Leaving a boat unattended for several weeks takes a little preparation. Here’s what to check before you walk away, from bilge pumps and batteries to mooring lines and moisture.

Sailboat rigging is easy to ignore until something changes. Here are seven signs worth noticing — and when it may be time to call a professional.

What can duct tape fix on a boat? Sailors shared their strangest temporary repairs, from leaking mast boots and torn sails to rattling hatches, fridges and galley cabinets.

Boat toilets are not the glamorous side of sailing, but they are one of the most important systems on board. This beginner-friendly guide explains how marine heads work, what holding tanks and seacocks do, why toilets smell or block, and what new sailors should know before using one.

Life on a boat is beautiful, but it is not always simple. This Sailoscope article looks at what non-sailors often misunderstand about boat life, including weather, maintenance, small spaces, marina life, water use, privacy, and the real meaning of freedom at sea.

A leaking hatch during rain can make the whole cabin feel damp very quickly. Here is a simple look at what usually causes hatch leaks and how to start solving them.

If your bilge pump keeps turning on, it does not always mean disaster. Here are the most common reasons boats collect water in the bilge — and what it usually means.

Your boat feels damp, but there’s no visible leak. Here’s why boats often feel wet inside — and when it’s normal.

You open the boat after days or weeks away and notice a damp smell. Is this normal, or a sign of a problem? Here’s what’s really going on.

Wondering if your boat’s hull color really matters for performance? This post explores what science (and sailors) say about dark vs. light hulls, drag, and sailing efficiency. Updated September 2025.