Back Cove Introduces the New Downeast 37 Express Cruiser Back Cove Yachts has expanded its lineup with a new 37-foot express cruiser designed specifically for dayboating and short cruising adventures: the Downeast 37. Built on the same proven hull as the Back Cove 37, this new model emphasizes larger exterior social areas and a redesigned … Read more

Periods of Transition: Preserving Situational Awareness on the Water In maritime operations, transitions—changes in people, equipment, environment or plans—are frequent and often benign. But when transitions are mishandled or occur simultaneously, they can erode situational awareness and lead to serious accidents. The following incidents illustrate how easily awareness can be lost during routine changes. March … Read more

Cold-Water Survival: Why a Life Jacket Can Save Your Life The brutal reality is simple: without a life jacket, surviving in cold water is unlikely beyond about 10 minutes. With a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD), many people can survive for an hour or more before hypothermia becomes the primary threat. When water temperatures … Read more

Mary Jane Kilborn Hayes was a nationally recognized marine photojournalist and storyteller Mary Jane Kilborn Hayes, a cherished contributor to Soundings for the past two decades, passed away on Jan. 12 in Hanover, Massachusetts. Renowned for combining the eye of a photographer with the sensibility of a storyteller, Hayes built a body of work that … Read more

Somewear Labs’ Global Hotspot is a compact satellite communicator that provides reliable off-grid communications when cellular networks are unavailable. Designed to pair with iOS and Android smartphones via Bluetooth Low Energy, this device enables two-way SMS messaging and email, regular weather reports, location sharing, and an emergency SOS function that transmits crucial information to responders. … Read more

Mystery Aboard the Sage Sagittarius: Inquest Exposes Risks of Flag-of-Convenience Shipping An Australian coroner’s inquest into the deaths of crewmembers aboard the 800-foot coal carrier Sage Sagittarius has revealed a complex and troubling picture. The proceedings opened a window into the pressures on ships registered under “flags of convenience” and into the psychological and operational … Read more

Interlux Introduces Pacifica Plus: Copper-Free Antifouling Paint Built for Modern Boating Interlux has launched Pacifica Plus, a copper-free antifouling paint formulated for boat owners seeking effective protection with reduced environmental impact. Pacifica Plus incorporates Econea, a specialized antifouling agent that targets shell-forming organisms, and pairs that active ingredient with Biolux technology to limit slime growth. … Read more

At 70, Gary Paulsen Still Intends to Take on the Sea’s Ultimate Challenge Gary Paulsen has acquired a new boat that fits him: a rugged, compact cutter built to face — and perhaps embrace — the fierce weather of Cape Horn. After six years away from sailing, the celebrated author and Iditarod racer is drawn … Read more

Sea Ray 43 Sundancer: Performance, Comfort, and Modern Control The Sea Ray 43 Sundancer blends contemporary styling with advanced propulsion and onboard systems to deliver a capable cruiser for weekend escapes and extended cruising. Built around the Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Zeus pod propulsion, the 43 Sundancer pairs proven diesel power with intuitive maneuvering features such … Read more

When buying a new boat or repowering an existing one, buyers face more outboard choices than ever. Once defined largely by horsepower, modern outboards now include digital throttle and shift systems, advanced steering options like joysticks, higher-output alternators, integrated electronic controls and other features that go well beyond simply turning a propeller. “A decade ago, … Read more