After a great few weeks of late Indian summer, we are into fall weather.  Time to dive into the shop and start my long list of repairs, modifications, and upgrades to Kincora #57.  I am very excited with new ideas, with some great sponsors, and partners for this project.  This episode is something most new and used boat buyers don’t think of when buying a boat.  Brokers are there to sell the boats, and make their commission.  Surveyors have a tough job, and good ones are there to give you the condition of the boat, based on their experience and…

We all like a happy boat as it sits for the winter.  In New England we pull our boats this time of year, and then they sit for about six months. Yup, we only get six to seven months of use due to our harsh winters.  So half the year they sit for the long dark, cold winter months. I have over the years developed a system of how I put away my boats, since it is critical to their long-term health.  When I see local boat yards with boats that are exposed to the harsh winter on the edge…

My In and Out of the Boat Shop show could not happen without my great sponsors. All of them have amazing gear that I believe in, and want to spread the word. Please visit my sponsors sites, and let them know you came from Paul Cronin Studios or In and Out of the Boat Shop Show. Ocean Planet Energy can help with any energy need on any boat from the smallest boat with a battery to super yachts. This staff is knowledgeable and has the best products line in the industry. Video; How to Install Solbian Flush deck Solar Panels…

Exciting news: My buddy John sold his Olson 30, smart buyer; it was the best deal going for shorthanded sailing.  Now John and his wife Joyce just purchased my last Archambault 31.  Finally we have two of the same boats, a long time coming.  This will add significantly to the show and help our tuning process.  Along with just making us better shorthanded sailors. Ok, let me get into the final part of this series. If you have not read Part 1 and Part 2 of this series I think it is worth the read. After deciding on the Archambault…

Welcome back, this week it is about which boat we selected and why. If you have not read Part 1 I think it is worth the read. Here is the link to Part 1 if you have not read it yet. Part 2 will make more sense if you read part 1. At first we thought two, Figaro 2’s were the way to go.  Figaro 2 is a great boats and now off the circuit, replaced by the Figaro 3. Some boats are still around, and their prices are high ($110-130K Euro landed in US) and then they need full…

Yes, the second part of finding the right boat for me is coming this weekend. But, today I have a very special video for you. My wife Carol has her fourth book coming out 18 June. Follow the link below to find out more about the great book launch party, and preorder the book. The book is a must read if you love boats, the sea, and just being around the water. The character-building, the story line, the scenes feel so real you will be taken away. Of course that is from a proud husband reader, who lives for being…

Let me say first off, this is how I go about looking for and buying my boats.  The system works for me, it might not for you, but hopefully you will get something out of it for your next boat hunt. After close to 40 boats most think I am a nut how many boats I buy.  But the process of choosing the right design, dialing in the boat for shorthanded, getting it up to speed, then racing and winning, makes me smile.  Oh, and a profit on each keeps this part of my business moving forward to the next…

The follow up to last weeks Soliban Solar panel install. This week we wire the panels to ABYC standards. This might seem simple and it is as long as you follow the ABYC standards. Best to be certified by ABYC or hire an ABYC certified installer. Next week we have a new video from the shop showing Smedley our tug boat, well actually our rowing skiff that we use to get to the two moorings in Dutch Harbor. We call her the tug boat since she is a workhorse, we load her with gear, do mooring work, and hall friends…