THOUGHTS FROM THE CAPTAIN
Articles, observations, and practical guidance from Captain Tom Ketelhut — on delivering vessels, coaching new owners, navigating the Great Lakes, and everything that happens on a boat between leaving the dock and coming home safely.
Browse by topic.
Clear filters

Voyages
Keeping a Boat in Algonac: The Town That Built the Boats Now Guards the Delta
Chris-Craft’s hometown sits at the top of the delta with the North Channel out its front door. What keeping a boat in Algonac asks of you, and gives back.

Voyages
Keeping a Boat in Wyandotte: The Working Waterfront at the Head of the Trenton Channel
Downriver’s best working waterfront sits where the Trenton Channel begins. How the marinas, the launch, and the water in front of them actually work.

Ownership
When Your Insurer Wants Hours With a Captain: What Actually Happens Next
The policy is bound, with a condition: hours with a captain before you run her alone. Here’s what that looks like, and how to make them count.

From the Dock
Don’t Teach Your Partner to Dock the Boat
The worst docking instructor most First Mates ever get is the person they share a boat with. It’s not a skill problem. Here’s what to do about it.
FROM THE HELM
New articles, straight to your inbox.
A short note whenever a new piece goes up — seamanship, ownership, and lessons from the water. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.