Gear Reviews & Tips

Unless you own a mega yacht, space is at a premium on your boat and there are lots of options to sort through. Don’t leave shore without the right gear for the right purpose so that you can enjoy your time on the water. With much more in the Waggoner Cruising Guide book, we’ve got plenty of tips and reviews on marine gear to get you started.

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LED Safety Beacon for Dinghies and Kayaks

LED Safety Beacon for Dinghies and Kayaks

If you have ever been caught in the dark while exploring by dinghy or kayak, you know what an uncomfortable situation this can be. The portable Navilight can be a lifesaver when finding your way back to the Mother Ship. This 360-degree safety beacon is powered by...

New Aerosol-based Fire suppression System

New Aerosol-based Fire suppression System

The U.S. Coast Guard has approved a fixed aerosol fire suppression system, ideal for compartments and spaces containing lithium-ion batteries, or for areas that cannot accommodate a traditional fire suppression system such as compact engine compartments. The Sea-Fire...

Part IV – Cellular, Internet & Satellite Communications

Part IV – Cellular, Internet & Satellite Communications

This final article in our four-part series covering cellular, internet, and satellite communications focuses on the all-important satellite messaging and emergency communication devices. Satellite Messengers. If you don’t have room to install satellite dishes on your...

Let’s Talk Lithium Batteries

Let’s Talk Lithium Batteries

Considering installing lithium batteries on your boat? Then you won’t want to miss the upcoming talk hosted by Mike Beemer about installations, standards, and options. This helpful course will eliminate the mysteries surrounding lithium batteries. We have all seen the...

Part III – Cellular, Internet, & Satellite Communications

Part III – Cellular, Internet, & Satellite Communications

Satellite Connectivity is our focus in this Part III of a four-part series covering cellular, internet, and satellite communications. Part IV will cover satellite messengers and emergency devices. The 2022 cruising season marked a huge breakthrough in satellite-based...

PART I – Cellular, Wi-Fi, & Satellite Communications

PART I – Cellular, Wi-Fi, & Satellite Communications

If you want to stay connected while cruising, there are three main technology solution areas to consider – 5G/LTE Cellular, Wi-Fi, and Satellite Connectivity. We will be exploring these solutions in a four-part series, edited by Doug Miller President of Onboard...

Ukrainian-built BRIG Ribs Back in Business

Ukrainian-built BRIG Ribs Back in Business

BRIG is one of the largest builders of rigid hull inflatable boats and has been designing and manufacturing Rib boats since 1991. Based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, the factory was shut down in 2022 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thankfully, the BRIG factory in...

New Standard for PFD Labeling – Life Jacket Harmonization

New Standard for PFD Labeling – Life Jacket Harmonization

The U.S. Coast Guard and Canada’s PFD regulatory agency, Transport Canada, have joined forces to create an approval system for life jackets that works in both countries. Manufacturers can now meet a single North American standard instead of separate standards for the...

The New Aspen Lightweight Carbon Fiber Rigid Tender

The New Aspen Lightweight Carbon Fiber Rigid Tender

Have you been looking for a lightweight tender that’s easy to stow and take ashore? The new carbon-fiber tenders from Aspen may be your answer. Larry Graf, founder and President of family owned and operated Aspen Power Catamarans, has just announced their new series...

How To Stay Connected – 5G and Starlink Open Up New Opportunities

How To Stay Connected – 5G and Starlink Open Up New Opportunities

The 2022 cruising season marked a huge breakthrough regarding onboard connectivity. Over the last year, 5G cellular solutions and 5G cell towers in our favorite cruising grounds became widespread, offering a huge leap in data connection speeds and coverage. As well,...

Introducing the New Generation Stabilizer

Introducing the New Generation Stabilizer

We have all been there, caught unexpectedly in rough seas that hit the boat broadside causing uncomfortable rolling of the vessel from side to side. Stabilizers help dampen the roll for a more comfortable ride. There are several different types of stabilizers; and...

Backup Camera for Boaters

Backup Camera for Boaters

Backup cameras for boaters, a simple solution. When recently upgrading electronics on our boat, we considered adding video cameras, to be connected into the new chartplotter. The priority was to add a camera on the stern, allowing us to see what might be behind us...

What is a Nomar Bumper?

What is a Nomar Bumper?

What is a Nomar Bumper? I found myself asking that same question about two years ago. We had just purchased a marina; you can read about our new venture at Waggoner. It all started with some beer and oysters on a hot summer day. Truly, that’s how that story began for...

Looking for Parts? – Try the Sailboat Wrecking Yard in Lynden, WA

Looking for Parts? – Try the Sailboat Wrecking Yard in Lynden, WA

Are you looking for spare parts or needed parts for a boat project? You may just find what you’re looking for at the Sailboat Wrecking Yard in Lynden, Washington at 210 Duffner Drive. They have everything from masts with complete rigging and sails, to ladders,...

Soap on A Boat – The Right Choice?

Soap on A Boat – The Right Choice?

Did you know that gray water (soapy water) can be more damaging in many cases than black water containing human waste? The surfactants (compounds that lower surface tension) in soaps are deadly to fish, causing damage to the external mucus layer that protect fish from...

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