Alison Major 8/8/25 Alison Major 8/8/25

How to Choose the Right Weather App for You

Not all weather apps are created equal—and not every cruiser needs the same kind of forecast. Here’s how to choose the right marine weather app based on how you cruise and what kind of information you trust most.

Alison Major 8/6/25 Alison Major 8/6/25

3 Mistakes Boaters Make with Weather Apps

Weather apps are incredibly useful—but they’re not magic. Here are three common ways boaters misread or misuse them, and what to do instead so your next cruising leg isn’t a white-knuckle ride.

Alison Major 8/4/25 Alison Major 8/4/25

What to Look for in a Marine Forecast (Even If You’re Not a Weather Nerd)

You don’t need to be a meteorologist to cruise safely—but you do need to know how to read a marine forecast. In this post, we’ll show you the 3 key things we always check, the red flags we’ve learned to watch for, and the one clue that almost always means a front is coming.

Alison Major 8/1/25 Alison Major 8/1/25

Keeping Cruising Fun: Adjusting the Plan to Match the Energy

When the crew’s tired, the weather’s questionable, or a stop just isn’t what you hoped—it’s okay to pivot. Here’s how adjusting your plans along the Great Loop can actually make your experience better (and save your sanity).

Alison Major 7/30/25 Alison Major 7/30/25

Buffer Days & Bailouts: Real-Life Examples of Flexible Planning on the Loop

Cruising the Great Loop isn’t about rigid schedules—it’s about building in margin. From weather delays to surprise detours, here’s how we used buffer days and bailouts to keep our journey safe, sane, and flexible.

Alison Major 7/28/25 Alison Major 7/28/25

Weather Wisdom for Cruisers: Reading the Forecast & Staying Flexible

When the forecast looks fine but the water says otherwise, how do you know when to go or stay put? Here’s how to build confidence in your weather-watching skills and stay safe on the water — no matter where you’re cruising.

Alison Major 7/25/25 Alison Major 7/25/25

Staying in Touch While Cruising: Tools for Email, Messaging & More

Cruising doesn’t mean going off the grid entirely. Here’s how our family stays connected with email, messaging apps, video calls, and offline tools—whether we’re at anchor, underway, or out of cell range.

Alison Major 7/23/25 Alison Major 7/23/25

How to Use Starlink on a Boat (and When It’s Worth It)

Starlink has transformed how cruisers stay connected—but it’s not always plug-and-play. Here’s what to know about setup, usage, and whether the cost is worth it for your cruising lifestyle.

Alison Major 7/21/25 Alison Major 7/21/25

Offline Cruising: Best Apps for No-Signal Zones

Cruising off-grid? Here’s a curated list of the best offline-friendly apps for boaters, from charts and weather to books and entertainment.

Alison Major 6/27/25 Alison Major 6/27/25

Moving Days vs. Rest Days: Why You Need Both

Cruising the Great Loop is more than just making miles. Learn how rest days can keep your crew happier, your boat in better shape, and your Loop experience more enjoyable.

Alison Major 6/25/25 Alison Major 6/25/25

How to Plan a Loop Itinerary Without Burning Out

Cruising the Great Loop is an adventure, not a race. Learn how to plan your itinerary with enough flexibility, rest days, and buffer time to avoid burnout.

Alison Major 6/23/25 Alison Major 6/23/25

How Far Should You Cruise in a Day? Here’s What Most Loopers Do

Wondering how far you should travel each day on the Great Loop? Here’s what most cruisers do, with realistic distances by boat type, region, and season.

Alison Major 6/20/25 Alison Major 6/20/25

Erie Canal History: The “Folly” That Changed America

From mules on towpaths to booming Midwest towns, the Erie Canal’s history is full of surprises. Here’s how this waterway reshaped the country, and why it still matters to cruisers today.

Alison Major 6/18/25 Alison Major 6/18/25

Choosing Your Route: Erie Canal, Oswego, or Triangle Loop?

Planning your Great Loop route through New York? Here’s a practical breakdown of the Erie Canal, Oswego Canal, and Triangle Loop routes: based on air draft, timing, and adventure level.

Alison Major 6/16/25 Alison Major 6/16/25

Erie Canal Locks 101: What to Expect, What to Bring, and How to Stay Calm

New to locking through? Here’s your practical guide to Erie Canal locks, with gear checklists, calm communication tips, and family-friendly advice for a smooth experience.

Alison Major 6/13/25 Alison Major 6/13/25

Weekend Warriors vs. Full-Time Cruisers: Sharing the Water in Summer

Summer weekends bring big crowds and fast boats. Here’s how full-time cruisers can adjust their expectations and share the water with part-timers and vacationers.

Alison Major 6/11/25 Alison Major 6/11/25

Cruiser Etiquette During Busy Season: How to Share Tight Spaces Without Losing Your Cool

Summer cruising can get crowded—anchorages, locks, marinas, and tempers! Here’s how to practice good cruiser etiquette and keep things calm during peak season.

Alison Major 6/9/25 Alison Major 6/9/25

Can You Anchor Anywhere? How to Find Good Spots in a Crowded Cruising Season

Wondering if you have to anchor in a marked anchorage? Learn how to find safe, legal spots to drop the hook, even during peak boating season.

Alison Major 6/6/25 Alison Major 6/6/25

Safety Drills for Cruising Families: How to Practice Without Scaring the Kids

Emergency drills don’t have to be scary. Learn how to prepare your cruising family with calm, age-appropriate safety practice that builds confidence and skills.

Alison Major 6/4/25 Alison Major 6/4/25

What to Do If Someone Falls Overboard: A Step-by-Step Plan for Cruisers

Shorthanded crew? Cruising with kids? Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide for what to do if someone falls overboard, designed for real-world conditions and small crews.