by Pat Carson

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Bilge Pumps While on a boat delivery a few years ago we were navigating a 48-foot sportfish convertible from the San Juan Islands to San Francisco. After a particularly difficult 30 hours in rough...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Rule 14 It was a beautiful Saturday morning in Alameda, and we had planned on a late start for our voyage to the Delta. Departing Richard Boland Yacht Sales’ docks at Marina Village around...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

MMSI, DSC, AIS If you have an emergency on your vessel which communication device would you reach for first, your mobile phone or the VHF radio? In Feb 1999, the Safety of Life at...

Lessons Learned – by Pat Carson

Engine Room Check It has been several years since I wrote about the importance of conducting a prestart engine room check. During this unusual time, many of our boats have gone unused for an...