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Never thought I’d do this but life is full of surprises, especially now. My wife Mary and I have traded in our Cape Cruiser 23 “Freedom” (2.0) on a Cutwater 30 Sedan, to be delivered in September. We’ll be berthing in Portland, where our kids and grandkids will be moving. We always joked...

In my last few issues of the BoatUS magazine I’ve seen advertisements for a new product called Snappi. It is a small handheld and hand powered tool that is supposed to clean and lightly lubricate snap heads for easier use. We have a full camper enclosure on our Venture model and I’ve...

Howdy folks, We’re thinking about making a trip down to San Diego with boat in tow to do a little cruising and general sightseeing. I have spoken to the folks at Chula Vista Marina and have found them to be very welcoming, and their guest docking is readily available. Apparently we can...

I have a Raymarine C80 chart plotter that uses a Navionics CF card. The latest Raymarine software is also installed on the plotter. The current 2GB card is several years old and only covers the US. Since we are hoping to cruise into Canadian waters later this year I want to buy the new 2GB CF...

For several years I have used an Android tablet to run the Navionics navigation app. I've been very pleased with the operation, which I run in tandem with my old Raymarine C80 MFD. I may soon be in the market for a new tablet and this time in the mix I am considering a cell compatible version...

Just read in the local Las Vegas newspaper that analysts from the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation are predicting Lake Powell to rise ~50 feet this year due to the high snow levels in Utah and Colorado. This will also help Lake Mead, although not by much. Sure hope their prediction materializes...

I recently had surgery on my larynx which has effected my ability to communicate while underway on our boat. In response to this we are in the market for a good 2-way headset system that will allow us to communicate while underway and specifically coordinate while docking, etc. I know some Brats...

The last time we cruised the San Juan Islands we took advantage of a mooring buoy in one cove. It was easy, secure, and restful until the wind was calm and current slack. I then found the boat and buoy would occasionally drift together, often at 2:00 am. When this occurred the buoy would...

My wife and I are planning to cruise into Canadian waters this summer for ~4-6 weeks. In addition to the Gulf Islands we hope to visit Victoria, Princess Louisa Inlet, and points north towards Desolation Sound. I know I'll have questions for the group as our trip planning progresses, but...

I've never heard anyone talk about boating on Klamath Lake in southern Oregon. I note that despite its large size it has only a couple of marinas and launch ramps. We plan to spend a few weeks in July cruising around SF Bay and the Delta, and then who knows. We probably can't get up to Puget...

I am interested in learning about Lake Merwin in Southern Washington. It looks like a nice cruising lake. I also see there is a camping area called "Lake Merwin Camper's Hideaway." The website for the Hideaway isn't great but it strikes me as an ownership campground for RV/trailers similar...

Yesterday I received an email from the folks at Active Captain explaining the original Active Captain app is being replaced by a new one to be managed by Garmin. This action is in line with the sale of Active Captain to Garmin. While I do not run Garmin electronics on our boat (it's all...

On TugNuts this morning I read a post about a couple who made a unique loop trip in their 25 involving the Great Lakes. I know there are several different loops but I had never seen this one before. http://www.tugnuts.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 8f3e0098b4 Rob

Howdy folks, Assuming our summer cruising plans come to fruition, in early July we plan to tow the boat into Canada to launch and cruise points north and south of there. We hope to attend the Powell River gathering, see Princess Louisa Inlet, Desolation Sound, the Gulf Islands, Victoria...

Over the years we have had many discussions on this forum regarding US requirements governing VHF use when crossing into Canadian waters. Mary and I have never made this crossing but are planning to do so this summer - so we have never had the 2 licenses required (nor an FCC issued MMSI that...

Mary and I are again planning to venture into the Pacific Northwest this summer. In this regard we are considering several options and would like to tap into the pool of local C-Brats expertise. We are considering several different possibilities so I hope my explanations don't get too...

It appears the free 2017 seasonal lockage permit can now be ordered. As for the overnight mooring permit, that will cost $9.80 per foot. http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.c ... reId=22953 Rob

Like many owners, we have a small portable window air conditioner unit that we occasionally use on our 23' Venture when dockside. Because we often boat in hot and/or humid areas we "need" the AC when overnighting. The 2 frustrations I have with this sort of unit are, 1) it is heavy and...

Before Mary and I towed Freedom eastward in 2014 to enjoy sections of the Great Loop (which was absolutely fabulous) we joined the America's Great Loop Cruisers Association (AGLCA). We found the membership to be worthwhile but since being back home we have let the membership lapse. I still...

Hi Folks, Mary and I are preparing for our first trip north with our boat. We tentatively plan to start cruising in the southern area around Tacoma and slowly work north, probably ending our voyage after the Bellingham gathering. We'll probably pause our cruising midstream and fly home...