If you’re a boater, you probably notice a shift in the air as summer winds down and the first signs of fall appear. I live in a region where triple-H days—hot, hazy and humid—seem to outnumber the pleasant ones, and by September the landscape can feel scorched and drab. For reasons I’ll explain, I welcome that change. Fall on the water has its own pleasures that make putting summer behind us worth celebrating.
The most obvious reason to like autumn is the weather. Crisp, cool days replace the stifling heat here in Chesapeake Country, and breezes come more often. That kind of weather is perfect for sailing, for leisurely dock-and-dine evenings, or for dedicating a weekend to river- and creek-hopping and exploring new anchorages. Cooler temperatures invite longer, more comfortable days on deck and make getting out on the water feel effortless again.
Another big draw is fall’s boat show season. Over the next months I look forward to visiting major docks and marinas—from Newport, Rhode Island, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida—and a few smaller regional shows closer to home. There’s a special pleasure in strolling through a lineup of boats on a cool day, seeing what’s new from builders, and imagining how those designs would feel underway. Of course, boat show outings come with the simple joys of local food—lobster in Newport, a favorite Cuban sandwich in Fort Lauderdale, or a spicy pit-beef sandwich back in Annapolis—small rituals that make each destination feel familiar and fun.
In that spirit, contributing writer Carly Sisson has put together an excellent preview of new models to watch. Her roundup highlights 17 new boats debuting over the coming months—perfect reading whether you can attend a show in person or prefer to daydream about new builds from your armchair. These previews are included in the October issue and provide a helpful guide for anyone tracking trends in design, performance and onboard systems.
This past July I traveled to the high desert about an hour and a half outside Los Angeles to see the Mag Bay Yachts operation up close. There I met Mike and Barrett Howarth and their crew, a father-and-son team focused on building high-quality sportfishing boats by hand. Their attention to detail—from jewelry-like metalwork to precise wiring and careful hull construction—illustrates the craftsmanship you can expect from dedicated builders. Visiting a yard like that is a reminder that boatbuilding remains both an art and a technical discipline.
Closer to home, the fall also brought difficult news about Kadey-Krogen Group, the trawler builder and owner of American Tugs, which filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. That filing signals liquidation rather than reorganization, leaving some owners who paid upfront or placed deposits in precarious positions. Hulls are reportedly stuck at various stages of completion, both overseas and in the United States, and many buyers are left uncertain about the fate of their orders and funds.
Because of situations like this, I asked contributing writer Kim Kavin to speak with a maritime attorney about buyer due diligence for new builds. While every situation differs, the attorney emphasized a few general precautions: thoroughly review and understand contract terms before signing; confirm how deposits are held and whether escrow protections exist; verify a builder’s reputation, references and production timeline; check for liens and clear title procedures; ensure appropriate insurance coverage during construction and delivery; and consult a maritime lawyer to review contract language, warranty terms and remedies in case of default. These steps don’t guarantee a trouble-free build, but they do reduce risk and clarify expectations for both buyer and builder.
On a lighter note, fall is prime time for fishing if you’re angling-inclined. Each October I head to Harkers Island, North Carolina, with a fly rod to chase false albacore, bull redfish, bluefish and other species as they gather to fatten up for winter. These fish often form explosive schools that attract predators—spinner sharks, and even the occasional humpback whale—creating intense, memorable days on the water. I often think of that fishery as a marine Serengeti: the abundance and energy of fall feeding frenzies feel like a harvest season for anglers.
You might be nostalgic for summer, but fall offers its own rewards—calmer marinas, new boats to admire, meaningful conversations with builders and experts, and exceptional fishing opportunities. Whether you’re cruising the Chesapeake, exploring new harbors, or anchoring in a quiet cove, autumn can be an enriching time to be on the water. I hope to see you out on the docks, on the open ocean, or tucked into a peaceful anchorage this season.
Gary Reich [email protected]
This article was originally published in the October 2026 issue.