Wasque 32: The Classic Martha’s Vineyard Fishing Boat When fishermen aren’t trading stories about fish, they usually talk about boats — the gear, the design and what works best for the local water. That was especially true in the 1960s on Martha’s Vineyard, where David Thompson and his fishing companions spent as much time discussing … Read more

“One, two, three, four…” A chorus of voices rises across the water as the good ship Epic fights the ebb in the narrow cut between the Old Alcohol Plant and Indian Island. Eight young sailors pull in unison, cedar oars bending under their combined effort as they push toward the far shore and relief from … Read more

Lectrotab Leveling Control for Electric Trim Tabs This new leveling control for Lectrotab electric trim tabs automatically adjusts tab angles to maintain a level running attitude for your boat. Designed to reduce rolling and pitching, the system keeps the hull more stable through a wide range of conditions, improving onboard comfort and—according to the manufacturer—enhancing … Read more

Russ and Barbara Jones Nordic Tug 49 Russ Jones’ love of the water began very young. By age four he was learning to pull oars in a family rowboat, and by eight he was exploring the bays and coves around Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Those early days—watching crabs and fish and feeling the freedom of being … Read more

Infrastructure Bill Brings Major Funding for Boating Access, Marinas and Safety Through 2026 Boaters across the country can expect noticeable improvements to access and services as a result of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill signed into law in mid-November. Funding through 2026 will support a wide range of projects, from upgraded roads and parking areas … Read more

Coast Guard coxswain faces more than a decade behind bars after fatal collision in San Diego Harbor during holiday boat parade The U.S. Coast Guard has charged the coxswain of a 33-foot patrol boat with involuntary manslaughter and negligent homicide following a December 2009 collision in San Diego Harbor that killed an 8-year-old boy during … Read more

Electronics expert Al Herum is a longtime electronics evaluator and former Florida Keys charter captain who tests marine electronics in real-world conditions for his site www.marine-electronics-reviews.com, which he launched in 2007. A resident of Tavernier, Fla., Herum, 53, uses his 1992 Contender — a 25-foot center-console powered by a 250-hp Suzuki four-stroke — as his … Read more

Dr. Dawg: David Ross Brings Chicago-Style Hot Dogs to Manitowoc After a long career in the yacht business, former Burger Boat Company co-president David Ross has launched a strikingly different second act: serving authentic Chicago-style hot dogs in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Better known for overseeing multimillion-dollar yachts, Ross now operates Dr. Dawg, the only Vienna Beef … Read more

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