The Log
Guides, tips, and stories for boaters who take their time on the water seriously.
5 Things Every Boater Should Track (But Probably Doesn't)
Engine hours, impeller intervals, haul-out history — most boat owners are guessing. Here's the paper trail that protects your investment and your safety.
May 2026 · 6 min read
The True Cost of Boat Ownership: What the Surveys Don't Tell You
The "10% rule" is a myth. We analyzed real data from boat owners and the numbers are more nuanced — and more manageable — than you think.
April 2026 · 8 min read
Bottom Paint Guide for Pacific Northwest Boaters
Ablative vs hard paint, copper content, application timing — everything you need for a clean hull in cold PNW waters.
March 2026 · 7 min read
Our Favourite Desolation Sound Anchorages (and How to Log Them)
Prideaux Haven, Grace Harbour, Squirrel Cove — a field guide to the best hooks in BC, plus how to build a cruising waypoint library in My Boat Brain.
February 2026 · 9 min read
How Much Does Boat Insurance Cost in 2026 (+ Full Ownership Breakdown)
Boat insurance runs $300–$1,500/year depending on your vessel. But insurance is only one line item — here's the full annual cost picture most boat owners underestimate.
June 2026 · 9 min read
Why AI is Changing Boat Management (And What It Actually Means for Owners)
Most boat apps are better filing cabinets. An AI boat assistant actually thinks — connecting engine hours to service intervals and answering questions about your specific vessel.
July 2026 · 7 min read
When to Replace Zincs on a Boat: The 50% Rule (and What Fast Wear Means)
Most people replace zincs when they're gone — which is already too late. Here's the 50% rule, the right material for your water, and how to tell stray current from normal wear.
August 2026 · 6 min read
Boat Engine Maintenance Schedule: The Complete Guide by Engine Type
Gas outboards, gas inboards, and diesels don't run on the same maintenance clock. Here's the actual schedule for each — oil, impellers, fuel filters, zincs — so you know exactly what's due and when.
August 2026 · 7 min read
Marina Slip Cost in 2026: Real Rates by Region and the Fees Nobody Quotes
The per-foot rate is the number marinas advertise and the number with the least to do with what you pay. Real 2026 slip rates by region, how billable length works, and the fees that only show up on the invoice.
August 2026 · 8 min read
The Complete Boat Maintenance Checklist
Five categories, from engine and drivetrain to seasonal prep — the exact maintenance checklist and intervals that keep small repairs from becoming expensive ones.
June 2026 · 9 min read
How to Buy a Used Boat: The Complete Guide for First-Time Buyers
Not the generic 'do a sea trial' advice — the specific budgeting, survey, and negotiation mistakes that actually trip up first-time buyers.
July 2026 · 9 min read
How to Replace an Outboard Impeller: Step-by-Step Guide
One of the most important — and most skipped — DIY jobs on an outboard. Here's the complete replacement process and how to know when it's due.
July 2026 · 7 min read
How to Winterize a Boat: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Done right, winterizing takes 2–4 hours and can save thousands in spring repair bills. Here's the complete checklist for inboard and outboard engines.
September 2026 · 7 min read
Boat Battery Maintenance: What Actually Kills Marine Batteries
Most batteries that die early die from chronic undercharging, not old age. Here's what actually keeps a marine battery bank alive.
September 2026 · 8 min read
How Much Does a Boat Survey Cost? (What You're Actually Paying For)
The number on the invoice isn't what you're buying — you're buying the list of everything wrong with the boat before it becomes your problem.
September 2026 · 7 min read
How Often to Change Your Boat's Oil (By Engine Type)
There's no dashboard light for early bearing wear. Here's the real interval by engine type, and the signs your oil needs changing sooner.
July 2026 · 6 min read
Sailing Safety Equipment List: What's Legally Required vs. What You Actually Need
The legal minimum gets you past a dock inspection. It doesn't necessarily get you through a real emergency — here's the gap, and how to close it.
August 2026 · 7 min read