Cruising Life

Sirena To Show Two New Boat in Cannes and Announce Plans for Another

By Peter Janssen on June 13, 2017 Boat Reviews, Cruising Life

Sirena Marine just keeps growing. Last year the high-class Turkish builder started its new powerboat line (officially called Sirena Yachts) with a 64-foot long-range cruiser, first shown at the Dusseldorf show, followed by a 56-foot version introduced at the Miami show. Now it will have both of those models in the water at the Cannes show in September, where Ipek Kirac, the company’s CEO, will announce plans for an even larger yacht. Both the 56 and 64 are impressive cruising boats with clean, contemporary European lines and curved wraparound pilothouse windows. They come with an impeccable pedigree. German Frers, one…

A Touch of Class: Folding Teak Boarding Step. See the Video

By Peter Janssen on June 12, 2017 Cruising Life, Gear

This isn’t something you absolutely have to have to enjoy your cruising life, but I think it is very cool: A new teak dock step that makes climbing on your boat easy, and then folds into itself to make storage easy as well. And it does add a touch of class to any dock. When the step is fully open, it provides a large and stable platform to get on and off your boat. And when it’s folded down, it’s only 6 5/8 inches thick, so it can fit into a lazarette or storage bin. The Folding Teak Dock Step…

Get Thermal Images on Your Phone or Tablet with New FLIR Devices

By Peter Janssen on June 12, 2017 Cruising Life, Electronics

Now you can turn your smart phone or tablet into a FLIR infrared camera with two new devices, making thermal imaging possible anywhere you go. The new FLIR ONE, with an 80×60 pixel resolution thermal camera, and the FLIR ONE PRO, with 160×120 resolution, hook up to your phone or tablet’s USB-C or Lightning connector; a MicroUSB connection will be available later in the year. This means they are compatible with both Apple and Android phones and tablets. The devices, or dongles, are small and light, and represent the third generation of FLIR’s thermal imaging technology. They are compatible with…

Famed Rybo Miss Budweiser Burns and Sinks Off Florida Keys. See Video

By Peter Janssen on June 9, 2017 Cruising Life

This is just disheartening. Miss Budweiser, a classic 49-foot, 1961 Rybovich, burned and sank after an apparent engine room fire near Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys. The captain and two others on board jumped overboard and were picked up, unhurt, by a passing boat. Miss Budweiser was returning from the Ernest Hemingway International Billfish Tournament in Cuba to its home port in Palm Beach at the time. The famed boat was bought by the Busch family of Budweiser (and other beer) fame a year after it was built. Over the years, the boat won many fishing tournaments, and…

New Aquila 36 Cat with Twin 300-hp Outboards: A Fast and Roomy Cruiser

By Peter Janssen on June 7, 2017 Boat Reviews, Charter, Cruising Life

At first glance, it’s easy to see why the new Aquila 36 power cat is getting a lot of attention. After all, two big 300-hp Mercury Verado outboards are hanging off the stern. But look again, and you’ll probably want to climb on board for a test run. The boat has an enormous amount of space, inside and out. The cockpit alone can hold 24 adults, while the two staterooms below, one per sponson, are not only large but also come with extra headroom, lots of light (from long side windows), and an en suite head. The new Aquila is…

An Insider’s Guide to the Dalmatian Islands from The Moorings

By Peter Janssen on June 7, 2017 Charter, Cruising Life, Destinations

Here’s an insider’s guide to the best of Croatia’s Dalmatian Islands on the east coast of the Adriatic, with a mix of cerulean blue water, fair winds, warm weather and more than a touch of history (the islands were ruled by the Republic of Venice from before Columbus’ time to 1797). You can cruise among the islands in a chartered boat, stopping to explore historic towns with medieval walls, cobblestone streets and waterfront bars; Korcula, pictured above, is the birthplace of Marco Polo and one of the oldest towns in Croatia. Or get a guide and enter blue and green…

Owner Pumps Gas into Rod Holder, Boat Explodes at Fuel Dock

By Peter Janssen on June 7, 2017 Cruising Life

After the explosion and fire, several people said this type of mistake happens more often than you’d think: Someone pours gasoline into a fishing rod holder, thinking they’re filling the fuel tank. That’s exactly what happened around 4 on a Friday afternoon at the Ocean Isle Fishing Center at Ocean Isle Beach, which is between Bald Head Island and Myrtle Beach, North Carolina. David Martin, Jr., 40, and Jonathan Bickett, 35, both from Charlotte, thought they were filling up the fuel tank on Martin’s boat with gas. Instead, they were pouring gas into a rod holder. Jeff Williamson, who runs…

See Kid’s Mini-Boat in Swimming Pool. Video

By Peter Janssen on June 6, 2017 Cruising Life

I know, I know. Hardly a cruising boat. But I just saw the video and couldn’t resist. (I want to be Lewis.) Take a look. It won’t take long, and it probably will leave you smiling. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHSDIkFAc5Q

Prepare for a Hurricane: Great Advice from the Coast Guard

By Peter Janssen on June 6, 2017 Cruising Life

Hurricane season has just started, running from June 1 through Nov. 30, so it’s definitely time to prepare before one heads your way. This season is likely to be lively: NOAA is predicting 11 to 17 named tropical storms this year due to much warmer waters along the Atlantic coast. What to do now? Here’s a very thorough list from the Coast Guard that pretty much covers everything, from how to inspect your boat, get the right gear, tie up or anchor out, find a hurricane hole, secure the engines, and even recover your boat once the hurricane has passed…

How To Dock a Twin-Shaft Cruising Boat. Great Video

By Peter Janssen on June 6, 2017 Cruising Life

Here’s one of best on-the-water demonstrations of docking and around-the-docks maneuvering I’ve seen for a twin inboard shaft boat with a bow thruster. It seems a bit laid-back at first, but stay tuned. The video is an excellent introduction if you’re new to boating, or a good reminder if you’re an old salt. Take a look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yQZSgUy2hQ

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