Join Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff as they reflect on the journey so far, sailing up the scenic East Coast of the United States aboard Mike’s Hunter 44 Deck Salon. In this insightful episode, they share stories, lessons learned, and favorite moments from their adventure sailing from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont.

They discuss the highs and lows of long-distance coastal cruising, including navigating tight inlets, dodging weather systems, and making memorable stops in charming maritime towns. Bela and Mike also offer practical insights for aspiring cruisers — from provisioning tips to boat handling, anchoring strategies, and how to adapt to life aboard over an extended trip.

Whether you're an experienced sailor, a weekend boater, or dreaming about your first coastal adventure, this episode is full of real-life takeaways from two passionate sailors.

Key Highlights:

• 🧭 Reflecting on the route and key stops along the East Coast
  

• 🌦️ Dealing with unpredictable weather and learning from challenging days
  

• 🧳 The importance of preparation, provisioning, and flexibility
  

• 📸 Visual elements: the YouTube version of the episode features stunning photos and short video clips captured during the trip
  

Watch the Video Version on YouTube: 📽️ Note: This podcast episode is also available in video format, showcasing still images and video clips captured throughout the trip.

Keywords for SEO & Discovery: sailing podcast, east coast sailing, Hunter 44 Deck Salon, sailboat cruising, sailing stories, Brunswick to Vermont, ICW sailing, boat life, liveaboard tips, sailing adventures, cruising lifestyle, East Coast ICW, boating podcast, sailing reflections, offshore sailing, marina life, coastal navigation, sailboat journey, Mike Malekoff, Bela Musits

Subscribe & Follow: Don’t miss upcoming episodes as Bela and Mike continue their journey north! Subscribe to Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.

Thanks for Listening!If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and reviewing the podcast — it helps more sailors and dreamers discover the show. Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Episode Summary: Welcome to another episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States! In this episode, host Bela Musits sits down with Charlie Kirchofer. This is Charlie’s second time on the podcast. In EP-133 we discussed his recent purchase of a 2022 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. In this episode we discuss hiring a captain to help Charlie and his partner move the boat from Annapolis to Boston. Charlie has no offshore experience and we are reluctant to do such a long trip without experienced assistance onboard.

We took a deep dive on hiring a captain and here are some tips:

Ask Around: Word of mouth or referrals from local marinas or sailing friends can be your best source.

Have a Conversation: Get on the phone with the captain beforehand to make sure your sailing styles and goals align.

Set Expectations: Clarify responsibilities—will you be hands-on or just observing? Are you looking to learn or just get the boat moved?

Be Prepared: Make sure your boat is ready—fuel, systems checked, provisions in place. The captain isn’t there to do maintenance.

Watch and Learn: Use the opportunity to soak up knowledge. Experienced captains can show you how to manage conditions and make better decisions on the water.

Connect With Us:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review—it helps us reach more sailing enthusiasts like you! Send us your comments and suggestions. sailingtheeast@gmail.com

Happy Sailing!

Bela and Mike

Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States, Bela Musits and fellow sailor Mike Malekoff dive into an important and all-too-common issue faced by boat owners—fuel tank problems. Recorded aboard Mike's Hunter 44 Deck Salon during their voyage from Brunswick, Georgia to Burlington, Vermont, this conversation takes a practical look at what can go wrong with diesel fuel systems, how to recognize early warning signs, and the best ways to fix and prevent issues while cruising the Eastern Seaboard.

⚙️ Why This Episode Matters: Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a weekend sailor, understanding your fuel system is essential. Bela and Mike share firsthand stories, technical knowledge, and lessons learned through experience, offering valuable takeaways for anyone sailing the U.S. East Coast—or preparing for an extended journey. Issues like algae in diesel fuel, fuel polishing, and the role of water separators are all covered in plain language, making this episode accessible and practical for all sailors.

🗺️ About the Voyage: This episode is part of a mini-series documenting Bela and Mike’s 2024 trip up the East Coast aboard a Hunter 44DS. Along the way, they encounter the joys and challenges of long-distance cruising, from mechanical setbacks to serene anchorages. The trip covers major ICW stops and offshore segments, providing a real-life look at life aboard a modern cruising sailboat.

📸 Watch the Video Version: Want to see more than just hear it? The video edition includes photos and short clips captured throughout the journey. It’s a great way to visualize the voyage and the fuel system issues discussed.

🔧 Technical Topics Covered:

• Primary vs. secondary fuel filters

• Overfilling a fuel tank

• Best practices for installing access ports in a fuel tank

• How to avoid stirring up sludge when refueling

📢 SEO Keywords for This Episode: fuel tank issues on sailboats, diesel fuel problems marine, Hunter 44DS cruising, east coast ICW sailing, sailing podcast 2025, fuel system troubleshooting, Racor fuel filter maintenance, algae in diesel tank, ICW sailing experience, Hunter sailboat engine tips

🧭 Subscribe and Follow: Love learning about sailing, cruising, and boat maintenance? Subscribe to Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of the United States wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes feature practical advice, real stories, and insights from sailors who’ve been there and done that.

📬 Connect with Us: Have a sailing story or technical tip you’d like to share? Reach out via email at sailingtheeast@gmail.com