First published 12/9/88 in several Maryland newspapers Winter boat buying by Tom Dove While most people are turning their thoughts from boating to winter sports, a few astute folks are roaming through marinas, looking for bargains in used boats. This is the time of year to do it. Many boats have been hauled out of Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 8/4/89        Recover from that sinking feeling by Tom Dove The popular perception of sinking is the one promoted by the movies, in which the vessel goes under in a violent storm after hitting a reef. In real life, boats sink more commonly as Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 5/5/89        The liveaboard lifestyle(s) by Tom Dove Most of us who cruise in boats fantasize about what it would be like to live aboard full time. It seems to be the cure for all our modern urban sicknesses.  My wife and Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 11/4/88 Winter layup by Tom Dove The air is turning colder, the days are getting short, and the chevrons of Canada geese are honking their way around the Bay. For most of us, these signals mean that it is time to put our boats to bed for the winter. Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 11/18/88 The ideal dinghy by Tom Dove You have completed a day’s cruise and are anchored in a beautiful cove a mile from an attractive small town. There was no marina space, but who cares? This spot is prettier, anyway. The kids meet their contemporaries from another boat and Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 6/2/89        The first overnighter  by Tom Dove  She rests outside, gracefully exposing her lovely curves to the summer sunshine. Her carefully painted features invite you, seeming to say, “Take me out for the weekend and we’ll have a good time.” Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 6/23/89        Comfort afloat  by Tom Dove When we go out for a weekend on the Bay, we are looking for a bit of adventure, but not too much. We are willing to take a bit  of discomfort, but not too Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 3/10/89       Boats are teachers  by Tom Dove A recent Associated Press story told how Sweden uses boating as part of its prison furlough system. For about 20 years, the Swedish prison system has maintained a vacation camp at Gruvberget, a former logging Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 10/14/88        What can you do with a little powerboat? by Tom Dove Most shoppers at the United States Powerboat Show this weekend will be looking enviously at the big yachts afloat at the Annapolis City Dock and ignoring the many small runabouts Read More …

First published in several Maryland newspapers, 8/18/89 The Accidental Tourist Afloat by Tom Dove You have been invited to spend a day or a weekend on a friend’s boat. What should you bring? What will you wear? What are the hazards? First, find out something about the boat. Group it into one of four general Read More …