Boston Whaler 285 Conquest — Redesigned for Improved Visibility and Seaworthiness The Boston Whaler 285 Conquest is a ground-up redesign of the model it replaces, the 280 Conquest. The new 285 focuses on improved helm visibility, refined lines, and greater flexibility for owners who want a comfortable, capable offshore cruiser. Boston Whaler’s product development team … Read more

What Owners Want: The Key Elements of an Ideal Trawler Today’s trawler owners are more interested in cruising than in constant repair and restoration. When asked what matters most in an ideal trawler, the answers from a dozen owners were remarkably consistent: simplicity, accessibility for maintenance, comfort and seaworthiness. “Easy does it” is a fitting … Read more

TRAC Ecological Descaler Mineral buildup inside cooling and circulating water systems reduces flow, impairs heat transfer and can eventually cause onboard engines and auxiliary equipment to overheat or fail. TRAC Ecological Descaler is formulated to remove those mineral deposits safely and effectively. It is a non-toxic, biodegradable and non-corrosive descaling solution designed specifically for freshwater … Read more

Standard Horizon HX150 Floating 5-Watt Handheld VHF: Compact, Affordable Marine Radio Standard Horizon’s HX150 floating 5-watt handheld VHF packs a surprising number of useful features into a compact, affordable package. Designed for recreational boaters and anyone who needs reliable marine communication without a large investment, the HX150 focuses on the essentials: clear VHF communication, NOAA … Read more

Stepping up in size is a familiar arc for many boat owners. For the couple who purchased this Grand Banks 60 Skylounge, moving from their previous Grand Banks 47 Europa in the Pacific Northwest was driven by a desire to live aboard more comfortably and to cruise farther afield. They wanted a yacht that functioned … Read more

Havana Harbor and El Morro: A Maritime Portrait A U.S.-registered steamer makes its way out of Havana, skirting the iconic Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro, commonly known as El Morro. This massive fortress has dominated the entrance to Havana harbor since the late 16th century, erected by the Spanish to protect the … Read more

Larson Electronics RL-85-LED-CPR: Waterproof, Rechargeable 25-Watt LED Spotlight The RL-85-LED-CPR from Larson Electronics is a compact, waterproof, rechargeable LED spotlight designed to deliver bright, reliable illumination in demanding outdoor conditions. This model uses a 25-watt Cree LED combined with an advanced reflector and lens configuration to produce a powerful beam that reaches approximately 1,000 feet … Read more

Used Prices Are Low — For How Long? Brokerage sales often foreshadow the health of the boat market, and recent activity suggests the market began to stabilize in June and July. During those months, more used vessels changed hands in the United States than in the same months of 2008, offering a potential early sign … Read more

Conservative Cruisers: How Frank and Celene Varasano Live the Snowbird Boating Life Frank and Celene Varasano describe themselves as conservative cruisers. Their Fleming 78 can reach more than 20 knots when needed, but on the long coastal runs they prefer a relaxed pace—typically around 10 knots and only in good weather. “Even trying to do … Read more

MRAA Certified Pre-Owned Boats Debut at Seattle Boat Show Amid Inventory Shortage When attendees arrived at the Seattle Boat Show in early February, they noticed two unexpected developments: brokerage boats displayed alongside new models inside the venue, and a new certification logo aimed at helping buyers identify high-quality pre-owned boats. The combination signaled a shift … Read more