Day One-Ketchikan, Alaska

 I’m glad it was raining and slightly chilly when I stepped off the plane in Ketchikan, Alaska to join the fleet of Grand Banks' making their way north. For more than a month, I was anticipating this cruise and for an east coaster like me, the topography, overcast skies, and smell of wilderness and sea were different enough to stir an inner child-like excitement. Ah, we’re on an adventure I thought, while taking the ferry from the airport to the mainland.

“Hot dogs! Get your all beef dogs here!”

“Soda soda! Beer here!”

Who needs coffee? There’s no need for a morning coffee wake-up when you tag along with Fountain Powerboats founder Reggie Fountain. It’s no secret that Fountain boats are known for their speed. When I tested the new 38 Open with triple 275 hp Mercury Verado outboards early one spring morning, we reached an exhilarating 73.5 mph. Unlike other boats that can run fast yet feel unstable at speed, making me want to reach for the throttles, the 38 Open blistered along like it was riding on rails.

Needing a boost for your dead car battery is one thing—needing a boost for a dead starting battery aboard your boat is quite another. Battery switches—if wired correctly—are one way to ensure that all the electronic gear on today’s boats doesn’t drain your battery. But they only work if you remember to switch them. Now, is one the house or was it two? 

Editor's Note- Sean O'Leary and I spent a day in February with Gary Straw of Loadmaster in Port Clinton, Ohio. He not only showed us how his trailers were built, but gave us a good education about sizing the appropriate trailer and demonstrated the old adage; you get what you pay for. Afterwards, we thought it would be a good idea to give you a few tips on towing.