Sailboats

Dive deep into the world of sailboats, from choosing the right vessel for your prepper needs to maintenance and navigation. Explore the skills required to make your boat a reliable, self-sufficient platform.

Having lived in Toronto, and then on a farm in Northern Ontario, my move to a catamaran sailboat on the ocean 8 years ago was a big change, but a welcome one. Eight years of living on the oceans has taught me a lot, and re-affirmed my belief that a sailing catamaran is the ultimate in survival shelters.

Living on a Bug-Out Sailboat: Pros and Cons

David Crawford 12 April 2023

Living on a sailboat has become increasingly popular over the years, especially among those seeking a simpler and more sustainable lifestyle. While some choose to live on a sailboat for the adventure and freedom it offers, others see it as a means of preparing for emergencies or natural disasters. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of living on a bug-out sailboat and what factors one should consider before making the decision to live on one.

Advantages of Living on a Bug-Out Sailboat

A. Mobility and flexibility: ability to travel and relocate easily

One of the biggest advantages of living on a sailboat is the freedom and mobility it provides. Living on a sailboat allows you to easily relocate and explore new places without being tied down to a specific location. It also provides a sense of independence as you have full control over where you go and when you leave. In case of an emergency, a bug-out sailboat can be a useful tool for evacuating from an area quickly.

Building Your Own Bug-Out Sailboat: A DIY Guide

David Crawford 10 April 2023

Sailing

Building Your Own Bug-Out Sailboat: A DIY Guide

A bug-out sailboat is a type of vessel designed to be used as an emergency mode of transportation in the event of a disaster or crisis. These boats are often equipped with features such as self-sustainability, durability, and speed that make them ideal for escaping from a disaster zone. They offer a unique advantage over other modes of transportation as they can be used to navigate through water, regardless of any roadblocks or traffic.

Building a bug-out sailboat is not only an excellent way to prepare for emergencies, but it can also be a fun and fulfilling DIY project. With careful planning and execution, it can be a cost-effective way to create a vessel that meets your specific needs and preferences.

In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in building your own bug-out sailboat, including planning and designing, selecting materials, building the boat, testing and launching, and maintaining and upgrading.

Planning and Designing Your Bug-Out Sailboat

A. Determining your needs and priorities: size, speed, capacity, and features

The first step in building a bug-out sailboat is to determine your specific needs and priorities. Consider the number of people the boat needs to accommodate, the speed you require, and the distance you plan to travel. Think about the features you want, such as a kitchen, sleeping quarters, or a water filtration system. These factors will help you choose the right design and size for your sailboat.

Navigating Without GPS: How to Use Traditional Navigation Techniques

David Crawford 05 April 2023

GPS (Global Positioning System) has revolutionized navigation for sailors, pilots, and hikers alike, providing accurate and real-time information about position, speed, and direction. However, despite its many advantages, GPS has limitations that can compromise its reliability, such as signal interference, battery life, and vulnerability to hacking. In addition, relying solely on GPS can make us less prepared to handle emergencies or unexpected situations. Traditional navigation techniques, on the other hand, have been used for centuries and can provide valuable alternatives to GPS. In this article, we will explore the basics of traditional navigation techniques, their advantages and challenges, and how to use them effectively.

Understanding Traditional Navigation Techniques

There are several traditional navigation techniques that have been used by sailors, explorers, and navigators for centuries, each with its own strengths and limitations.

Surviving Storms at Sea: Tips for Sailing in Bad Weather

David Crawford 31 March 2023

Sailing can be a serene and enjoyable experience, but it can quickly turn dangerous when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Storms at sea are one of the most significant threats to sailors, with high winds, rough seas, lightning, and flooding all posing significant risks. Surviving storms at sea requires preparation, knowledge, and quick thinking. In this article, we'll discuss tips for sailing in bad weather and how to increase your chances of making it through safely.

Understanding the Risks of Storms at Sea

The first step to preparing for storms at sea is to understand the types of storms that sailors can encounter. Thunderstorms, squalls, hurricanes, and nor'easters all present different challenges and hazards. Thunderstorms and squalls can be unpredictable and sudden, with high winds and lightning strikes that can damage or capsize sailboats. Hurricanes and nor'easters are more prolonged and severe, with strong winds and large waves that can cause catastrophic damage to vessels and endanger sailors' lives.

How to Choose the Best Bug-Out Sailboat for Your Needs

David Crawford 28 March 2023

In times of crisis, having a bug-out plan can mean the difference between survival and disaster. A bug-out plan involves preparing for the worst-case scenario and having a plan to evacuate quickly and safely. One important aspect of a bug-out plan is selecting the right sailboat to escape on. In this article, we will explore the factors to consider when choosing a bug-out sailboat and provide resources for selecting the best sailboat for your needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bug-Out Sailboat

A. Type of boat

The type of sailboat you choose will depend on your needs and preferences. There are three types of sailboats to consider: mono-hull, multi-hull, and motor sailor.