— From the helm
Marine intelligence, boating tips, and d3kOS updates from Skipper Don.
After the reality check with the Alpha drive, the prop, and the impeller, it was time to roll up my sleeves. Owning a boat isn’t just about cruising into sunsets — it’s about crawling into tight spaces, getting greasy, and learning what makes your boat tick. Tools in Hand I showed up at the marina […]
Yes, I bought an old boat with good bones. But bones alone don’t keep you on the water. It was time for some reality: maintenance. The Alpha Drive First up was replacing the gear oil in the Alpha drive. Not a big deal in theory, but this isn’t an outboard. This is a big, heavy […]
This wasn’t my dream boat. Not yet, anyway. There’s a lot of work to do. But when I first saw her, I knew she had good bones — and that’s what mattered. Back to 1994 Let’s rewind. In 1994, the Monterey 265 SEL was a top-of-the-line cuddy cruiser. (For those new to boating, “cuddy” is […]
It was supposed to be a perfect day trip—Grand River to Port Dover, sunshine, smooth waves, and Diana Ross singing us across Lake Erie. Instead, we got a three-hour audition for Gilligan’s Island. I pride myself on being prepared. Charts checked, weather apps consulted, playlists queued. My wife and I were finally going to take […]
Every time I’m on Our Time, I learn something new. Sometimes it’s a small detail—like remembering to carry spare fuses. Other times it’s a bigger realization—like how important climate control is when you’re sleeping aboard in July. I’ve started calling these moments Digital Boat Lessons. They’re not just reminders for me; they’re building blocks for […]
After my breakdown on Erie, I knew one thing for sure: I wasn’t going to be caught unprepared again. The first casualty was the cigarette lighter, so I replaced it with a proper 12‑volt marine plug. That got me thinking—why did I have different style fuses scattered around the boat, and not a single spare […]
Boating isn’t just about the big-ticket items — the engines, the electronics, the trailer. It’s also about the little things that make life on board smoother, safer, and, let’s be honest, more comfortable. When I first started putting together my “wish list,” I thought it would be filled with flashy upgrades: new electronics, down-riggers, maybe […]
The walleye run was on, and after a great week of fishing I decided to head out for some evening action with a friend. The weather couldn’t have been better—Lake Erie was a sheet of glass, perfect for running full throttle. Then it happened. A sharp smell of burning wires from the dash, a puff […]
There’s something special about the first time you sleep over on your boat. For me, it started with a late July morning that was already pushing 30 degrees before noon. I had a late start driving down, and before I could even think about fishing, I needed to add 80 litres of fuel. That meant […]
Owning a boat isn’t just about sunsets, smooth water, and roaring engines. Sometimes it’s about grease, bearings, and the humbling realization that your trailer is just as important as your boat. After the excitement of launch day, it was clear the trailer needed attention. Remember that “deal” I got on a used three-axle trailer? Well, […]
