If you are headed north, consider visiting
http://www.maineharbors.com/. It has a variety of helpful information,
including web cam shots of many of the harbors.

Purchase "A Cruising Guide to the Maine Coast" (Diamond Pass
Publishing; 472pp; $39.95pb) by Taft, Taft and Rindlaub. The most
recent version is due for republishing this Spring, according to Curtis
Rindlaub, so look for the new one later. The past editions have been
the best guide to the coast, particularly the off-the-beaten channel
variety of places.

Finally, consider joining and using the materials available from the
Maine Island Trail Association (http://www.mita.org/). They publish a
detailed 400 page guide for members (memberships start at $45).

There is a wealth of information available. I personally consider a
printed guide as essential as a printed chart. While I am considered
way too tethered to my computer for my own good, a good book is a lot
easier to read and browse, just as a paper chart gives you a better
overview of where you are (and where you are going).

Steve Hayes
Readfield, Maine