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I decided that I needed a new challenge this spring so I decided to create a website dedicated to my Swift Trawler 50. The site started out as a page to share photos from previous cruises and has now morphed into a blog and also a resource for boaters, focused primarily on the Pacific...

We own a Swift Trawler 50 and I'm wondering why you're sleeping in the VIP? The master in our boat is in the aft cabin which sits lower in the water and is mostly quiet while at anchor. We do use a Mantus anchor bridle and while I don't know that it does much to reduce any chine or wave slap, I...

We have a grey water tank on our 50' Beneteau Swift Trawler that will not empty until we do it manually. When we first got the boat I noticed that there was always a funky smell whenever we took showers or did the dishes so I've always kept the grey water tank emptied out as often as possible. I...

To prevent your anchor form fouling and also to mark the location of your anchor, consider making an anchor tripline buoy: It's very easy to do - just make sure to use a sufficient length of line for the depth that you're anchoring in.

We just completed a pretty large project in our local boatyard - (bottom paint, prop speed on our pod drives, dinghy lift prepped and painted, pod maintenance) and the project came in pretty close the original estimate. What helped in my opinion is that I kept in constant contact with the yard...

I love our Beneteau Swift Trawler 50. You can get a 44 and a 35 and they’re all great. Diesel engines, some Volvo IPS, some straight shaft, all have very thoughtful layouts. I love that we can go 17 knots and spend some $$ or go 9 knots, take a little longer and save a few dollars. Our 50 is...

A friend of ours (who is a lifelong boater) suggested that maybe this boat might be better suited to a conversion as a "cabin" on land. Remove the engines and put it on a plot of land to use as a unique vacation home. That being said - it would still need a significant amount of...

I know the owner of this boat. He was a liveaboard and the accident occurred just South of the Hood Canal bridge in a well known reef/rocks called "The Sisters". I don't know the details of how he ran aground but the rocks are well marked on the charts. It was underwater for at least a few...

It's really big and heavy. I don't think it would even fit in our Jeep to take it anywhere. I do have a really good canvas lady. I can ask her what she thinks. Good idea!

I do this also and I'm so glad that I do. Our boat is a 2014 and when we purchased her in March of this year, all of the fire extinguishers were out of date (they were from the original delivery). We had the same issue with our last boat. Now I'm thinking about secondary exits and I know that...

Nice! We fueled up in Nanaimo then went as far North as Toba Wilderness, through Desolation Sound, Secret Cove and the refueled again in Vancouver. We did spend much of our time underway at slower speeds to conserve fuel but I was really impressed with the efficiency of our Swift Trawler! It’s...

We just purchased an ST50 in March and we’re very pleased with the boat. The layout, design, reliability has been superb. We’re currently on a trip up to Desolation Sound in BC and in addition to providing everything we need, the boat has been very fuel efficient and comfortable. I would...

Rather than pricing, I think it's important to know *where* fuel is available. We've been up to Desolation several times and most of the time we're ready to get fuel, it doesn't make sense to try to go to another location just to save a few dollars. Pender Harbour, Secret Cove, Westview, Lund...

Not sure about the ST44 but our ST50 has abundant storage. Initially we were concerned about having enough storage for our groceries until we decided to repurpose a couple of our storage compartments under the salon sofa for canned goods and also extra paper plates, napkins and appliances we...

I can reply now that I have some more time! We’ve done the fireworks in Lake Union a few times in the 20 years we’ve been boating. Now that we’re moored in Elliott Bay honestly I wouldn’t do it again however when you have friends visiting from out of town that’s a different story! Yes you...

I can reply now that I have some more time! We’ve done the fireworks in Lake Union a few times in the 20 years we’ve been boating. Now that we’re moored in Elliott Bay honestly I wouldn’t do it again however when you have friends visiting from out of town that’s a different story! Yes you...

Anchoring in lake union is only allowed twice a year - 4th of July and New Year’s Eve.

Nope - just a younger (married) brother! Ha ha! I am definitely an anomaly and I know it but I don't mind. I'm currently Fleet Captain for our yacht club and have previously served as Commodore. I guess I like to do what is unexpected. :)

In our case - I’m the wife and I absolutely love being on the boat and on the water but it means nothing to me without my husband. We discovered our love for boating together and have always run the boat together. Most times I’m the one at the helm and I handle the majority of the maintenance...

Ross - I’m so sorry for your wife’s illness. You’re so lucky that she recognizes your need for being on the water and also for companionship once she’s gone. We’ll be here for you throughout your journey. Sandy

Between the hard shell and advanced elements kayaks, which do you prefer?

Thanks for the information! My husband and I were just discussing this yesterday and he told me that if we’re going to get a kayak he would want us to have a hard shell even though it will be much more challenging to store, launch, etc. Considering we’re novice kayakers I think the inflatables...

A friend of mine recommended to make sure you have the Canadian version of the shrimp pots/traps. Apparently they use a smaller mesh than the US traps and you'll have better luck. With the US traps you won't catch much. I can confirm that after attempting to crab in Desolation the past few...

Does the original varnish need to be stripped before Cetol can be applied? Our varnish is in pretty good shape and I've been told it only needs a coat or two a year to keep it in good shape. I would definitely be inclined to choose a method that requires less maintenance. We have varnished...

Have you considered a Beneteau Swift Trawler? We have a 2014 50' and we absolutely love her! Just found an older model that works for your budget though not sure how it works for fishing. Forgot to mention that our ST50 cruises at 17 knots though will also happily cruise at slower speeds...