These guides cover the logistics that determine whether an offshore passage is comfortable or miserable: how much food to carry and what kind, where to provision in ports that don't have well-stocked chandleries, what kind of insurance actually covers you when you're 500 miles from shore, and how to evaluate the vessel you're putting your life aboard. Each article is written for sailors who are planning, not just dreaming.
Food Provisioning for Offshore Passages
Quantity calculations for crew and days at sea, storable food categories that actually work, the fresh produce strategy, cooking in a seaway, and how to coordinate meals across a watch system.
- 3 meals + 2 snacks × crew × days + 50% reserve
- Root vegetables last 3 weeks
- The 1-pot offshore meal collection
Sourcing Supplies in Tropical and Developing World Ports
The market vs. supermarket vs. chandlery hierarchy, the Caribbean provisioning circuit, Pacific crossing prep in Panama City, the Marquesas provisioning shock, propane adaptor variations, and diesel quality assessment.
- Trinidad is cheapest — stock up before heading north
- La Paz Costco: the Pacific provisioning legend
- Bring 6+ months of staples for the Marquesas
Boat Insurance for Offshore Cruisers
Why standard marina policies don't cover offshore passages, cruising coverage categories, major offshore marine insurers, what policies actually require, the hurricane deductible trap, and geographic exclusions.
- Navigation limits clause — know yours
- Agreed value vs. actual cash value
- 5–10% named storm deductible trap
Marine Surveys: What to Expect and How to Use Results
The three survey types, what a SAMS/NAMS-accredited surveyor actually checks, how to read moisture meter results, the difference between surveying conditions and recommendations, and timing relative to your purchase contract.
- $15–25 per foot plus haul-out
- The 20% moisture rule for osmotic blisters
- Surveying condition vs. recommendation vs. advisory
About These Guides
These are editorial resources based on practical cruising experience and research. Insurance requirements, provisioning prices, and regulations change by year and by country. Always verify current coverage terms with your specific insurer and consult local customs authorities for duty-free provisioning procedures. The marina directory lists provisioning notes and facilities for marinas across North America.