In this episode of Sailing the East, host Bela Musits welcomes David Lage, a cruising power boater who recently reached out with a great suggestion: feature more power boating guests on the show. While Sailing the East has traditionally centered on sailing stories, Bela and David dive into the surprising number of similarities between life aboard a sailboat and a power boat.
Shared waters, shared challenges From navigating tides and currents to dealing with shifting weather systems, Bela and David agree that both sailors and power boaters face many of the same challenges. Whether under sail or engine power, boaters share the experience of reading the water, planning routes, and making real-time adjustments to keep a trip safe and enjoyable.
Topics covered in this conversation:
How sailors and power boaters use similar navigation strategies
The role of weather planning in both types of cruising
Why understanding tides and currents is essential for every boater
Docking and anchoring considerations for different vessel types
How trip planning differs — and where it’s exactly the same
The camaraderie between sailors and power boaters on the water
Learning from each other’s experiences Bela shares his own perspective as a sailor who spends long stretches aboard a Hunter 45 Deck Salon, often navigating coastal waters and inland routes. David brings the view from the helm of a cruising power boat, pointing out how systems, handling, and speed can differ — but also how the core skills and judgment calls are remarkably alike.
Both agree that the more boaters understand each other’s challenges and techniques, the stronger the community on the water becomes. From VHF radio courtesy to offering help at a dock, shared respect goes a long way.
Similarities between sail and power:
Both require constant situational awareness
Weather and sea state shape the day’s decisions
Mechanical and system checks are critical before departure
Good seamanship is universal — regardless of propulsion
Trip memories are shaped by the people, places, and unexpected moments along the way
A conversation rooted in practical seamanship Listeners will appreciate how Bela and David keep the discussion grounded in real-world cruising experiences. They talk about the satisfaction of a well-planned day on the water, the occasional scramble when conditions change suddenly, and the joy of arriving at a quiet anchorage or favorite port.
The episode also touches on how both sailing and power boating demand a balance of preparation and flexibility. Even with the best charts and forecasts, you have to be ready to adjust course — something every experienced boater learns quickly..
Who should listen:
Sailors curious about the power boating perspective
Power boaters interested in sailing parallels
New boaters learning about navigation, weather, and planning
Anyone who enjoys on-the-water stories from experienced cruisers
About the show Sailing and Cruising the East Coast brings together stories from coastal and inland waters, from multi-day sailing trips to conversations with fellow boaters. Hosted by Bela Musits, the podcast celebrates life on the water — the challenges, the learning, and the rewards of time spent afloat.
Keywords for search & discovery: Sailing podcast, power boating podcast, cruising life, coastal navigation, tides and currents, seamanship, sailing and power boating similarities, liveaboard life, boating tips, marine weather, boating safety, anchoring, docking, Bela Musits, David Lage, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailing adventures, boating community.
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Happy Sailing!
Bela and Mike
