BOATER EDUCATION
Chapman School of Seamanship Partners with BoatUS Foundation to Offer New On-Water Powerboat Training Courses
STUART, Fla., May 27, 2025 – The Chapman School of Seamanship, a respected 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a leader in maritime...
Florida Boating Requirements – You Need More Than the Coast Guard Requires
You've carefully outfitted your boat according to the Coast Guard checklist of essential items to pass an inspection – so...
Must-Have Safety Gear from Scho & Jo
When going out on the water, whether on your boat or a friend's boat, safety is the most important consideration....
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 4/25/2025
I'll cover the changes to the Atlantic ICW since the last Bulletin. Be sure to see all the spring Bulletins...
2025 National Women’s Sailing Association Conference
June 6–8, 2025 | St. Petersburg, FL
Presented by American SailingJoin fellow sailors for a weekend of hands-on training, community,...
Spring Cleaning for Your Navigation Tools
Now that we've enjoyed a relaxing winter down south, it's time to prepare your navigation tools for the cruise back...
Plan Your 2025 Boating Adventures with Waterway Guide
When you prepare to take the boat for a day, for a week, or for your long-planned great American adventure,...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 12/20/2024
The southern migration on the ICW is coming to a close as are the Bob423 AICW Bulletins. For those still...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 12/6/2024
1 – MM 240.7 - Onslow Bridge closed during weekdays from 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/22/2024
1 - MM 84 Alligator River Marina to close Dec 1stIt's the only marina between Coinjock and Dowry Creek Marinas,...
Hurricane Holes on the ICW
The best way to prepare for a hurricane is to be where the hurricane is not! Find an area far...
A Gnawing Problem... Chafe
In Ft. Lauderdale's Middle River, back when anchoring overnight was allowed, we pulled in and anchored. There was a sizeable...
Cruising Conditions of Bogue Sound
For the southbound traveler, below Morehead City the ICW follows Bogue Sound almost 25 miles to Swansboro (Mile 229), the...
Going South on the ICW in 2024
Contributing
Editor Bob423 offers an update on problem areas and solutions for transiting
the ICW this fall when heading south. Conditions...
Off-Season Boat Projects: Make the Most of Winter Storage
Winter storage is the perfect opportunity to tackle essential maintenance and upgrades it needs to feel like a brand new...
Sportfishing in the Florida Keys
While Islamorada bills itself as the "Sportfishing Capital
of the World," the entire Florida Keys island chain offers outstanding fishing...
Cordage: How Much Do You Really Need Aboard?
You're planning to go cruisin'; ever wondered if you had
enough cordage¾rope¾onboard? Granted, the
answer depends on where you'll cruise...
Preparing Your Home and Finances for Extended Cruising
Embarking on an extended cruising adventure requires preparation not just for the journey itself but also for leaving your life...
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Crossing the Gulf Stream
Navigating the Gulf Stream can be a challenging venture, and understanding common pitfalls is crucial for a successful crossing. Here's...
Cruising Conditions of the Hudson River
The Hudson River Valley is emerging as a haven for city refugees who want the culture without the noise and...
Bareboat Charter Provisioning Checklist
Some bareboat charter vessels include very basic supplies, so much so that the renter brings aboard everything from linens to...
Take the "Search" Out of Search and Rescue
"Do I know how to be found in an emergency?" That's a question every boater should ask. The answer, however,...
Chris Parker Weather Book Is Now Digital
Coastal and Offshore Weather, The Essential Handbook
is now a highly interactive and digitally delivered publication available in
the Waterway...
Good Windlass Habits
Even if you don't anchor often, there will still be times when you may need to depend on your windlass....
Are Boaters Doing Better When it Comes to Boating Safety?
The recently released U.S. Coast Guard 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics shows some good news on the boating safety front, with fatalities falling...
Video: Technology Exists Today to Help Prevent Whale Vessel Strikes
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) recently released a video in partnership with Viking Yachts to show firsthand the technologies available...
Guidelines for Refueling Your Boat Safely & Responsibly
Refueling your boat is a routine task that, if done carelessly, can lead to serious safety hazards. To ensure the...
2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast
The NOAA National Weather Service at the Climate Prediction Center has released its 2024 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, indicating an...
Navigating Boat Insurance: Why You Need It and How It Works
Boating offers unparalleled joys, but it's not without its risks. Whether you're navigating a quiet lake or the open seas,...
7 Practical Boating Tips for a Safe, Fun Summer on the Water From the BoatUS Foundation
How can you make your summer on the water a safe one? With National Safe Boating Week this week (May...
How to Throw a Line
Throwing a line accurately is not just a handy skill—it's essential for smooth sailing and docking. Whether you're a seasoned...
Comparing Marine Navigation Apps
If you've been anywhere near a boat in the past five years you know that mobile nautical navigation applications have...
How Long Do You Really Need an EPIRB?
The majority of the nation's nearly 12 million recreational boaters don't often travel far offshore, beyond cellular or VHF range....
How to ICW-Proof Your Engine by Max Parker of Zimmerman Marine
Editor's note: When I first cruised the ICW, I had mostly day sailed and the engine did not get much...
Loads on Ground Tackle
Load tables are extremely useful; that's where you find the information on how strong to make your ground tackle−anchors, rope,...
Reference Materials for Boaters & Cruisers
A cruising adventure requires not just skill and experience but also a solid foundation of knowledge. From navigating the intricate...
Top Tips For First-Time Cruisers According to Cruisers
We recently polled our Waterway Guide Facebook Community of cruisers to share what they considered to be the best tips...
Waves Upon, and Within, Waves
There was a rogue wave incident involving the cruise ship Viking Polaris on November 29, 2022, at 22:40 local time, while...
Exploring Tampa Bay by Boat
One of the great natural harbors of the world, Tampa Bay extends about 25 miles north to south and about...
Getting to Know Your Boat's Electrical System
The electrical system of a boat is the glue that holds the boat together. Nearly every other system on the...
What 222,000 Boaters Got Wrong
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers a range of online boating safety training courses — including 36 free state...
Basic Knowledge for Cruising the ICW: Part 2
Bob Sherer, known as Bob423, has devoted a chapter in his ICW Cruising Guide to essential insights and practical advice...
Waterway Guide Collaborates with Addison Chan for Bahamas Digital Guide
Waterway Guide is thrilled to announce the release of Waterway Guide Bahamas Land and Sea, a comprehensive digital cruising guide...
Chartering a Boat
When it comes to chartering a boat, it is best not to do it on a whim. This is especially...
Basic Knowledge for Cruising the ICW: Part 1
Bob Sherer, known as Bob423, has devoted a dedicated chapter in his ICW Cruising Guide to essential insights and practical...
St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show: January 18-21, 2024
The St. Petersburg Power and Sailboat Show, Presented by Progressive, is setting sail for another exciting year from January 18...
Frozen Waters, Real Risks: Essential Ice Safety for Boaters
Even the most experienced boaters and outdoorsmen (and women) can underestimate the changing conditions of winter weather, and what seems...
Trawlerfest Stuart 2024: February 27 - March 2
Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Trawlerfest, February 27 - March 2, 2024, at Hutchinson Island Marriott Beach Resort &...
Choosing the Right Mooring Anchor
Understanding the components of a mooring system is crucial for any boater looking to secure their vessel effectively. This article...
Navigating The Trent-Severn Waterway
The Trent-Severn Waterway is an intricate inland system of rivers, lakes and canals connecting Lake Ontario to Georgian Bay. In...
Cruising The Great Loop: Choosing Your Route
If you cruise the East Coast long enough, sooner or later, someone will ask you if you have completed The...
Considering The Great Loop in 2024? Consider an AGLCA Membership!
If you're considering doing The Great Loop in 2024, you're in for an adventure. As you plan your journey, Waterway...
Deploying an Anchor: Best Practices & Considerations
Few boats come adequately outfitted with all of the necessary equipment and gear for anchoring in all conditions, or in...
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Navigation Requires New Skills for Many Mariners
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) Navigation Requires New Skills for Many MarinersPerhaps you are an experienced mariner in Maine, Long Island Sound,...
The New Standard for Bahamas Charts, Navigation Advice and Apps
Being up-to-date and informed on your next voyage to the Bahamas has reached a new plateau.Waterway Guide Media, Explorer Chartbooks,...
Learn the Nautical Signal Flags in a Fun New Way!
Nancy and Russell Bourne, along with their friend Robert Etheredge, embarked on a remarkable journey that led to the creation...
Cellular Coverage & Staying Connected While Boating in The Bahamas
Cell coverage is generally good everywhere except perhaps the remotest islands and cays. Most U.S. companies will roam on the...
Cruising to Hilton Head Island, SC
A bustling but beautiful year-round resort, Hilton Head Island, is probably the best known of South Carolina's Sea Islands. As...
Resources for Navigating the ICW
Some say, just follow the Aid to Navigation (ATONs). Others say pay more attention to the chart. Others have favorites...
Rescue, Recovery, and Re-warm - The Maritime 3 R's
On the sea, especially in cold water environments, it is all about rescue, recovery and re-warming. I don't expect that...
An Act of God – Just What Is That?
Any school child knows, or at least believes, a terrible storm or other natural phenomena that causes damage to your...
The Unique Geography of the Bahamas and Its Challenges
A great part of the beauty and lore of The Bahamas is the geography. This same geography is what makes...
Boat Whisperers
Remember the first time you and your mate went boating together? Amazing that any of us make it past that...
The Rule of the Road – Set to Poetry
Nearly 150 years ago, Captain Eldridge created the renowned Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book, the marine industry's most respected tide...
Oasis Marinas Offers Incredible Fuel Discount
As the boating season winds down, many enthusiasts set their sights on a leisurely journey south along the Intracoastal Waterway...
Tracks vs Routes - What's the Difference?
What's the difference between a track and a route? Which is best for you? To begin, be aware that tracks...
Winterizing - Now or Later, It Has To Be Done
Usually, as soon as I write a column on de-commissioning the boat for the winter season, Indian Summer arrives to...
Cruising The Western Gulf Coast
The protected Gulf Intracoastal Waterway (GIWW) route arcs 870 miles from Pensacola to the Rio Grande. Expect to encounter a...
Shackles
The standard that establishes dimensions and Work Load Limits (WLL) for shackles is Federal Spec. RR-C-271, often referred to simply...
Boat Insurance - Friend or Foe?
Even though for some the boating season is almost over, we are well advised to be sure that we have...
Choosing a Port of Entry in The Bahamas
When planning an itinerary there is a tendency to focus on a port of entry. Obviously, it is important to...
Vessel Afire!
It would seem to me that one of the most frightening circumstances to be caught in is a boat afire. ...
Using an iPad Pro 12.9 for Navigation
Note: Bob Sherer (Bob423) is a contributing editor who posts navigation alerts across Waterway Guide's various platforms. Noted for his...
Locking Through the Erie Canal
The Erie Canal is a major component of the New York State Canal System. The 524-mile inland water route ascends...
Pesky Problems - Simple Solutions
A hand-cranked pencil sharpener instead of a battery or plug-in model? It often gets a few chuckles, but this is...
Weather Guide: Reading the Skies
While weather forecasting is far more reliable than ever before, it pales in our esteem for the mariner that can...
Avoiding Budget Busters While Cruising
Cruising on a boat can be an amazing adventure, but it's essential to manage your expenses wisely to avoid budget...
The Plan Is Not to Have a Plan
Funny how things change over time. Not too many years ago, the buzz in the marine world was a concern...
Beat The Heat While Aboard This Summer
With the recent heatwave across the U.S., boaters are taking to the waterways for relief and recreation. However, intense heat requires...
Discover the Joy of Nautical Cooking
Our friends at LobsterAnywhere came up with some advice on preparing meals while aboard. For anyone who has cruised the Northeast coast...
Steps to Take When You Run Aground
When I teach seamanship courses to private boaters on the south shore of Long Island, I note that, if you...
Rules of the "Road" when Boating
Anyone planning to cruise our waterways should make themselves familiar with the rules of the road. Chapman Piloting: Seamanship and...
Hurricanes May (or May Not) Miss Us – and They Leave Deadly Rip Tides
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett died on June 25, 2023 in an apparent drowning off a Florida beach, authorities said,...
BoatUS Reminds Boaters to Avoid a Misfuel Mishap
Today's gas station pumps no longer provide clear and transparent information to help consumers make the right fuel choice. Dispensing...
Navigating the St. Lawrence River
By Michael O'ReillyBang! Splash! Crash! It's never good to be awakened by hitting the ceiling of your cabin berth… I quickly...
Best Practices for Navigating Port Security & Protections Zones
The U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Patrol–both components of the Department of Homeland Security–handle port security in the...
Prepping Your Boat for a Hurricane
Let Me Say It Again…Never stay on the boat. I know. There are old timers that swear by it. "I've...
The Plight of M/V Royal Majesty
There is a lot that can be learned by other mariners' mistakes. One particular marine accident comes to mind could...
Bracing for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season: NOAA Forecasts Near-Normal Activity
As of June 1, hurricane season is upon us. Almost without exception, we get the tail, shoulder or rump of...
Exploring the Choices on the Southern Chesapeake Bay
It can take a lifetime to explore the reaches of the Chesapeake Bay. Since most of us don't have this...
Anchoring Basics
Whether you plan to anchor during an extended cruise or only overnight, it is important to have ground tackle−the anchor...
Using the Waterway Guide Mobile App
Watch a thorough overview of Waterway Guide's Mobile App: the most all-inclusive app available with Cruising Guidebooks, maps, point-of-interest and...
Dealing with Diesel Fuel
In my experience as a boat building and marine systems consultant, the majority of engine-related problems encountered by cruisers and...
Benefits of Becoming a Waterway Guide Member
Waterway Guide Subscriptions provide boaters with an array of practical benefits to enhance their cruising experiences. Our subscriptions offer the...
Electric Shock Drowning and Electrocution Prevention
Water is a great conductor. Your body is mostly water, making it easy for electricity to travel through you. Because...
2023 National Safe Boating Week Offers Tips for All Boaters
CLEARWATER, FL – National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 20-26, 2023, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating...
Planning Your Boating Adventure with WaterwayGuide.com
When planning any great boating adventure, before leaving the dock you need to know the following: the weather along your...
Happy Trails While Trailering - Part 2
In the last Commodore's Corner segment, Vincent Pica gave us some great advice for ensuring our trailers and vehicles were...
Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is May 17, 2024
This fun day is part of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the...
Locating Fuel Prices Using WaterwayGuide.com
While you're out navigating America's waterways this season, it's helpful to have fuel dock locations and current fuel prices at...
Happy Trails While Trailering - Part 1
With the season in hand, we must start thinking about getting the boat from "the hard" and back. Recently, we...
Ditch Bag Checklist
When out at sea, there are many unforeseen circumstances that can arise, and one of the most daunting is the...
National Safe Boating Week is May 17-23, 2025
National Safe Boating Week takes place each May in the days leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, serving as an...
Onboard Essential: Portable Fire Extinguishers
The rapidity with which a shipboard fire can spread is alarming to say the least. Some studies suggest that fires...
Choosing The Right Life Jacket
Today's modern life jackets have taken far strides in comfortability, wearability - and even style - from the bulky orange...
Capt. Chris Day’s New Businesses Are Ready to Help Neely Henry Lake Boaters
SOUTHSIDE, Ala., April 25, 2023 – Capt. Chris Day has spent a lot of time on the water. The owner...
Summer Isn’t Far Away – But Warm Water Is - Cold Water Boating
We've had a few warm days in here. And the traditional start o' summer- Memorial Day – is but a...
Women Sailors Head to Newport, R.I., on June 3 to Learn Together
2023 Annual National Women's Sailing ConferenceCruises into Newport, R.I., Sat., June 3 A day of on- and off-water learning presented bythe...
Avoiding Crab Pots & Trap Markers
In Virginia, March 17th marks the official opening to crabbing season on the Chesapeake Bay for commercial crabbers, and with...
Propellers and Engines: The Importance of Ensuring the Best Possible Match
A Wide-Open TaleSeveral years ago I was carrying out a sea trial aboard a single screw trawler that a client...
New Year, New Boat? How To Choose The Right One
There is a boat out there for everyone, from first timers to old seasoned salts. Sail or power are two...
Preparing Your Boat For The Season
Gentlemen (and Ladies)! Start Your Engines!Back in the Fall, we talked about how to get the boat ready for a...
Staying Up Past My Bedtime: Learning to Love Overnight Trips
For the past four years, my husband Matt and I have joined the legions of cruisers who travel I-95's watery...
Anchoring Tips & Techniques
Sometimes anchoring is easy ⎯ stop the boat, lower the anchor, and let out enough rode. But, for those times...
Don't Miss Discover Boating Webinar on Reaching Next Generation Boaters - Thursday, March 30
On the heels of Discover Boating's audience segmentation and behavior research, which was leveraged to create the recent launch of...
Boats Sinking at the Dock is 4x More Than Underway
If I told you that statistics on boats sinking showed that the dock is four times more dangerous than the...
Do Your Passengers Know What to Do if the Skipper Can't Function?
Many a skipper has blithely motored or sailed away from their mooring, with spouse and kids in tow, or some...
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! We Are Lost and Sinking!
Search & Rescue (SAR) is the most recognizable and time-honored task of any mariner, especially the United States Coast Guard....
Put It On My Tab: How Trim Tabs Really Work
Understanding how trim tabs work is the first step to using them effectively, getting up on plane, and smoothing out...
3 Boating Safety Tips Just Right for Fall Boating
Having an emergency boarding ladder ready to go and easily reached from the water is important when water temperatures are...
An Expert Look at Navigating Then & Now
Being on the water has always been adventurous. And for all the reasons that we love boating the one task...
TikTok Creators Help Discover Boating Engage Next Generation Boaters
Discover Boating, powered by NMMA and MRAA, launched two pilot TikTok campaigns this summer – #BoatAppetit and #WaterWear – to...
Cleaning Up Our Actions to Preserve & Protect Our Waters - Pt2.
Last week, we wrote about this topic with respect largely to the things we drop in the water. So, what...
Together Outdoor Coalition Announces Grant Program to Build More Accessible, Welcoming Outdoor Ecosystem
The Together Outdoors (TO) Coalition, an initiative administered under the auspices of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) with the mission...
Discover Boating's 'See You Out Here' Campaign Spots Gain Additional Exposure on Local, Regional Television
Discover Boating's See You Out Here campaign continues gaining exposure through its robust marketing mix, including its television public service...
Hurricanes May (or May Not) Miss Us – and They Leave Deadly Rip Tides
We've often written about hurricanes, great and small. Of note, formerly, an average season produces 12 named storms of which...
Fuses & Circuit Beakers: What They Can & Can't Do
A few years ago, I received an email from a reader, to which a photo was attached. The subject of...
Try Boating Today: Affordable 3-Hour Courses for Beginner and Experienced Boaters Start Today in Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Edison Sailing Center and the national nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water make...
Let's Talk About Bridge Basics
Bridges have to be factored in when planning a trip. Depending on where you cruise, you may be dependent on...
Cruising FUNdamentals!
We are all beginners….once. For some, our cruising started when we were children, learning the ABCs of safe boating with...
Pro Tips for Picking an Anchorage
We all know that unless it is an emergency, in addition to being verboten, it's just plain common sense and...
Resources for Staying Weather-Informed While Boating
Every day on the water can't have balmy breezes, abundant sunshine and consistently warm weather; however, staying out of bad...
Striking Tips from Our Experts: Lightning Protection
Photo Steve D'Antonio
Having lived and worked on the Chesapeake Bay for the past two decades, I've learned many things...
VHF Communications
Skippers traveling the U.S. inland waterways use their VHF radios almost every day to contact other vessels and bridgetenders, make...
Creating a Float Plan for Your Boating Trip
For boaters embarking on either short excursions or extended voyages, the implementation of a float plan is a critical safety...
Learning Boatyard Lingo
Cruisers have a language all our own. If you are new to this adventure then you may not yet understand...
Size matters! Is there a cure for 10-foot-itis?
Do you dream that your 24' (7.31 m) trailer boat will somehow transform into a 34' (10.36 m) cruiser? Or...
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