Boating is the world's foremost magazine for boating enthusiasts. Written by experts for those who love the sport, the editorial covers the waterfront -- from runabouts to sportfish convertibles to luxury showpieces, and everything in between.
I grew up with the saying that all boats go the same speed outside the inlet. That’s true in a lot of cases, though it was more true last century than in present times. Advances in marine engines, hull design and boat-construction techniques have improved ride and seakeeping, allowing us to run our boats at faster speeds on average. I am not calling for recklessness. On the one hand, I am asking why make 24 knots, for example, when you can make 28 knots just as safely, comfortably and efficiently? On the other hand, I know many boaters who enjoy “seeing what she can do.” Putting the throttle in the corner and riding the trim switch is a joyous thing on a calm day or during that last mile to our…
What first inspired you to try the entire Great Loop? Being a boat owner since I was 15, I always dreamed of traveling the rivers of America as Tom Sawyer did. When we moved the boat to the Tennessee River in 2006, it was on navigable waters, open to the Gulf of Mexico and beyond. Aboard what kind of boat did you make the journey? Our 2004 Sea Ray 450 Express Bridge. Did the trip require detailed planning or spontaneity? Good question. Over the years, I had [been planning] the Great Loop journey. Tina called me the “spreadsheet king.” I planned where we would go, what time of year we would be in a location, even where we would stop for fuel. By the time we had gotten to Mobile…
1. Should you change the engine powerhead oil and filter before layup or in the spring? A. Wait until spring; prices for oil will be lower then. B. Change the filter now and the oil in spring. C. Change the oil and filter now, before layup. This ensures the engine has fresh oil coating all its internal parts, with no contaminants or water and condensation in the oil. D. None of the above; wait until next summer to change the oil when the boat is in use. 2. Your boat has 50 gallons of recently pumped fuel aboard. Should you drain the boat’s fuel supply before putting the rig up for winter? A. Add fuel conditioner and run the engine for at least 30 minutes to ensure the treated fuel…
Helicopters, photographers, cruisers, ‘toons and chase boats: every issue of Boating is a major production, and Icom helps the team communicate during the controlled chaos of a big shoot. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the magazine, and tips on how to optimize your Icom marine radio like the Boating team does. SCAN ME Scan the QR code below to gain access to each new episode that includes advice/tips from our editors on maximizing use of your marine communication. MADE POSSIBLE BY…
GILL WINTER NEOPRENE GLOVES THE HEAT: Made with 3 mm double-lined neoprene, these gloves keep the water out and the wind at bay while still allowing use of your fingers. The tapered wrist seal prevents water from entering if your hand is fully submerged. These gloves provide warmth and some degree of dexterity. THE CHILL: Though you can independently move your fingers, your dexterity is hindered when compared to fingerless glove options. PRICE: $55.95; gillmarine.com SIMMS WINDSTOPPER FOLD-OVER FISHING MITT THE HEAT: This combination of a fingerless glove and winter mitten offers the best of both worlds. Flip the mitten top off to enjoy the dexterity of fingerless gloves and flip it back over to keep your digits warm. The Gore-Tex fabric is water- and wind-resistant, and will keep your hands protected…
With our upcoming coverage of Highfield Boats RIBs—rigid inflatable boats—we thought this question was relevant. So, we posed it to Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA. Lavigne is also a boat designer, so he’s highly qualified to address the question. While the reasons any individual person buys any specific boat are certainly personal and unique, Lavigne put a few of the top RIB attributes into perspective for us. First, he noted the protection provided by the tube. “You are surrounded by a tube that protects you. It’s a good way to give you confidence in certain situations (such as docking), especially if you are a new boater.” Second, he noted the light weight of a RIB compared to a conventional fiberglass boat. Highfield RIBs are especially light for their…
