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Looking at the chart/map is a bit deceptive. The marinas are north of Mazatlan, not in the harbor area which is where the cruise ship area and commercial docks are. There are two marinas about a mile apart: El Cid and Marina Mazatlan (see attached screenshot). El Cid is part of a resort...

We liked Ensenada a lot. Paid around $430/mo for a 40 foot slip and food/expenses were a bit more than half what we spent on the US. Access to US is good with a decent bus service to Tijuana and a short walk over the border. On the downside, Ensenada is a bit dusty and industrial feeling. And...

I can think of two reasons why boats with no AP saw more traffic. First, hand steering over long distances is very exhausting and plays havoc with the mind. They saw ships that weren't there - apparitions (anyone remember the Donald Crowhurst story?). Second possible explanation. Most people...

Steve D shows a picture of taking a temp off oil filter which is a good idea. There are a LOT of 40-50 foot boats built with twin +250hp diesels (many GB 42s built after mid 1980s for example), many with your same 3208s. Given price of diesel, if under loading at 7-kts was a problem, there...

Steve D discusses coolant temperature not reaching designed operating temp, usually around 175F-180F (he says 165F-195F which seems wider than I'd expect). He also notes this is much more common in generators which is why I caveated my response with propulsion engines. If you're chronically...

Downsides to ShaftLoc? Assuming you have plenty of shaft so it doesn't interfere with log and such, biggest one I can see is it's doubtless an expense and effort to install and secure for something you may occasionally tinker with but never actually need. Sooting is one of those myths that can...

Kevin - as you know, like yourself, I'm one of TFs most vocal proponents of going with a modest boat - most any boat can make the trip. The OP question had two pieces of information that led me to a different recommendation than my normal "mind the weather, take your time, and have a good time."...

First, San Diego is a wonderful city. But is a lousy cruising destination (as is all of SoCal). There just isn't much to do so I'd question the attraction. There are only so many times you can go to Catalina. For me, the juice wouldn't be worth the squeeze. I've done the run northbound many...

Mr. Google found the following......performance goes up marginally with temperature. Lifespan goes down dramatically. Temperature plays a crucial role in determining the capacity of a battery, which refers to the amount of energy it can store and deliver. Generally, as temperature decreases...

In my opinion, yes, you're overvaluing a side door. It will unnecessarily limit your choices in the 30-35 foot range boat. But it sounds like you've already made up your mind. Regardless, best success in finding your dream boat. I'm sure you'll have a ton of fun with whatever you decide. Peter

I had three identical AGM, about 3-years old. Two for bow thruster in forward area under v-berth. One next to engine in engine room for a start battery. Back in Puerto Vallarta I sort of suspected the engine battery was getting anemic so load tested them (thanks Scot/Muirgen). The engine battery...

I converted from 6x6v golf carts to 7x100ah LFP a few years ago (much better options now than multiple 100ah, but a different topic). The 400lbs of golf carts were in the engine room, low. Between the stringers. Prime real estate for a small boat. So I moved them to the lazarette, outboard. I...

What was the company that didn't work out? Topic comes up from time to time - Willard Marine used to use Joule so I've mentioned their name but have no personal experience. While I appreciate your being polite, your history on TF tells me you've got decent experience and knowledge coupled with...

Weebles is on the hard in southern Mexico near Guatemala - Florida climate on steroids. I do have metered power to the boat. Went with large dehumidifier, a couple fans, and bagged all linens and turned up all cushions and mattresses. Also left all doors and drawers ajar. Finally, I'm paying...

When I was delivering, this was exactly the assumption I made (1 gpm at 8-ish knots) for most motoryacht style boats. Worked out fine. As I've mentioned before, I never asked customers what their fuel consumption was because I never felt they really knew. Their experience was day trips and would...

Efficiency (mpg) decreases 15%-20% when speed is decreased from SL 1.34 down to something closer to SL 1.1-1.15. While related, it's different than consumption (gph). But you are correct, if cost is the #1 criteria, you have to factor other costs too. Peter

For me, there are more times where I want to know the depth of the water than distance below my keel. Scope for anchoring comes immediately to mind. And I've spent quite a bit of time in unfamiliar channels where I'd like to confirm whether the chart data is roughly accurate. But again, it's a...

Thanks Scot - a few items about how we approach our itinerary and safety/security concerns. First, Cheryll spotted this NYT article about seven colors of blue..... (HERE - paywall ) on San Andres (Instagram page is accessible without paywall HERE). Definitely piqued our interest. Second, the...

OP here. Thread has been really helpful and I appreciate all the comments. The more I think about it, the more I think absolute depth works for me. The last year I've been in almost exclusively unfamiliar waters and while depth under keel is important in very shallow waters, just seems for my...

I agree with contacting USCG. I've had Coast Guard Station Alameda (SF Bay) on my phone for years. Guidance has been to call them anytime, anywhere. But I've always been in the Pacific. Scot/Muirgen reported this to CSSN, the Noonsite-affiliated site that catalogues all reports of piracy...

Third boat I know of that was lost this season. A sailboat that recently converted from diesel to EV reported some issues the day before. As he was backing out of his slip, he heard a loud pop and then fire broke out. He was a full time livesaboard and lost everything except the shorts he was...

Topic is not specific to Volvos in the least. Links below to two-part article from Steve D'Antonio on fuel additives. Part 2 contains a lengthy quote from Bob Senter of Northern Lights on technical aspects of fuel lubricity which is enlightening (at least to me) and makes the case for additives...

I don't think there's a right or wrong answer. But since we're almost always in unfamiliar waters, uncertainty about water depth seems to come up Example - we draw around 4.5 ft. As we enter an anchorage showing 12-feet, we need to reconcile for the chart that shows 16-17 feet (if it's...

Welcome. Many TF members are recovering sailors. There has been a fair number of posts re:Baja in the last couple years. I'd be curious in your story, itinerary, and impressions (including best ceviche). Peter 1970 Willard 36 trawler Currently Chiapas MX

I realize this has come up before, but not for a while. I have my depth sounder offset set to feet beneath the keel. Seems intuitive for my wife. I recently entered a channel as lead where the other two boats had significantly deeper draft. So I was giving them depths but had to constantly...