Quimbys Editor
Boating Beyond Chicago: Joliet to Ottawa
The bright city lights of Chicago have attracted boaters to its waterfront docks and activities for decades. But for boaters looking to escape city surroundings and enjoy the great natural beauty of the Illinois River, there are nearby options on a portion of the Illinois Waterway flowing from Joliet to Ottawa (and beyond). Starting roughly […] Read More
The Complete Listing of Marinas and Locks on the Inland and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways
Better Boating with Pets
Featured Photo: “Tank’s First Boat Ride”, David Miller, Ohio River MM 499 Updated 4/4/2023 It’s heartwarming to see happy pets out cruising when we go boating, but like with children, they’re a responsibility. The following tips will make things better for boat owners and furry guest alike. You wouldn’t leave the dock without a properly-fitted […] Read More
Spring Launch Prep
Updated 4/3/2023 It’s that time of year when the weather starts to improve and the possibility of getting back on the water seems inevitable. With the excitement and anticipation of those first days aboard, it’s important to put together a spring commissioning to-do list or download one of the countless lists available online. Some are […] Read More
Navigating in Fog
Updated: 8/11/2022 While working in my salvage business, I received a call from the Coast Guard requesting I determine the position of a vessel calling for help in foggy conditions. The captain said he needed medical assistance. So, using my radio direction finder (RDF), I located his boat and began communicating with him. I asked […] Read More
Five Tips for July Fourth Boating Safety
Updated 7/1/2022 Just like Americans’ hectic Thanksgiving Day holiday travel habits, July 4 is recreational boating’s biggest holiday of the year. The nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water predicts crowded launch ramp and marina facilities with significant recreational boat traffic congestion on lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Operator inattention, improper lookout, operator […] Read More
Inland Navigation 101
If you’ve spent any time at all on the inland rivers and lakes of the United States, then you know that boating here is different. The scenery and atmosphere are different. The water and weather are different. Even the boats and some of the boating rules are different. These differences are a big […] Read More
Entertaining on Board Your Boat
Hosting friends and family on board ranks as the No. 2 reason for having a boat on many U.S. boat owners’ lists — right after the vessel’s primary use of cruising, fishing, waterskiing, etc. With so much entertaining going on, it seemed appropriate to provide our tips for having a successful on-water gathering, whether your […] Read More
The Complete Listing of Marinas and Locks on the Inland and Gulf Intracoastal Waterways
21 Summer Boating Tips
Updated: 5/12/2022 As you’re preparing for that summer cruise, here are a few “tricks of the trade” that could make your life easier. Sure, you’re familiar with some of this stuff, but if you’re not out there 24/7, important skills can get buried in the aft locker. Plus, as you read this article, you’ll likely […] Read More