Skipper Bob Planning Guides

Skipper Bob and his wife Elaine cruised more than 44,000 miles on the East Coast of the United States. Their travels have taken them up and down the Intracoastal Waterway numerous times. They completed the Great Loop Route and sailed to both the Bahamas and the Dry Tortugas. They took their trawler through the Erie, Rideau, Richelieu, and Trent Severn Canals. Living aboard for more than 9 years on both a sail boat and a trawler, they have experienced just about everything the waters of the East Coast have to offer.

Skipper Bob has published a series of guides that will make your travels on these waterways much easier, safer and less expensive.

Planning Guides

Cruising Comfortably on a Budget
Living and cruising on a boat in the coastal waters of the Eastern United States. What kind of boat to buy, how to outfit it, where to go and stay, and how to live comfortably all on a budget. Tips on saving thousands of dollars while cruising the East Coast, Great Lakes and the Inland water system. Information on cruising the Intracoastal Waterway, Bahamas, and Canada.

The Great Circle Route
Cruising the Great Circle Route up the East Coast, across the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi and Tenn-Tom Canal to the Gulf Coast, and across the Gulf Coast to Florida. What charts and cruising guides you need. How to schedule the trip, what to expect and when and where to go. Alternative routes via the Great Lakes are outlined in detail.  Everything you need to plan this exciting voyage.

Bahamas Bound
A planning guide to the Bahamas.  Who should consider going.  What type of vessel.  How to outfit your vessel for the Bahamas to save money and enjoy the trip.  Planning where to go and stay for the most comfort and safety.  Cruising characteristics of both the Abacos and the Exumas.  A list of cruising guides and charts required with pricing and sources.  Step by step guide to get you ready, take the weather into account and make the crossing to the Bahamas. 

Seven Miles an Hour
Witty, but to the point.  This book, by Don Wallace, gives the reader the basic concept of what you will go through when deciding to buy a boat and live aboard.  Color photographs bring the experience to life and Appendix 1 provides basic information on buying a boat and outfitting it for cruising.  Excellent read for anyone interested in boating.