The Brutal Truth About Cruising on a Budget & Surviving Storms at Sea

In this video, I’m tackling a list of questions collected from our recent live streams!

From the best pocket cruisers for a Pacific crossing to the raw reality of catamarans vs. monohulls in bad weather, we cover it all. I’m also diving into storm tactics (heaving to vs. running with a drogue), whether sailboats are truly money pits, advice for sailing with kids, and why I’m currently taking a temporary break from the live-aboard life.

Susie Goodall Interview: https://youtu.be/yQZnQKHZ_jI?si=Hs5xMmQc4PRe8VC3

Join me every Saturday at 3 PM Eastern Time for our live streams where I give away signed copies of my book!

⚓ RECOMMENDED GEAR & STORES

Defender Marine has been outfitting boaters since 1938, with trusted brands, expert advice, and everything you need for maintenance, upgrades, and refits.
👉Shop Defender Marine: https://defender.com/en_us/

Get 10% off your next Defender Marine order when you purchase a copy of Be The Captain through the link below.
👉Get the book and claim your discount: https://bethecaptain.com/


CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction & Saturday Live Streams
00:24 - Is a Submarine a Good Cruising Boat?
00:55 - The Biggest Mistake Offshore Sailors Make
01:51 - Smallest Boats for a Pacific Crossing
02:42 - Monohull vs. Catamaran for Heavy Weather
03:52 - What’s My Next Boat & Why I’m Taking a Break
06:03 - Is the Scanmar 40 Good for Circumnavigation?
08:29 - The History & Legacy of the Cal 40
10:26 - Storm Tactics: For Reaching, Downwind, or Heaving To?
12:25 - Running with a Drogue: Can You Still Steer?
13:10 - How to Adjust a Drogue (and Jordan Series Drogues)
16:18 - Should You Remove Solar Panels Before a Storm?
17:44 - Junk Sails and Unstayed Masts for Cruising
19:52 - Thoughts on Arrow Rigs & Complex Sailing Systems
21:02 - Can You Wrap a Fiberglass Mast in Carbon Fiber?
22:11 - Are All Sailboats Money Pits? (Buying Under $100k)
23:57 - Best Mid-Size Budget Monohulls for Island Hopping
25:06 - Setting a Realistic Maintenance Budget
26:43 - The Reality of Insuring Older Boats (1980s Hulls)
27:57 - Is 80 Years Old Too Old to Start Offshore Sailing?
29:52 - The Pros and Cons of Solo Sailing
31:29 - Managing Watch Schedules for Couples vs. Extra Crew
33:07 - How to Get Into Sailing (Local Clubs & Dock Walking)
34:25 - Crucial Advice for Sailing with Kids
35:48 - Lightning Round: Lazy Jacks, Autopilots, & Pullman Berths
37:21 - Unexpected Sights & Smells at Sea
38:26 - The Truth About Carrying Weapons on a Boat
40:21 - Why Aren't You Sailing Right Now?

Support Sailing Zingaro

At WeBoating.com, we profoundly acknowledge the unwavering dedication that Sailing Zingaro invests in crafting each and every video or voyage. Their passion for delivering exceptional ocean content shines through every frame, and it's a labor of love that deserves your attention.

We invite you to watch their captivating videos here and actively engage with their content, including their social media links above. Liking, commenting, and sharing their work goes a long way in fueling their creative fire.

We're also inviting you to explore the gear, sponsorships, and boat partnerships highlighted in the "The Brutal Truth About Cruising on a Budget & Surviving Storms at Sea" video description, or directly on YouTube. By engaging with these offerings or purchasing services and items, you directly support Sailing Zingaro, their collaborators, and the brands they're associated with.

To ensure you never miss an offshore update, consider visiting their official YouTube Channel to subscribe, like, and join their community directly.

If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional information about Sailing Zingaro or their videos, please use the comment form below to share your thoughts with us.

Thank you for being a part of our community and supporting the creators we cherish. Your time and support truly matter!

In this video, I’m tackling a list of questions collected from our recent live streams!

From the best pocket cruisers for a Pacific crossing to the raw reality of catamarans vs. monohulls in bad weather, we cover it all. I’m also diving into storm tactics (heaving to vs. running with a drogue), whether sailboats are truly money pits, advice for sailing with kids, and why I’m currently taking a temporary break from the live-aboard life.

Susie Goodall Interview: https://youtu.be/yQZnQKHZ_jI?si=Hs5xMmQc4PRe8VC3

Join me every Saturday at 3 PM Eastern Time for our live streams where I give away signed copies of my book!

⚓ RECOMMENDED GEAR & STORES

Defender Marine has been outfitting boaters since 1938, with trusted brands, expert advice, and everything you need for maintenance, upgrades, and refits.
👉Shop Defender Marine: https://defender.com/en_us/

Get 10% off your next Defender Marine order when you purchase a copy of Be The Captain through the link below.
👉Get the book and claim your discount: https://bethecaptain.com/

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction & Saturday Live Streams
00:24 – Is a Submarine a Good Cruising Boat?
00:55 – The Biggest Mistake Offshore Sailors Make
01:51 – Smallest Boats for a Pacific Crossing
02:42 – Monohull vs. Catamaran for Heavy Weather
03:52 – What’s My Next Boat & Why I’m Taking a Break
06:03 – Is the Scanmar 40 Good for Circumnavigation?
08:29 – The History & Legacy of the Cal 40
10:26 – Storm Tactics: For Reaching, Downwind, or Heaving To?
12:25 – Running with a Drogue: Can You Still Steer?
13:10 – How to Adjust a Drogue (and Jordan Series Drogues)
16:18 – Should You Remove Solar Panels Before a Storm?
17:44 – Junk Sails and Unstayed Masts for Cruising
19:52 – Thoughts on Arrow Rigs & Complex Sailing Systems
21:02 – Can You Wrap a Fiberglass Mast in Carbon Fiber?
22:11 – Are All Sailboats Money Pits? (Buying Under $100k)
23:57 – Best Mid-Size Budget Monohulls for Island Hopping
25:06 – Setting a Realistic Maintenance Budget
26:43 – The Reality of Insuring Older Boats (1980s Hulls)
27:57 – Is 80 Years Old Too Old to Start Offshore Sailing?
29:52 – The Pros and Cons of Solo Sailing
31:29 – Managing Watch Schedules for Couples vs. Extra Crew
33:07 – How to Get Into Sailing (Local Clubs & Dock Walking)
34:25 – Crucial Advice for Sailing with Kids
35:48 – Lightning Round: Lazy Jacks, Autopilots, & Pullman Berths
37:21 – Unexpected Sights & Smells at Sea
38:26 – The Truth About Carrying Weapons on a Boat
40:21 – Why Aren’t You Sailing Right Now?

Latest Episodes from Sailing Zingaro

Explore the most recent voyages. Subscribe to the channel to never miss an update!

Showing 1-6 of 634 results
Canada’s Hidden Gem: Gozzard Yachts
Sailing Zingaro

Canada’s Hidden Gem: Gozzard Yachts

Gozzard Yachts builds only a handful of customized bluewater boats each year instead of chasing production volume. I think staying small and family-owned has helped the company preserve its craftsmanship, workforce, and independence for decades. Full Stream: 📗 Get My Book:
Which Diesel Would You Trust Offshore?
Sailing Zingaro

Which Diesel Would You Trust Offshore?

Both engines are diesels, but one uses simple mechanical injection while the other relies on an ECU-controlled fuel rail for greater efficiency. I would weigh the electronic engine’s fuel savings against the risk that a wiring or computer failure could stop it completely offshore. Full Stream: 📗 ...
Are Old Sails Automatically Worn Out?
Sailing Zingaro

Are Old Sails Automatically Worn Out?

A covered sail is not worn out simply because it is old; I judge it by miles, flogging, and sun exposure. A sailmaker’s needle should pop through tight Dacron, while fabric that tears by hand is already toast. Full Stream: 📗 Get My Book:
The Sailboat “Puppy” Test
Sailing Zingaro

The Sailboat “Puppy” Test

A cockpit that looks comfortable at the dock can feel completely different once the boat heels 15 degrees. I look for a secure spot on the leeward side where a seasick crewmember can lie outside in fresh air. Full Stream: 📗 Get My Book:
I Don’t Like this Hull Shape
Sailing Zingaro

I Don’t Like this Hull Shape

A wide stern creates enormous aft cabins because it carries the boat’s volume and buoyancy all the way aft. I do not love that underwater shape offshore, so I compare the accommodation it creates with the motion and comfort it may sacrifice at sea. Full Stream: 📗 Get My Book:
Offshore Boat Ratings are BS
Sailing Zingaro

Offshore Boat Ratings are BS

CE Category A is the offshore design category used on many production sailboats, but I do not think the badge tells buyers enough about real bluewater capability. Full Stream: 📗 Get My Book:
Browse All Videos
WeBoating
Logo
Shopping cart