There are lots and lots of ways to step a mast (raise the mast) on a sailboat. On larger craft, this gets into cranes and the like, but for smaller boats, its a process that you do often as you launch and trailer your boat.

Good Old Boat had this nice article covering one fairly simple method.

In surfing around looking at this, I ran across this guy, who seems to have his process down to an art :-) read more »

I commonly see boats (new and otherwise) being transported and stored with the white shrinkwrap on them. Given I have spent time fighting tarps and the like covering mine, I have wished I could wrap mine.

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Good article discussing the various characteristics you should look for in a boat to do the Great Loop.

Some beautiful boats by the Wooden Boat Association of North Texas.

Neat find in the build area... remains of an 18th century sailing vessel.

Seems doable... check out the Mad Mariner™ test.

I am impressed it handled being walked on, even if it was a child :-)

Like most of us, you probably assume you know what somebody looks like when they are drowning and/or need help in the water. You may not be right.

Read this article and keep it in mind when you're near the water. My short version (please read the entire thing for details) is "if they are making noise/can answer questions, they probably are ok... if not, then check on them!". read more »

The first new U.S. aircraft carrier class since 1968, the Gerald R. Ford is one large, neat ship. And the technology and methods being used are interesting to check out.

DIY Boat Owner has a series outlining various uses of the everpresent 5-gallon bucket. Some good ideas here. Make use of that thing that will be sitting around anyhow :-)