Author Archives: Jeffrey

Getting to Know Our Autohelm – Raymarine Type 2 Linear Drive Autopilot

I recently took apart our Autohelm – now Raymarine – Type 2 Linear Drive Autopilot to diagnose and correct a reoccurring issue we were having over the summer. Before starting to take it apart, I was a bit terrified of … Continue reading

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Leaving Bear and Thinking about the Work that Remains

It has been a hot and sunny day here in St. Mary’s. This morning I put a second coat of Bilgekote on the cabinet below the galley sink. I also completed the work on our freshwater system, installing the last … Continue reading

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Replacing the Chainplates: Now or Later

It is nearly 9pm on Monday evening, and I just made it back to the boat after flying in from Peoria. My flights were not too bad, especially because I got a first class seat for the last leg into … Continue reading

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Cruising with the Grateful Dead

You might ask how you fit the Grateful Dead, cruising, and computer programming together. Well, I am going to do it in this post. First off, the Grateful Dead: I have been working on a new website that I would … Continue reading

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Our Second Day at the Miami Boat Show – Jimmy Cornell and more free rum

Sunday was another beautiful day in Miami, just slightly warmer than the day before. My Dad and I got to the boat show in the mid-morning, parking again down by Bayside and the Strictly Sail area. After arriving, we quickly … Continue reading

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Some Thoughts after the First Day of the Miami Boat Show

After hauling down from Illinois to Florida and picking up my Dad near Charlotte Harbor, the two of us rolled into the Miami Boat Show around 2pm today. We started off at the Strictly Sail portion of the show, casing … Continue reading

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Planning for More Work Aboard Bear

Ever since we were in St. Mary’s working on the boat, Margaret and I have been discussing what still absolutely needs to get done and all the jobs that we would like to finish before we splash her in May. … Continue reading

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Our Experiences Shopping and Shipping with Online Marine Stores

After waiting for packages of parts to be delivered – and shipped – over the last three weeks while we are working on Bear in Georgia, I figured I would share what we learned about some of the chandleries that … Continue reading

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100 Things to Do on a Boat

Margaret and I are always amazed by how many people post on CruisersForum, Liveaboard Cruisers, and other online venues asking how people keep from getting bored while at anchor or on a long passage. When aboard, we are always hunting … Continue reading

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Assessing What We Have Accomplished and What Remains

Margaret and I have had some long days on the boat as of late. Consequently, I have been exhausted when we returned to our hotel and have lacked the energy or focus to write a post. I am no less … Continue reading

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