A cruising couple finds their new smaller boat to be big on comfort and convenience Story and photos by George Sass Sr. After more than a decade and more than 12,000 safe, comfortable miles aboard a custom 43-foot Down East–style cruiser, we decided to simplify and downsize. Our goal was to continue cruising while reducing … Read more
Smith Island Crab Skiff Race to Run at Solomons Island Pavilion The Smith Island Crab Skiff Association will stage a race of their distinctive 18-foot skiffs at 11 a.m. on May 14 at the Solomons Island Pavilion. Known for their speed and history on the Chesapeake, these crab skiffs represent a unique regional craft and … Read more
Last month I reviewed how planing, semi‑planing and displacement hulls behave in rough water. This month I’ll cover practical offshore boat‑handling tactics: how to approach steep and breaking waves, the role of speed and hull form, running down‑sea and through inlets, and how trim tabs, rudder design and steering response affect control. Meeting steep waves … Read more
A thorough dockside inspection and sea trial will put you on the right course to find the boat that fits your needs If you’ve just spent a significant sum on your dream boat, the last thing you want is to discover major flaws early in ownership. Perhaps the boat struggles to get on plane with … Read more
Shifting shoals and changing markers make even the newest navigational data uncertain, but cruising the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) remains an unforgettable journey. Why the ICW demands constant vigilance Some of the biggest mistakes newcomers make on the ICW come from relying on a single guidebook — or from not reading any at all. Conditions … Read more
Crossing Between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands by Charter: A Practical Guide Chartering a boat to explore both the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a rewarding adventure, but it requires understanding two separate customs and immigration systems. Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, entry procedures on … Read more
Reflections from Ashore: Choosing the Next Boat Anyone who has spent time without a boat knows the odd, persistent ache of boatlessness. It’s not simply missing an object; it’s a running commentary in the back of your mind. A storm on the forecast and you’re imagining extra lines. A sudden cold front and you’re picturing … Read more
Protecting Your Boat from Ethanol Damage: Fuel Stabilizers and Winter Preparation Proper winterizing of your boat’s fuel system and engine is essential when gasoline contains ethanol. Ethanol-blended fuels can absorb moisture and act as a solvent, leading to water accumulation, degraded fuel system components, clogged lines, and engine problems. Taking a few straightforward steps before … Read more
Huckins Yachts: Heritage, Design and Offshore Performance Frank Huckins’ granddaughter, Cindy Purcell, began working in the Huckins Yachts stockroom in the 1970s. Today she and her husband, Buddy Purcell, own and operate the company that first made its reputation building PT boats. That lineage still shapes the brand: Huckins now produces semicustom yachts that appeal … Read more
Popular coupe-style cruisers are designed to do it all Boat manufacturers have introduced many new model names over the years, and “coupe” has emerged as a distinct and popular category among cruiser buyers. Coupe-style cruisers blend sporty, expressive exterior lines with a fully enclosed deckhouse, giving owners the flexibility to enjoy open-air dayboating and comfortable, … Read more