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Category: boatingmag

  • Marine Businesses: Sponsor the National Boating Safety Awards

    Marine Businesses: Sponsor the National Boating Safety Awards The different levels of sponsorship are delineated on this chart from the Sea Tow Foundation. Courtesy Sea Tow Foundation Editor’s Note: Boating Editor-in-Chief Kevin Falvey is a member of the Sea Tow Foundation’s Boating Safety Advisory Council and urges other industry leaders to back this program. Established…

  • Stressed Over Boat Maintenance? Ask Your Doctor

    Stressed Over Boat Maintenance? Ask Your Doctor If you’re having difficulty navigating the service landscape and not finding the right company for boat repairs, the prescription is Boat Planet. With a few clicks of a button, or an even easier app, you can find and review marine professionals near you, get quotes and schedule your…

  • Rot-Free Polymer Trailer Bunks

    Rot-Free Polymer Trailer Bunks Bunk boards are available in 4- and 6-inch widths and lengths to 12 feet. Ultimate Supreme Bunk Boards have extruded aluminum beams underneath to add strength when spanning more than three feet from support to support. Courtesy Ultimate Bunk Boards This is the second of a seven-part story on Boating editors’…

  • An Update on the New Regulations for Life Jackets

    An Update on the New Regulations for Life Jackets Wearing a PFD can save your life. Generated With Gemini Earlier this year, the U.S. Coast Guard implemented a new rule to harmonize standards for personal flotation devices (PFDs) with Canada. This change incorporates new American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for PFDs, allowing manufacturers to…

  • ACR and Fluidity: Great Loop Episode Two

    ACR and Fluidity: Great Loop Episode Two Registering beacons, like this EPIRB, makes it more effective and thus makes your crew safer. Courtesy ACR Bill and Michelle Doster’s journey around the Great Loop aboard their Carver Yacht, Fluidity, serves as a practical example of effective beacon use. In this episode of  “ACR and Fluidity: The…

  • Tested: Bajío Annette Sunglasses

    Tested: Bajío Annette Sunglasses Editor’s Note: Sue Whitney is Boating’s Managing Editor. She’s the combination photoshoot-boattest manager-traffic cop-mother hen that keeps our crew on track bringing you boating the content you want and need. –K.F. New for 2025, Bajio has introduced Annette sunglasses with a slight cat eye frame shape. No, she’s not a real…

  • Retractable Transom Tie-Downs Make Trailering Easier

    Retractable Transom Tie-Downs Make Trailering Easier BoatBuckle G2 straps have 2,500 lbs. of holding power and are corrosion resistant for saltwater use. Courtesy BoatBuckle BUY NOW This is the first of a seven-part story on Boating editors’ favorite boat trailer accessories. We chose them because they add convenience in trailering, security in traveling with the…

  • Correct Craft Names Successor to Yeargin

    Correct Craft Names Successor to Yeargin Zach Hutcheson (left) will become Correct Craft CEO, and a board member, in April 2026, while Bill Yeargin (right) will become Chairman of the Board. Courtesy Correct Craft Correct Craft announced its 2026 leadership transition plan today, following Bill Yeargin’s earlier announcement that he will be stepping down as…

  • New 425-HP V10 Mercury Verado Outboard and Enhanced Mercury 350 V10 Released

    New 425-HP V10 Mercury Verado Outboard and Enhanced Mercury 350 V10 Released Mercury Marine introduced two V10 outboard engines, an all new 425 and a revamped and enhanced 350. Both engines are available as of this publication, according to Mercury. Courtesy Mercury Marine Mercury Marine debuted two new outboards, each based on its unique 5.7-liter,…

  • New Cobia 305 CC Hits the Market

    New Cobia 305 CC Hits the Market Cobia’s new 305 CC. Courtesy Cobia Boats The all-new Cobia 305 Center Console blends offshore angling capabilities with refined comfort and stylish lines. With a length overall of 30 feet 5 inches and a 10-foot-6-inch beam, Cobia’s 305 CC is rated for up to 800 hp.   Built using…

  • Sportfishing Boat Crashes Into the USS Midway Museum in Alleged BUI Incident

    Sportfishing Boat Crashes Into the USS Midway Museum in Alleged BUI Incident Consider this YouTube video, posted by CBS 8 San Diego, exhibit one of why you shouldn’t drink and boat. This vessel, described in news reports as a 50-foot sportfisherman, crashed into the USS Midway Museum in San Diego on Friday, then fled the…

  • Tips for Loading a Boat on a Trailer in a Crosscurrent

    Tips for Loading a Boat on a Trailer in a Crosscurrent The first thing to do when loading a boat on a trailer in a crosscurrent is to make your approach from downstream. You have much more control when the bow is facing into the flow. Elisabeth Kelly/Firecrown Many, if not most, boat-launch ramps are…

  • Fourteen Boaters Rescued From Offshore Blazes Thanks to Good Samaritans and Lifesaving Tech

    Fourteen Boaters Rescued From Offshore Blazes Thanks to Good Samaritans and Lifesaving Tech The 47-foot Buddy Davis sportfisher Raptor burst into flames on Friday the 13th of June. Courtesy Coalter Paxton Peters / Facebook Fire at sea is among the most terrifying scenarios any boater can face. But in three recent boat fires—one off the…

  • Understanding Gear Ratio in Your Boat’s Engine

    Understanding Gear Ratio in Your Boat’s Engine The optimal gear ratio depends on how the engine fits the intended use of the boat. Courtesy Yamaha In every boat test we run, we include certain specs that we feel are valuable to our readers. Some of them may seem meaningless, but we wouldn’t publish them if…

  • Boating Marine Power Innovation Awards 2025: Propelling Boating Forward

    Boating Marine Power Innovation Awards 2025: Propelling Boating Forward Boating Magazine’s Marine Power Innovation (MPI) Awards recognize propulsion products that significantly advance the boating experience. These awards highlight technologies that push boundaries and improve the overall experience for boat owners. Here are the 2025 MPI Awardees as tested, selected and voted upon by the world’s…

  • Boating Fatalities at Lowest Number in 50 Years!

    Boating Fatalities at Lowest Number in 50 Years! On July 1, the Coast Guard released the 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics Report with the fewest U.S. fatalities in more than 50 years. While we celebrate the great news in overall boating deaths, the report contains some disturbing underlying statistics.  Stand-up paddleboarding saw a double-digit increase in…

  • Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking System Wins MPI Award

    Volvo Penta’s Assisted Docking System Wins MPI Award Asisted Docking is an impressive system that makes boat handling easier. Courtesy Volvo Penta Everyone wishes they could dock like a pro, but we all need a little help sometimes. With that has come the advent of docking assistance technology. But of all the ones we’ve tried,…

  • Thunderstreak: A Talking Bertram Race Boat

    Thunderstreak: A Talking Bertram Race Boat Editor’s Note: Marilyn DeMartini is a journalist and creator covering high-performance boating for decades. We are always pleased to have her byline appear. In this project, DeMartini harnesses the power of Ai and combines it with her experience, access, in the go-fast boat world, to provide a unique way…

  • On Board With: Jim Pearson

    On Board With: Jim Pearson Being a USCG Auxiliarist is just one of many roles that Jim Pearson has successfully filled. Jim Hendricks Jim Pearson has done so much in and around the water throughout his life, it’s hard to know where to start. A Vietnam veteran, Pearson served as a US Navy Diver with Naval Special Operations…

  • Top 10 Boating Lakes in the US

    Top 10 Boating Lakes in the US USA Today recently published its Top Ten Lakes in the US. We decided to have a little fun and ask AI (in this case, Symbolic.ai) to list the top ten lakes in the US for boating. Here are the results. To start off, here’s an image with the…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Bayliner V20

    Boat Test: 2025 Bayliner V20 The V20 offers enjoyable performance at an affordable price. Courtesy Bayliner Boats Visit Bayliner Build Your Bayliner Find a Bayliner Dealer Overview Bayliner was founded in 1957 to bring seaworthy family boats to the water with an ­attractive bundled package, including boat, motor and trailer at a budget price. Today,…

  • 2025 Tigé Boats

    2025 Tigé Boats Dare to be different. Since the legend of Tigé was born, we have remained consistent to our core values and our independent culture. Today, we’re still the dreamers, the doers, the makers, and we break the rules to give you a vastly superior experience. We live for shattering your expectations of what…

  • Tigé Boats New 2026 Z3 Makes Debut

    Tigé Boats New 2026 Z3 Makes Debut Tigé Boats, Inc. is proud to release the all-new 2026 Z3. Representing the third generation of Tigé’s best-selling model, the all-new Z3 marks a significant evolution since the original model’s debut over 15 years ago. The Z3 has been completely redesigned and reimagined for 2026, incorporating advanced engineering…

  • ACR and Fluidity: The Great Loop

    ACR and Fluidity: The Great Loop The Great Loop represents one of boating’s most ambitious journeys, a continuous waterway route circumnavigating the eastern portion of North America. Recently, Boating Magazine launched a captivating new series following Bill and Michelle aboard their vessel “Fluidity” as they undertake this remarkable adventure. The series, created in partnership with…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Vexus VXs21

    Boat Test: 2025 Vexus VXs21 The performance-engineered pad-V hull provides intuitive reaction to throttle and steering inputs. Courtesy Vexus Boats—Advanced Marine Performance Visit Vexus Build Your Vexus Find a Vexus Dealer Overview Vexus Boats’ VXs21 is a full-size bass hunter aimed squarely at serious anglers. This boat is a pure fishing machine designed for running…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Boston Whaler 365 Conquest

    Boat Test: 2025 Boston Whaler 365 Conquest Fish and cruise in comfort aboard this luxurious crossover. Courtesy Boston Whaler Visit Boston Whaler Build Your Boston Whaler Find a Boston Whaler Dealer Overview Multipurpose boats sometimes have a weak link in their design where a token effort is given to one area to check a box.…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Cruisers Yachts 57 Fly

    Boat Test: 2025 Cruisers Yachts 57 Fly The 57 Fly offers a comfortable ride. Courtesy Cruisers Yachts Visit Cruisers Yachts Find a Cruisers Yachts Dealer Overview How can you not love a yacht with a 23-bottle wine cooler in the owner’s stateroom? Especially a yacht like the new Cruisers Yachts 57 Fly, which has enormous…

  • MasterCraft Makes Waves at 2025 American Century Championship

    MasterCraft Makes Waves at 2025 American Century Championship A surfer rides the wake of a MasterCraft boat(top). Boats at the American Century Tournament on Lake Tahoe. Courtesy MasterCraft Boat Company, American Century Championship MasterCraft Boat Company, a subsidiary of MasterCraft Boat Holdings, Inc and the best-selling towboat brand, is proud to return as an official…

  • Why Certified Boat Dealers Deliver a Better Buying Experience

    Why Certified Boat Dealers Deliver a Better Buying Experience What sets a great boat dealer apart? For Brian Courtney, founder of Aquaknox Marine in Knoxville, Tennessee, the difference is clear: becoming a Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) Certified Dealer. In partnership with Boating Magazine, Kevin Falvey sits down with Brian to uncover the…

  • See More From the Helm With Bolster Buddy

    See More From the Helm With Bolster Buddy Ever wish your captain’s chair gave you just a bit more height? Enter Bolster Buddy—a simple, comfortable way to elevate your view without upgrading your whole seat. Ideal for older inboard boats or anyone dialing in their setup for watersports, Bolster Buddy slips right into your captain’s…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Sylvan M-5 CLZ DC

    Boat Test: 2025 Sylvan M-5 CLZ DC Visit Sylvan Build Your Sylvan Find a Sylvan Dealer Overview Sylvan’s target with the new M-5 CLZ DC is to offer a true high-level, ultra-luxury performance pontoon as the top choice for boat buyers seeking the epitome of pontoondom. We think Sylvan hit the bull’s-eye with its aim…

  • Tested: Bajio Darien Sunglasses

    Tested: Bajio Darien Sunglasses The Bajio Darien comes in a variety of lens and frame colors and you can also choose between polycarbonate and glass lenses. Courtesy Bajio Sunglasses Editor’s Note: Jill Roberts is a writer and entrepreneur from Connecticut. I tested the Darien in the light blue water matte frame with rose mirror lenses.…

  • Bahamas Raises Fees, Enacts Stricter Regulation and Will Be Watching Boaters!

    Bahamas Raises Fees, Enacts Stricter Regulation and Will Be Watching Boaters! The Bahamas Civil Ensign and the U.S. flag, flown appropriately, aboard a U.S. power vessel cruising in Bahamian waters. Kevin Falvey Starting today, new rules are in place for cruising to the Bahamas. In addition to higher fees and more paperwork, our big Bahamian…

  • Alera Marine Group Officially Launches

    Alera Marine Group Officially Launches Editor’s Note: We will be visiting Alera Marine Group a few weeks after the publication date of this press release, and will be bringing you first hand reports about the boats. -KF Alera Marine Group is officially open for business (aleramarine.com) and making waves from day one. The company, founded…

  • How to Clean Your Boat Without Dirtying the Environment

    How to Clean Your Boat Without Dirtying the Environment Copious flushing and a soft-bristled brush keep side panels and other areas free of grime and grit. Capt. Vincent Daniello Any boater who has navigated a pristine waterway, experienced life below the water’s surface, or anchored off a picturesque beach likely appreciates nature’s beauty. Yet some…

  • Axopar and OneWater Unite for US Boat Sales and Service

    Axopar and OneWater Unite for US Boat Sales and Service Axopar’s fleet of “Adventure Boats” rafted together on crystal clear waters. Courtesy Axopar Axopar, the boat builder that won the prestigious Boating Boat of the Year in 2020, now partners with OneWater Marine, one of the largest and fastest-growing marine retailers. It was Axopar that, coming…

  • GPSMAP 15×3 Ultrawide MFD from Garmin Drops

    GPSMAP 15×3 Ultrawide MFD from Garmin Drops The GPSMAP 15×3 Ultrawide offers the advantages of dual screens without needing two separate units. Courtesy Garmin Garmin, the world’s largest and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, recently announced the GPSMAP® 15×3 chartplotter, providing boaters, cruisers and sailors with an ultrawide 15-inch touchscreen for a stunning high-resolution display,…

  • Garmin Debuts Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo

    Garmin Debuts Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo The Fusion Apollo RA800 marine stereo is new from Garmin and features a touchscreen. Courtesy Garmin Garmin, the world’s largest and most innovative marine electronics manufacturer, recently announced the premium Fusion Apollo RA800 marine stereo that brings reimagined design and powerful audio performance to boaters everywhere. Designed specifically…

  • Scallop Season Opens in Florida but Boat-to-Table Opportunities Abound

    Scallop Season Opens in Florida but Boat-to-Table Opportunities Abound Snorkelers searching for scallops congregate over seagrass beds as lookouts keep watch onboard their boats. Courtesy Tyler Jones, UF/IFAS Florida bay scallop season has started, and seafood lovers from across the Sunshine State are already venturing off the coasts of Taylor and Dixie counties, where recreational harvesting…

  • Top Protective Coatings for Boats

    Top Protective Coatings for Boats To achieve a good result with graphene, ceramic or wax, perfect surface preparation is essential. Hedgehog94/Adobe Stock If you’ve had a great season so far, chances are that the spit and polish you put on your boat’s gelcoat finish this past spring is losing some its luster. Boating Lab has…

  • Fisherman Opens Up About His Viral TikTok and the Beacon That Saved His Life

    Fisherman Opens Up About His Viral TikTok and the Beacon That Saved His Life Message in a Cooler: Easton Barrett recorded a final message for his loved ones and prepared to set it adrift in his Yeti. Courtesy Easton Barrett The video that made Easton Barrett famous was only the beginning. His boat had just…

  • Top 10 Safety Essentials for Offshore Jet Ski Fishing

    Top 10 Safety Essentials for Offshore Jet Ski Fishing Fishing offshore using a PWC? Be sure to pack the proper safety gear. Courtesy Kawasaki Offshore jet ski fishing delivers unmatched excitement—but it demands respect. Miles from shore, safety gear isn’t optional—it’s your lifeline. These 10 essential items are what every offshore PWC angler needs to…

  • Electronically Stabilized Binoculars for Boaters

    Electronically Stabilized Binoculars for Boaters The Sirius 12 features a built-in six-axis electronic gyro-sensor. Courtesy Koden Electronically stabilized marine binoculars are a boon to boaters, allowing for increased magnification versus conventional binoculars because they compensate for shaky hands and rough seas to provide steady viewing.  These are different from the heavy, electrically powered ­gyroscopic binoculars…

  • Boat, Beach or Sidewalk Sportswear for Summer

    Boat, Beach or Sidewalk Sportswear for Summer Sum, sum, sum summertime wear! When summertime hits, the boating waters are warm and the heat and humidity tries to shove you back inside when you open the front door, my daily wardrobe must be ready to fend off the scorch and be ready for boating, fishing, swimming…

  • 2025 Hurricane Season Storm Names

    2025 Hurricane Season Storm Names With a more active hurricane season predicted for 2025, here is the list of potential storm names. Courtesy NOAA What’s in a name? When it comes to tropical systems, the one they choose can mean a lot. The name of a major storm can be remembered for years to come.…

  • Siren Marine: Ask the Internet

    Siren Marine: Ask the Internet We collected the most searched questions online users asked about Siren Marine connected boat technology and ran them past Alex Puskar, National Sales Manager of Siren Marine.  Alex answers questions like, “What is a connected boat?” and “What is Siren Marine?” Watch and learn about your boat and what Siren Marine…

  • Review: Bonafide XTR130 Fishing Kayak

    Review: Bonafide XTR130 Fishing Kayak The Bonafide XTR130 is an angling platform that straddles the line between kayak and motorboat. Courtesy Sorerrunte Johnson If your perception of a kayak is a sun-faded, sit-inside piece of plastic with an aluminum paddle, you’re about to go from black-and-white to high-definition LED. Today, kayak fishing rigs resemble bass boats…

  • NOAA Predicts a More Active 2025 Hurricane Season

    NOAA Predicts a More Active 2025 Hurricane Season Scientists predict a more active hurricane season for 2025. Courtesy NOAA Hurricane season officially began on June 1, and already there’s some activity brewing in the Atlantic Ocean. And it makes sense—forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as Colorado State University, are predicting…

  • Gulf Star’s Robotic Dry Stack Marina

    Gulf Star’s Robotic Dry Stack Marina A new robotic dry stack marina could be in your future. At Gulf Star Marina in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, it’s here now. The five-story concrete building accommodates up to 115 vessels in concrete cubicles of varying beam and height, 80 feet deep, which can nest vessels of dimensions…

  • What to Do When Someone Falls Overboard Off Your Boat

    What to Do When Someone Falls Overboard Off Your Boat A throwable cushion, like these from WOW Watersports, is an essential and required piece of safety equipment. Look for USCG and UL approval on the label. Also, practice throwing these so you can confidently get one to a victim if ever needed. Courtesy WOW Sports…

  • Do You Need a Boating License in Florida?

    Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Boaters born after January 1, 1988, and who operate a boat with 10 or more horsepower, must now have a Boating Safety Education ID Card to legally operate a boat on Florida waters. Courtesy Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Everyone born after January 1, 1988, must…

  • Boat Tech: Gyros and Attitude Control Systems

    Boat Tech: Gyros and Attitude Control Systems Advanced stabilization systems promise a more comfortable future afloat for boats big and small. Courtesy Seakeeper Since ancient Polynesians first navigated the mighty Pacific Ocean, seafarers have sought ways to lend greater ­stability to their oceangoing boats. Polynesians built multihull sailing craft with wider beams that resisted roll…

  • 2025 Everglades 375CC Walkthrough

    2025 Everglades 375CC Walkthrough The 375 is set up for hard-core fishing with a large cockpit, twin live-wells and a fully insulated fish box. But also offers comforts as well with electrically actuated shade and twin retractable folding bench seats in the aft portion of the boat. Kevin Falvey walks us through all of this…

  • 2025 Everglades 367CX Walkthrough

    2025 Everglades 367CX Walkthrough We got a chance to get up close to the 367 at the Palm Beach International Boat Show. Our boating expert was blown away by the below-deck accommodations as well as the amazing on-deck amenities the 367 offers. These include a fully-rotating seating/galley area for onboard entertainment. Kevin Falvey walks us…

  • How to Ready a Racing Outboard

    How to Ready a Racing Outboard Tim Sharkey poses with, Kill Shot, the 13-foot Bullet, powered by a classic Evinrude SST 60, and bedecked with supporter’s logos. Courtesy Sharkey Images Tim Sharkey, is readying his 13-foot Bullet, Kill Shot, in preparation for the historic Statue of Liberty to Albany endurance run scheduled for September 13,…

  • Formula 360 CBR Debuts

    Formula 360 CBR Debuts Formula’s new 360 CBR provides deep-V performance, super-amenable topsides and luxuriously-comfortable belowdecks accommodations. Courtesy Formula Boats I remember when Formula Boats debuted its first Crossover Bowrider, the 350 CBR. It was June 27, 2012—I keep my notebooks from boat tests—when we got early access aboard the new 2013 model. I tested…

  • Viam and Viking Yachts Announce Robotic Sanding Partnership

    Viam and Viking Yachts Announce Robotic Sanding Partnership The Viking Yachts facility in New Gretna, NJ. Courtesy Viking Yacht Company Viam, the engineering platform for data, AI and automation, today announced a partnership with Viking Yachts, a global leader in sportfishing and cruising yachts with 1 million square feet of manufacturing facilities in New Jersey.…

  • The Benefits of Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control

    The Benefits of Volvo Penta’s Electronic Vessel Control The helm of a 2003 boat looks nothing like a new boat’s helm. Upgrade your engine’s EVC and you can upgrade your helm, adding value, function, and a modern look. Courtesy Volvo Penta Maybe you own an older boat and don’t want to replace it but would…

  • KICKER M-Class Makes It Real

    KICKER M-Class Makes It Real 10” 4Ω MWLE Marine Loaded Enclosure – This KICKER premium marine subwoofer enclosure featuring a 10″ MWE subwoofer and a custom-tuned 10″ reFLEX passive radiator. Designed for marine environments, it boasts a rugged, weatherproof enclosure with lockable mounting feet and UV-resistant grilles. With flexible installation options—up-firing, front-firing, or down-firing—it delivers…

  • Livewell Hinge Shows Marine Retailer’s High Customer Service Ethic

    Livewell Hinge Shows Marine Retailer’s High Customer Service Ethic It’s a small thing, literally. Just a hinge. One used for securing the livewell lid or hatch cover aboard thousands of boats.  Made by a name manufacturer with a good reputation, this item’s success “hinged” (pardon the pun) on the pin upon which its operation depended. For…

  • Protecting Your Boat

    Protecting Your Boat Today’s connected-boat systems often leverage digital-switching technologies, and satellite communications, and many offer a customized app experience. Courtesy Debut Art/Alex Williamson When I was a kid, my ­family lived about 45 minutes away from our boat on the East Coast. While this wasn’t a big deal—the constant traffic snarls on I-95 aside—we…

  • Paying the Worm Tax

    Paying the Worm Tax The industry relies on an army of worm pickers who go out at night with coffee cans strapped to their shins and pluck the worms by hand from the surface of leased pastures in Ontario. Tim Bower Loyal readers will recall that a few years ago, my good friend Chuck -Larson…

  • Installing a Watersports Mirror on a Center-Console

    Installing a Watersports Mirror on a Center-Console Once installation is complete, remove the protective film from the mirror’s reflective surface and, if necessary, clean the mirror with the supplied microfiber cloth. Jim Hatch Today’s new center-consoles have evolved into much more than just fishing boats. These popular models increasingly come with all kinds of family-oriented…

  • Suzuki Marine Names Two Vice Presidents

    Suzuki Marine Names Two Vice Presidents Brandon Cerka (right) named Vice President Sales and Marketing of Suzuki Marine; Jacob Ewing (left) named Vice President Operations of Suzuki Marine. Courtesy Suzuki Marine Suzuki Marine USA today announced the promotion of two key executives to key vice presidential management positions.  Brandon Cerka will now serve as the…

  • More Fun on the Water

    More Fun on the Water Floating docks are just one of many gear items that can increase your fun on the water. Courtesy West Marine From floating docks to towable tubes, America’s #1 boating retailer has everything you’ll need to keep your crew relaxed, safe and happy on the water. Giving you more ways than…

  • The Ins and Outs of Boating Nav Lights

    The Ins and Outs of Boating Nav Lights Knowing the light colors and where they’re located lets you assess which part of a boat you’re looking at, as well as the direction it’s headed. Ryan Swanson When the shrimp would run on the full moon in wintertime down in South Florida, we’d head to the…

  • Explained: Marine Flooring Gets Comfortable

    Explained: Marine Flooring Gets Comfortable SeaDek is a sure-footed flooring solution that’s been put to the test. And passed. Courtesy SeaDek Boats need nonslip surfaces. Decks get wet, people walk on them, and without the proper surface underfoot, somebody can end up taking a potentially dangerous header. Products have come and gone over the years…

  • The First Thing to Do if Involved in a Boating Accident

    The First Thing to Do if Involved in a Boating Accident What is the first thing you should do following a collision with another boat? The author offers strategies to consider, so you can be better prepared if it ever happens to you. Courtesy US Coast Guard, District 7 The types of emergencies that can…

  • 2025 Father’s Day Gift Guide

    2025 Father’s Day Gift Guide We’ve curated this list of unique and special Father’s Day gifts for boating dads. Whether the mariner you seek a gift for is your mate or your parent (or even your child) this list is intended to help you select a Father’s Day gift that will truly be appreciated. Some of…

  • Choosing the Right Watersports Tow Point

    Choosing the Right Watersports Tow Point Tubing, skiing and wakeboarding all have different requirements. Courtesy Monster Tower, Sea Dog (eye), Centurion Boats (pylon) Almost every boater, whether they’re watersports fanatics or enjoy it casually, has the idea to take someone tubing, skiing or boarding behind their boat. But not all tow points are created equal,…

  • Summer Guide to Boating Gear

    Summer Guide to Boating Gear A properly maintained boat will ensure a full season’s worth of fun. Courtesy West Marine Memorial Day is the traditional start of the boating season, which means the start of boat maintenance season. To keep the boat running right, the long holiday weekend is perfect for a few pre-season projects. …

  • Pro Wakeboarder Speaks Out for Boating Safety

    Pro Wakeboarder Speaks Out for Boating Safety The Sea Tow Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting boating safety, has launched the last video in its “Sober Skipper: Why It Matters” series, featuring professional wakeboarder, Thomas Herman. Released in conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, the new video highlights the critical role of a Sober Skipper…

  • Top Water Toys for Summer

    Top Water Toys for Summer Fliteboard’s Series 5 is a versatile, all-around platform. Courtesy Fliteboard Schoolchildren and boating enthusiasts have one thing in common. And that is, both groups know that summer is the best time of year. The sun’s out, the days are long, and the water beckons. Scratch that—schoolkids and boaters actually have…

  • Boating Innovator John Rinker Dies Age 93

    Boating Innovator John Rinker Dies Age 93 Boatbuilding innovator August 8, 1931-April 29, 2025. Courtesy Rinker Family It’s been awhile since I’ve written a story with Rinker in the headline. John Rinker is worthy of that, and much more. This co-founder of Rinker Boat Company was a driving force in recreational boating from the earliest…

  • Midseason Inboard-Engine Maintenance Tips

    Midseason Inboard-Engine Maintenance Tips A midseason checkup will ensure your inboard keeps running smoothly. Courtesy Pleasurecraft Marine Your tow-sports inboard—or any inboard—requires regular maintenance if it is to deliver long life and good performance. Seasoned boat owners know to make recurring assessments part of their routine. Here are several excellent midseason checkups you should make…

  • Your Prescription for the Biggest Headache in Boating

    Your Prescription for the Biggest Headache in Boating Boat Planet: Where boaters go to find trusted local pros. Courtesy Boat Planet We’ve all been there. Load the boat with gear, prep the tackle, store the food and drinks, everyone is excited about enjoying a day on the water, turn the key to start the motor—and…

  • Boat Test Redux: 2025 Scout 261 XSS

    Boat Test Redux: 2025 Scout 261 XSS The Scout 261 XSS performed well during this boat test. Courtesy Scout Visit Scout Build Your Scout Find a Scout Dealer Editor’s Note: Here’s a treat for you. One of two boat tests of the same Scout Boats 261 XSS, each performed and written by a different Boating editor.…

  • Get Decked Out With Lippert

    Get Decked Out With Lippert Lippert offers a lineup of top-quality products that help you personalize your pontoon. Courtesy Lippert Owning a pontoon boat is all about good times on the water—sun-soaked days, relaxing cruises, and unforgettable memories with family and friends. But if you’re still cruising with the basics, you’re missing out. That’s where…

  • On Board With: Gordon Harrison

    On Board With: Gordon Harrison Gordon Harrison is an experienced boat driver. Tom King Gordon Harrison is the consummate watersports enthusiast. Growing up lakeside in Central Virginia, he naturally gravitated toward skiing and wakeboarding before moving to Orlando after high school to train and compete on the Pro Wakeboard Tour. Later, he would be drawn…

  • Boat Test: 2025 MasterCraft XStar 23

    Boat Test: 2025 MasterCraft XStar 23 Thanks to SurfStar, the wave is easily adjusted to suit a variety of skill levels and preferences Garrett Cortese Visit MasterCraft Build Your MasterCraft Find a MasterCraft Dealer Overview Since its introduction in the late ’90s, the MasterCraft XStar has left an immeasurable mark on wakeboarding, propelling the sport…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Tigé Ultré 23ZX

    Boat Test: 2025 Tigé Ultré 23ZX The Ultré 23ZX combines top luxury, killer tech and jaw-dropping performance. Garrett Cortese Visit Tigé Build Your Tigé Find a Tigé Dealer Overview When it comes to premium watersports-specific boats—think top luxury, killer tech and jaw-dropping performance—there are plenty of choices. One not to be ignored is the Ultré…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Supra SA

    Boat Test: 2025 Supra SA The SA mixes performance with impressive tow-sports capabilities. Garrett Cortese Visit Supra Build Your Supra Find a Supra Dealer Overview The Supra SA is the official tow boat of the Pro Wakeboard Tour, the model of choice for Supra’s pro team riders, and an all-around performer known worldwide. For the…

  • Boat Test: 2025 Robalo R300

    Boat Test: 2025 Robalo R300 Visit Robalo Build Your Robalo Find a Robalo Dealer Overview Robalo’s R300 is the latest introduction into its ­center-console lineup, and it’s ­impressively equipped with standard features for beachcombing, touring and, in keeping with ­Robalo’s ­heritage, serious ­fishing. Robalo reinvented its popular 30 with a Michael Peters running surface and…

  • 2025 Montara 2.0 23 CWDH

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