Optimism abounds
in the sailing industry

You have to be an optimist to be in the marine industry. If you’re not, I suspect you either have ulcers, will have them soon, or some other malady is just around the corner for you.

If being around sailboats and sailboat people doesn’t bring a smile to your face, you might just be in the wrong business.

We’ve just attended several boat shows. Yes, they were smaller than in previous years, and yes there were fewer attendees, but those of us who admit our addiction to the boating lifestyle and freely acknowledge affection for our boats, know there will soon be more of those marvelous days on the boat that are without equal. (Our addiction is not going away any time soon.)

Most people I know have big smiles on their faces when they are on their boats. Their boats offer an escape from an escape from the mundane daily grind and an opportunity to enjoy the natural human state of being happy.

So, while the oracles are spewing doom and gloom, the rest of us are getting ready for the next sailing season.

Good Old Boat just had its best year yet! More sailors are subscribing and reading this magazine.

There is a message for you there!

If you want those enthusiastic sailors to find your products or services, you make sure they can find you in Good Old Boat.

Michael@GoodOldBoat.com

Who are our readers? They’re the ones in the boatyards doing the work themselves. Whether upgrading, maintaining, installing, replacing, or cleaning, they’re investing in and improving the sailboats they own and love. They want to know about the products, equipment, and services you offer for their boats.

Making sure the current flows

by Bernard Heise

For sailboat owners rethinking their vessel’s electrical system, the broad and expensive range of equipment and technology touted by the industry as vital for their safety and comfort can be overwhelming. There is no single perfect electrical system for small sailboats. The system you need is determined by how much electricity you consume, and the system you get is determined by how much you are willing to spend. The two are not the same. You can empty your wallet to buy electrical components that will fulfill virtually any technician’s desire and still not have the power you need, but you can also design a simple, safe, and robust electrical system that will fulfill your needs at a reasonable price.