chief Stews and the learning curves they had to go through when they stepped up as a Chief Stew for the first time.

Giethoorn is a cute little town in the Netherlands that is famous for all its pretty bridges, canals and the fact that there are no roads. Giethoorn is a great destination for a day trip in the Netherlands, but you can also decide to spent one or two days in Giethoorn. In this post

To begin You don't need to know much about how a piston engine works in order to drive a car. You get in, turn on the engine, shift into gear, step on the gas, and off you go. In a sailboat, though, you play a far more active role in harnessing the energy that propels you forward. You can get

Successful summer travel starts at home with being prepared! Put together a Beach and Boat Tote to take with you with all your summer essentials.

This guide is packed full of unique gift ideas for boaters in your life. We’ve included super fun and practical gifts for all budgets and needs.

A top or dress with a boatneck, or bateau neckline, is simple and elegant - or easy and casual. It's easy to draft this neckline on your pattern, too!

i almost started a whole new category for the experience of sewing these tricky, little boat curtains called “fml.” if ya don’t know that acronym, google it. it accurately describ…

På begäran finns detta inlägget även på svenska. Det hittar du här. Why and when you need to make an FBA Most patterns are constructed with a cup size B in mind (sometimes a C). A cup size is a relative measure and not a fixed volume. That means that you can be a B-cup and still span across sizes 0-18 (or whatever) - the volume of a B cup size 18 is a lot bigger than a B cup size 0 . If the pattern maker should cater for all cup sizes they would need to make one pattern for every cup size AND every size!! Imagine that pattern sheet!!! Gee, that would be crazy, which is why they stick with only one cup for all sizes and let us do the adjustments at home. It was so much simpler when women were all Barbies. ;-) See that should probably answer your question on WHY ON EARTH clothes in the store never ever fit you right. Same reason. All made for the same one cup size... Now. For those of you who are a little intimidated by this, or that may be afraid that you are changing the design of the garment. Chill out. It is really quite simple and this is done to KEEP the design and not to distort it. I will be showing FBA on the Alma Blouse from Sewaholic Patterns. Signs that you need an FBA Fashion photo borrowed from Ottobre 5/2011, sewing pattern magazine. If you would solve the above problems by just wearing a larger size, then the fit around your waist and shoulders will not be great. Just because the boobs are big, you haven't changed your frame, right? In this picture I am wearing my first Alma. I did just that, i.e. no FBA and went with a larger size. No complete disaster but there is definitely a lot to ask if you're picky, like me. No FBA, larger size to fit the bust. Another 'classic' we are all much too aware of, is the buttoned shirt where you are afraid to move your arms in case the buttons will pop off (have you ever taped, sewn, safety-pinned or glued the fabric in place between the boobs to feel secure?). I was just done wearing shirts altogether until I learned about FBA. Another graphic to illustrate this (I am such an artist!): You see that the green "fabric" needs to be way longer than the red "fabric", even though the neck and the waist are in the same places. This drawing is necessary to calm those of you who fear your garment will be bigger and tent-like after a FBA is done. It won't be, but your boobs will fit. The FBA process Now there are certain steps to take in order to succeed with the pattern alteration. I am sure there are many different ways to do this, but this is how I do it. If you have a better way, do tell! I am eager to learn! #1 Find your size and trace your pattern!! Really goes without saying, but you will be doing some cutting so don't spoil the original sheets. What size to cut? It is not always a clear answer to that, since we are all different. Some women have broad shoulders and should select a size that accommodates them, while others have a tummy to include in the game. If you have sewn some in the past you may have an idea on how the rest of your frame fits into patterns? If not. Do measure your "high bust" measurement instead. That is putting a tape measure under your armpits, around your back and OVER your bust (as opposed to across your widest part). Then measure your waist, hips etc and select the size that is closest to fit. For myself I've learned that my shoulders are pretty average and usually fit into patterns without alteration so I just go by the waist measure and that's my size. The boobs will be taken care of soon. My measures: High bust (as described above): 36 inches Waist (my skinniest part of the torso): 30 inches According to the pattern back table those measures are exactly a size 10. Meaning that if I had a B-cup, a size 10 would fit me like a glove. For reference my real bust measurement is 39 inches = 3 inches larger than the size 10 of the table. So, I will now trace a size 10 exactly as is and cut it out. Size 10 straight from the pattern. Darts in yellow. #2 Find your apex and make sure the darts point to it. This step is more important than you might think, you'll see why in a minute, so don't give this a miss. If you look at the pattern, all darts usually point towards the same point - the apex. Apex being the highest point of your chest (for most people, the nipple). If you run right into a wall, your apex is the point that hits the wall first, unless your nose beats you to it ;-) Mark your apex on the pattern. Is it in the same place as pattern wants it to be? Congratulations, move on to #3. If not, go to a plastic surgeon and have your nipples moved into the correct location. OR, you can alter the pattern, which is what I prefer. It is cheaper too. Original apex marked yellow. My apex marked blue. As you can see in the picture my apex is quite far off the original location. Now I need to make sure the darts point towards the blue X instead of the yellow. The easiest thing is to move the waist dart. Just put a piece of paper over the yellow one and copy it. Then put the copy in the position you want UNDER the pattern sheet and then just trace a new one. My pattern now looks like this: Blue is my new waist dart. Now there are two ways of changing the bust dart so that it points towards YOUR apex. You either just start at the side markings of the dart and adjust the angle of the point, then true up the dart legs. The reason I don't prefer to do it this way is because you then change the design of the garment (if you're picky). The bust dart will then, in my case, be tilted slightly downwards instead of more upwards. The other way to do it is to lower the entire dart the same amount as your apex is lowered, in my case 3 cm. Before you do that it is wise to fold up the current dart and mark the sideline of the "sewn" garment so that you know what it should look like after you have moved the dart. Blue is new bust dart, 3 cm lower than the yellow. Cut off the paper between the yellow dart legs (marked blue line) and fold up your new dart to verify the shape of the side seam. Okay, so why was all this hassle important again? Well, now that everything points towards apex you can go crazy in the next step and still be sure that you add fabric only in the right places - without adding to your waistline, armpits or other places!!! And it kind of looks shitty when a dart points in the wrong direction too. And this goes for other types of FBAs too! As long as you keep your FBA in the middle of dart and/or tuck markings you are not distorting the design - it doesn't matter from what place or angle the dart/tuck originates!! Beautiful! So, NOW we can actually start doing the FBA! #3 - the actual FBA!!! If you remember from #1 above, I needed to adjust the front piece by 3 inches = 1,5 inch (4cm) on one pattern half. A rule of thumb in adjustment is 1 cm per cup size (counting from B), which would in that case suggest that I wear a size F, which I do :-) But - another aspect to take into account is the "finished measurements" of the garment. For my bust, being 39'', the ready measures for the garment around the bust is 43'' which is more ease than I like, even for a loose fitting blouse. Therefore I'll do an FBA of 2cm on a half front, instead of 4cm. Time to cut up the pattern! For this step I strongly advise working over a grid since it makes life so much easier. Remember I said we want to cut within of our darts to not distort the design. The first cut is vertical from the bottom, through the waist dart, to the apex The next cut is from the apex to the armpit. Aim for anywhere on the lower 3rd of the curve - but DO NOT cut all the way through!! Leave just a tiny piece of the paper. The next cut is from the side through the bust dart up to the apex - but NOT all the way, leave a little just before reaching apex. The last cut is a horizontal cut from the waist dart to the centre fold side. Cut all the way through. All the cuts are marked in red on my pattern: Now remember for my FBA I wanted 2cm on the half front. When I cut and spread I want 2cm space in every direction: Shove a new piece of tracing paper underneath and draw the darts again and true up the legs: Note! Your new darts will be way bigger than the old ones (compare the blue bust dart with the old yellow one). This makes total sense - try fold a paper into a cone. I tall cone means longer dart than a short cone, right?! The waist dart now is extended all the way down, because I don't want to add width to the waist, but you can shape it differently if you like. And if you wanna be fancy then trace the whole thing on new paper and there you go!! The finished piece!! No go sew! The result will look something like this (the blouse has been worn for a couple of hours in the picture if you wonder why I haven't ironed it properly). Still quite roomy and comfy but skims off the body nicely. Compare with the non FBA'd pic from the top... I rest my case. /Alexandra

A cruiser offers a guide to the enlightened art of fendering, along with useful tips to prevent wear-and-tear to your sailboat's topsides. Hands-On Sailor "Seamanship" from our September 2012 issue.

While sailing the world for a year, I had EPIC battles with seasickness. Medications didn’t help me but these 30 Tips for Battling Seasickness made the experiences more bearable. Whether you are in a sailboat, cruise ship, fishing boat, recreational boat, or in a car, train, airplane, bus or any ot

Are you planning a trip to Europe? Check out this article for Europe Travel checklist and tips to help you get ready for Europe travel - Europe Planning 101

Non-slip (Kreh) loop knot definition, how do you tie instructions, tips, advantages and disadvantages, non-slip mono loop knot how to tie video