Boeing 307 Stratoliner: From Howard Hughes’ Flying Penthouse to the Yacht Londonaire and Cosmic Muffin This Boeing 307 Stratoliner enjoyed an extraordinary life that crossed aviation and maritime worlds. Originally a passenger airliner, the aircraft was purchased in 1939 by American billionaire Howard Hughes for approximately $315,000 — roughly equivalent to $6.5 million today. Under … Read more

It’s easy to forget how basic recreational boating communications were when Soundings began 60 years ago. Today, marine VHF radios are standard on boats, but before the 1960s recreational mariners had very limited ways to communicate. For millennia, sailors relied on speaking trumpets to project their voices across short distances. In 480 BC, Athenian commander … Read more

Chris-Craft, one of America’s oldest and most recognizable boat builders, is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Stephen F. Heese has been the company’s president for more than 23 years. We asked Heese to reflect on Chris-Craft’s evolution from a small wooden-boat yard to a contemporary legacy brand. Soundings: Can you take us through the … Read more

In Ed Parker’s painting The Lobster Trap, a lone Maine lobsterman lowers a string of crates into calm blue water beneath a clear sky. At first glance the scene appears serene and routine, but just beneath the surface a large, entwined sea creature clings to the lines, an unexpected presence that transforms the image into … Read more

Boating is often more enjoyable and practical with a tender—a multipurpose dinghy that acts as the mothership’s gofer. With so many quality options from reputable builders, choosing the right tender can be confusing. The first question every expert I consulted asked was simple: “How will you use it?” That question matters because, while most owners … Read more

For many people, fishing is the primary reason they own a boat; for others, it’s a casual part of boating life. Yet across the boating world we admire those anglers who have excelled—whether as tournament champions, record setters, conservation advocates, or tireless ambassadors introducing new generations to the sport. The list that follows spans a … Read more

I felt like a fish swimming upstream trying to board the Boston Whaler 365 Conquest at the Miami boat show. Hours earlier the model had earned the National Marine Manufacturers Association Innovation Award for best new boat in the cabin cruiser category, and the 36-foot Conquest was drawing a steady stream of visitors at the … Read more

Range anxiety is often the first objection to electric outboards, but Newport, an electric outboard manufacturer based in Stockton, California, aims to change that perception with lightweight lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries designed specifically for marine use. Their NT300 3-hp electric outboard and matching battery systems prioritize low weight, modularity and real-world endurance, making them … Read more

The Boat Mom: Making Boating Safe, Approachable and Achievable for Parents While scrolling through Instagram, I recently discovered a thoughtful and practical feed from The Boat Mom—Paula Sleiman. A mother to 3-year-old Kai and the owner of two 21-foot Nautiques, Sleiman uses her account to demystify boating for parents and women who want to feel … Read more

Twin Vee Introduces the GFX2 Powercat Line Twin Vee Powercat of Fort Pierce, Florida has announced the GFX2 model line, a second-generation update to its popular GFX catamarans. Inspired by the success of the flagship 400 GFX, the GFX2 series refines the proven hull design and introduces enhanced electronics, upgraded materials, and practical refinements aimed … Read more