Photos by Onne van der Wal Warm breezes, easy smiles, rum punches and steady reggae—these are the familiar comforts that draw sailors and travelers to island life. Yet beyond the music and hospitality, it is the water itself that exerts the strongest pull. The shallow bays, the rippling turquoise, the mosaics of sand and reef—all … Read more

Long-distance cruising does not always mean crossing oceans. For more than 6,000 boaters, the Great Loop—a roughly 5,000 to 6,000-mile circumnavigation of the eastern half of the United States—offers a highly achievable and rewarding adventure. The route delivers scenic waterways, rich history, and a community of fellow cruisers ready to share advice and hospitality. Those … Read more

Paul Spencer and Spencer Yachts: Carolina Craftsmanship Meets Modern Propulsion Under a tin shed in Manns Harbor, North Carolina, with no electricity or plumbing, Paul Spencer founded Spencer Yachts in 1996. Today his Wanchese-based company builds custom sportfishing yachts from 37 to 87 feet, blending classic Carolina flare with contemporary Florida styling. Spencer Yachts produces … Read more

weBBoat 4G Plus: Coastal 4G LTE and Wi‑Fi Antenna for Boats The weBBoat 4G Plus is a compact coastal internet antenna designed for recreational and commercial vessels that need reliable connectivity while operating near shore. It captures distant shore-based Wi‑Fi and 3G/4G cellular signals—reported to reach up to about 20 miles in optimal conditions—then amplifies … Read more

New sludge vessel joins NYC fleet The New York City Department of Environmental Protection has added the sludge vessel Red Hook to its collection of waste-transport ships. Built in Brownsville, Texas, the vessel measures more than 350 feet in length and about 53 feet in beam. Red Hook carries eight storage tanks with a combined … Read more

Chumming is the practice of tossing cut bait, ground bait or scented liquids into the water to draw game fish toward your boat. Though often dismissed as an unsporting shortcut, chumming is a highly effective tactic that, like any method, rewards knowledge and discipline. Done correctly, it can produce fast, thrilling bites; done poorly, it … Read more

Midsize Center Console Boats Available This Year Below is a curated selection of midsize center console boats currently offered by well-known manufacturers. These models cover a range of uses—from inshore bay work and family cruising to serious offshore fishing—featuring efficient hulls, comfortable layouts, and a range of power options. Each entry includes the key specifications … Read more

Keeping your boat’s batteries charged while away from the dock is easier than ever thanks to solar charging systems. Whether your goal is to run the refrigerator, shorten generator runtime, or keep batteries topped off at a mooring, a well-designed marine solar setup is often the best solution. Choosing the right system means balancing energy … Read more

Catboats on the Sound — Peter Arguimbau Two catboats glide before a gentle afternoon zephyr, heading home at the close of a day’s sail. In Peter Arguimbau’s 20-by-30 oil painting, there is a delicate luminosity: a soft, diffused light and a subtle sense of motion that unifies sea, sky and craft. The composition is deceptively … Read more

In man overboard (MOB) situations, every second counts. Rapid notification and an immediate, coordinated response dramatically increase the chances of a safe recovery. Wireless man overboard systems are designed to alert the crew the instant someone falls into the water and, in many cases, can trigger engine shutdown to prevent the boat from drifting away … Read more