Favorites
WEATHER
Northwest Atlantic Briefing Package
NOAA's Latest GRIB Files
National Data Buoy Center
All BoatUS members are eligible for their own member web site, which allows you to personalize weather reports (both marine and cities). We really like to customize it for our area of travel as it allows us to get weather information for the entire trip in one place. BoatUS Member Page
National Weather Service Marine Forecasts
Barometer Bob's weather forecasts for the Abacos, Bahamas are highly valued by cruisers. Barometer Bob
This is a great summary page for marine weather information. Marine Weather Summary
National Hurricane Center
NAVIGATION
NOAA provides the latest navigational charts as a free download. NOAA Charts
The Army Corps of Enginners maintains web sites with current information on the AIWW depths throughout various states. They even provide waypoints for some of the most shallow areas. Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: North Carolina
Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: South Carolina
Intercoastal Waterway Bridge Opening Schedules For Recreational Vessels
Dozier's Waterway Guide maintains a web site with up-to-date information. Waterway Guide
Active Captain's site encourages visitors to provide regular updates, which benefit others.
Lake Okeechobee Waterway depths from Army Core of Engineers are the most up-to-date.
CRUISER WEB SITES
Merry and Wiley joined us in Charleston, SC in 2011 for travels south. Here is their blog about their travels from Chicago south and back again. Les Miserables
Chris and Margaret, our friends from Solomons are traveling the ICW aboard their boat, Lunasea. Read about their journey on their blog. Lunasea
We cruised with Gail and George this past year, but they are selling their beautiful C&C 38, Quicksilver.
We met Ray and Heather at Manjack Cay, Abacos, Bahamas where we joined them to travel back to Florida. It was a pleasant trip and we continued to travel together as far as Charleston, SC. Sea Holly
Our friends, Roger and Amy of Newburryport, MA, are making a circumnavigation on their Pacific Seacraft 40, Shango.
We met Jed and Page when we first started cruising the Chesapeake Bay. They helped us gain confidence anchoring in stormy weather. Since that time, we have run into them in various ports along the East Coast. We think you will enjoy reading about their adventures. Watercolor
SAILING CLUBS
We joined the Sailing Club of Washington to acquire basic sailing skills. They did a GREAT job and the people are wonderful. If you are in the Washington D. C. area on Thursday night, join them for a Social Sail. Sailing Club of Washington
Cathy and I were invited to join the Cape Fear Yacht Club on its trip to Little River, SC. We were one of 19 boats on this trip and had a wonderful time. This is a GREAT group of people. If you are ever in Southport, NC, look them up. We will. Cape Fear Yacht Club
We were invited to join the Sailing Club of Oriental for the last outing of 2007 on the South River. Although we didn�t know anyone, members of the club made us feel at home. Everyone gathered on one member�s boat bringing a dish to pass. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. Sailing Club of Oriental
MARINAS: Chesapeake Bay
We are frequently asked about our choice of marinas in the Chesapeake Bay. This list of links to our favorite marinas is roughly arranged in secquence from North to South. HarborView Marina & Yacht Club: Baltimore, MD
Liberty Yacht Club: Edgewater, MD
St. Michaels Marina: St. Michaels, MD
Hospitality Harbor Marina: Solomons, MD - (410) 326-1052 (410) 326-1052
Spring Cove Marina: Solomons, MD
Somers Cove Marina: Crisfield, MD
Deltaville Marina
Fishing Bay Harbor: Deltaville, VA
Riverwalk Landing: Yorktown, VA
York River Yacht Haven: Yorktown, VA
Hampton Public Pier: Hampton, VA
MOORING BALLS: Chesapeake Bay
We are frequently asked about our choice of mooring balls in the Chesapeake Bay. This list of links to our favorite ones is roughly arranged in secquence from North to South. Tidewater Marina: Havre De Grace, MD
Sailing Associates
Swan Creek Marina
Lankford Bay Marina
Annapolis Mooring Field: Annapolis, Md
Zahnisers Marina: Solomons, MD
MARINE SERVICES
Annapolis Sailing School
We can't say enough good things about Annapolis Yacht Sales and Tim. He patiently talked to us about our plans and placed us in the ideal boat. His service and support after the sale has surpassed our expectations. It's been a wonderful experience working with Tim. Annapolis Yacht Sales: Tim Wilbricht
Boat Owner's Warehouse
Boat U.S.
When Cathy had a problem due to unseen mold on Orion, we thoroughly cleaned her with a solution of bleach and water. Although it helped, it wasn't sufficient. We contacted Certified Mold Treatment and Brad promptly responded to our need. He pumped our boat full of ozone. It made a significant difference. Certified Mold Treatment
When Orion Jr needed her name decal, we got it for a very reasonable price from Name My Boat.
Although we aren't divers, we joined DAN due to its cost effective medical evacuation insurance. Divers Alert Network (DAN)
We had heard very good reports about Deltaville Boatyard up and down the coast. Our experience with their services has been excellent. Deltaville Boatyard
Fawcett Boat Supplies
When our Cruisair SMXII control failed, we sent it to Flight Systems, Inc. for repair. As we didn't know which of two circuit boards were broken, we sent both boards to them. They tested both boards, finding one of them to be good; no charge while repairing the other for less than 1/3 the cost of a new replacement.. In less than one week, we had them back. On top of it, we were given a one year warranty on their work.
For electrical supplies -- cables, connectors, switches, you name it -- we have found an excellent supplier in GenuineDealz.com. They offer quality parts at a good price, with fast shipping. We have used them repeatedly for various projects on the boat.
Our friends Jed and Page run this business that sells Turncouples. If you need a unique system for connecting and disconnecting hoses, take a look at their Turncouples. Good Turns
Whatever your boat needs, Merri-Mar is the place to get it done! The most mechanically experienced cruisers that we have met throughout our travels, rely on Merri-Mar's expertise and guidance. Jay and his team are 1st Class! Merri-Mar Yacth Basin
Good LED bulbs at a GREAT price with excellent customer service. Tell them you saw the link on SV-Orion for free shipping. MastLight.Com
A custom woodworking shop that did beautiful work for us on our cockpit table. Nautical Specialties - Riviera Beach, FL
Bruce is a first class sail maker. He spent the time necessary to understand our expectations of a sail. Then he carefully examined the boat to be sure he could meet our needs. When there was a problem installing the new sail due to a rigging problem, Bruce saw us through to a successful conclusion. Since that time, he is always available to answer our questions. Neil Pryde Sails: Bruce Empey
We were pleased with the price and quality of our new March air conditioning pump that we ordered from Tri-State Pumps out of NJ.
West Marine
We have consistently found Wise Sales to offer one of the best prices on Honda EU2000 generators. Wise Sales: Honda Generator
Northwest Atlantic Briefing Package
NOAA's Latest GRIB Files
National Data Buoy Center
All BoatUS members are eligible for their own member web site, which allows you to personalize weather reports (both marine and cities). We really like to customize it for our area of travel as it allows us to get weather information for the entire trip in one place. BoatUS Member Page
National Weather Service Marine Forecasts
Barometer Bob's weather forecasts for the Abacos, Bahamas are highly valued by cruisers. Barometer Bob
This is a great summary page for marine weather information. Marine Weather Summary
National Hurricane Center
NAVIGATION
NOAA provides the latest navigational charts as a free download. NOAA Charts
The Army Corps of Enginners maintains web sites with current information on the AIWW depths throughout various states. They even provide waypoints for some of the most shallow areas. Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: North Carolina
Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway: South Carolina
Intercoastal Waterway Bridge Opening Schedules For Recreational Vessels
Dozier's Waterway Guide maintains a web site with up-to-date information. Waterway Guide
Active Captain's site encourages visitors to provide regular updates, which benefit others.
Lake Okeechobee Waterway depths from Army Core of Engineers are the most up-to-date.
CRUISER WEB SITES
Merry and Wiley joined us in Charleston, SC in 2011 for travels south. Here is their blog about their travels from Chicago south and back again. Les Miserables
Chris and Margaret, our friends from Solomons are traveling the ICW aboard their boat, Lunasea. Read about their journey on their blog. Lunasea
We cruised with Gail and George this past year, but they are selling their beautiful C&C 38, Quicksilver.
We met Ray and Heather at Manjack Cay, Abacos, Bahamas where we joined them to travel back to Florida. It was a pleasant trip and we continued to travel together as far as Charleston, SC. Sea Holly
Our friends, Roger and Amy of Newburryport, MA, are making a circumnavigation on their Pacific Seacraft 40, Shango.
We met Jed and Page when we first started cruising the Chesapeake Bay. They helped us gain confidence anchoring in stormy weather. Since that time, we have run into them in various ports along the East Coast. We think you will enjoy reading about their adventures. Watercolor
SAILING CLUBS
We joined the Sailing Club of Washington to acquire basic sailing skills. They did a GREAT job and the people are wonderful. If you are in the Washington D. C. area on Thursday night, join them for a Social Sail. Sailing Club of Washington
Cathy and I were invited to join the Cape Fear Yacht Club on its trip to Little River, SC. We were one of 19 boats on this trip and had a wonderful time. This is a GREAT group of people. If you are ever in Southport, NC, look them up. We will. Cape Fear Yacht Club
We were invited to join the Sailing Club of Oriental for the last outing of 2007 on the South River. Although we didn�t know anyone, members of the club made us feel at home. Everyone gathered on one member�s boat bringing a dish to pass. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. Sailing Club of Oriental
MARINAS: Chesapeake Bay
We are frequently asked about our choice of marinas in the Chesapeake Bay. This list of links to our favorite marinas is roughly arranged in secquence from North to South. HarborView Marina & Yacht Club: Baltimore, MD
Liberty Yacht Club: Edgewater, MD
St. Michaels Marina: St. Michaels, MD
Hospitality Harbor Marina: Solomons, MD - (410) 326-1052 (410) 326-1052
Spring Cove Marina: Solomons, MD
Somers Cove Marina: Crisfield, MD
Deltaville Marina
Fishing Bay Harbor: Deltaville, VA
Riverwalk Landing: Yorktown, VA
York River Yacht Haven: Yorktown, VA
Hampton Public Pier: Hampton, VA
MOORING BALLS: Chesapeake Bay
We are frequently asked about our choice of mooring balls in the Chesapeake Bay. This list of links to our favorite ones is roughly arranged in secquence from North to South. Tidewater Marina: Havre De Grace, MD
Sailing Associates
Swan Creek Marina
Lankford Bay Marina
Annapolis Mooring Field: Annapolis, Md
Zahnisers Marina: Solomons, MD
MARINE SERVICES
Annapolis Sailing School
We can't say enough good things about Annapolis Yacht Sales and Tim. He patiently talked to us about our plans and placed us in the ideal boat. His service and support after the sale has surpassed our expectations. It's been a wonderful experience working with Tim. Annapolis Yacht Sales: Tim Wilbricht
Boat Owner's Warehouse
Boat U.S.
When Cathy had a problem due to unseen mold on Orion, we thoroughly cleaned her with a solution of bleach and water. Although it helped, it wasn't sufficient. We contacted Certified Mold Treatment and Brad promptly responded to our need. He pumped our boat full of ozone. It made a significant difference. Certified Mold Treatment
When Orion Jr needed her name decal, we got it for a very reasonable price from Name My Boat.
Although we aren't divers, we joined DAN due to its cost effective medical evacuation insurance. Divers Alert Network (DAN)
We had heard very good reports about Deltaville Boatyard up and down the coast. Our experience with their services has been excellent. Deltaville Boatyard
Fawcett Boat Supplies
When our Cruisair SMXII control failed, we sent it to Flight Systems, Inc. for repair. As we didn't know which of two circuit boards were broken, we sent both boards to them. They tested both boards, finding one of them to be good; no charge while repairing the other for less than 1/3 the cost of a new replacement.. In less than one week, we had them back. On top of it, we were given a one year warranty on their work.
For electrical supplies -- cables, connectors, switches, you name it -- we have found an excellent supplier in GenuineDealz.com. They offer quality parts at a good price, with fast shipping. We have used them repeatedly for various projects on the boat.
Our friends Jed and Page run this business that sells Turncouples. If you need a unique system for connecting and disconnecting hoses, take a look at their Turncouples. Good Turns
Whatever your boat needs, Merri-Mar is the place to get it done! The most mechanically experienced cruisers that we have met throughout our travels, rely on Merri-Mar's expertise and guidance. Jay and his team are 1st Class! Merri-Mar Yacth Basin
Good LED bulbs at a GREAT price with excellent customer service. Tell them you saw the link on SV-Orion for free shipping. MastLight.Com
A custom woodworking shop that did beautiful work for us on our cockpit table. Nautical Specialties - Riviera Beach, FL
Bruce is a first class sail maker. He spent the time necessary to understand our expectations of a sail. Then he carefully examined the boat to be sure he could meet our needs. When there was a problem installing the new sail due to a rigging problem, Bruce saw us through to a successful conclusion. Since that time, he is always available to answer our questions. Neil Pryde Sails: Bruce Empey
We were pleased with the price and quality of our new March air conditioning pump that we ordered from Tri-State Pumps out of NJ.
West Marine
We have consistently found Wise Sales to offer one of the best prices on Honda EU2000 generators. Wise Sales: Honda Generator
