The first time I sight-cast to a cobia I was aboard a 25-foot center console in the Lower Chesapeake Bay with Capt. Ben Shepherd. He was a young captain then, and I was an aspiring outdoor writer discovering a relatively new fishery. We left Lynnhaven Inlet and ran to Thimble Shoal Channel, where Shepherd invited … Read more

Magonis Wave e-550: A Compact Electric Outboard for Quiet Cruising The Wave e-550 is the debut model from Magonis, a Spanish‑Italian boatbuilder that unveiled the 19‑foot electric outboard at the Venice Boat Show in May 2021. Headquartered in Barcelona with production in Sabaudia, Italy, Magonis aims this compact cruiser at owners who want a modern, … Read more

Two Essential Timekeepers for Boaters: Calendars and Weekly Planners For boaters who want to keep track of tides, trips and nautical trivia while organizing their year, two compact, well-designed publications stand out. Both combine practical planning space with maritime charm, making them useful tools for powerboaters and sailors alike. The Nauti-Benders Page-A-Day Boater’s Calendar (Penchant … Read more

April 23–25 Spring Boat Show in Essex Brings New and Used Vessels to an Intimate, VIP Experience Soundings Publications is the exclusive media sponsor for the Spring Boat Show taking place April 23–25 in Essex, Connecticut. The event will showcase a diverse selection of new and brokerage boats in a relaxed, boutique atmosphere that emphasizes … Read more

Rare Pristine Coral Reef Discovered in Mesophotic Zone Off Tahiti After a string of alarming environmental events—from volcanic eruptions and tsunamis to severe winter storms—there is encouraging news for ocean watchers and conservationists: deep-sea explorers mapping seafloor habitats off Tahiti have documented a remarkably pristine coral reef. Its delicate formations have been likened to a … Read more

Lobster Crate Races: A Beloved Portsmouth Tradition on the Piscataqua River The photograph above captures a moment from June 1988: a young man sprinting across a string of lobster crates anchored between the commercial fishing piers at Pierce Island and Four Tree Island near Portsmouth, New Hampshire. A nearby sign warns “Run at your risk,” … Read more

Photograph by Billy Black — Technical Notes and Visual Approach Photo by Billy Black Image Details and Publication This photograph, credited to Billy Black, was published in the May 2013 issue. The accompanying technical data provides a concise snapshot of how the image was captured, and those settings reveal a deliberate balance between sharpness, depth … Read more

As we prepare to cast off from the Miami International Boat Show aboard the Mag Bay 42 Express Sportfish, I ask Mag Bay President Mike Howarth if he’ll take the helm. “Ain’t no way I’m driving this boat,” he replies. “I haven’t driven a boat in years.” Howarth has been in boatbuilding for more than … Read more

Monk 36: A Cruiser’s Cruiser That Defined the Recreational Trawler The Monk 36 earned a reputation as a true “cruiser’s cruiser” during the 1980s, helping to transform the recreational trawler from a niche concept into one of America’s most popular boat types. With a classic profile and rugged construction, the Monk 36 offered comfortable liveaboard … Read more

Grand Banks 54: New Mid‑Size Model Combines Efficiency, Strength and Comfort Grand Banks Yachts is progressing with construction of the Grand Banks 54 at its Malaysian factory, the third new model from the builder in as many years. The 54 joins the recently introduced Grand Banks 60 and the 60 Skylounge as part of the … Read more