Historic 1932 Norwester Yacht Grounded near Prevost Harbor The 76-foot, 1932 Norwester—a yacht with deep ties to both naval service and Hollywood—has run aground near Prevost Harbor in the San Juan Islands and now faces a perilous future. Built in 1932 and later used by the US Navy during World War II, the vessel became … Read more

Annapolis: the boater’s paradise Maritime Annapolis: A History of Watermen, Sails and Shipmen (The History Press, 2009; $19.99) by Rosemary F. Williams is a richly detailed portrait of Annapolis, tracing the city’s maritime life from its earliest days through the era that defined its relationship with the Chesapeake Bay. Williams organizes the city’s past around … Read more

Kinder Industries Shifts from Boat Covers to Face Shields to Support Hospitals Kinder Industries Inc., based in Bristol, Rhode Island, has spent 23 years making boat covers and enclosures. In response to the coronavirus pandemic and urgent needs from hospitals and medical staff, the company has repurposed its production lines to manufacture personal protective equipment … Read more

How to Choose a Reputable Boat Dealer or Broker After an Illinois Fraud Indictment A recent 21-page federal indictment in Illinois has put a spotlight on dealer fraud in the marine industry and offers a timely reminder about steps boat buyers should take when choosing a broker or dealership. Two former employees of Clinton Marine … Read more

W-Class Yachts: Revival of One-Design, Spirit-of-Tradition Sailing If you have spent time in Newport, Rhode Island, or attended any of the world’s classic yacht regattas, you have likely seen the striking W-Class sailing yachts. These boats combine the grace of traditional yacht lines with modern construction and performance, and they were conceived to restore close, … Read more

Ted Hood’s WhisperJet 38: A Waterjet-Powered Downeast Cruiser Reimagined Ted Hood was already recognized as one of the sailing world’s most inventive minds when he turned his attention to powerboat design. Best known for rethinking sails, sailcloth and hull lines—and for helming the 12 Meter Courageous during the successful defense of the 1974 America’s Cup—Hood … Read more

Shane Couch: Painting the Great Classic Yachts Not every marine artist has the opportunity to stand on the decks of the vessels they paint. Shane Couch is an exception. His lifelong fascination with the grand sailing yachts of the late 19th and early 20th centuries has taken him aboard many of the classic schooners celebrated … Read more

Lightships: Floating Lighthouses That Guided Mariners When coastline conditions made building a permanent lighthouse impossible, maritime authorities turned to an ingenious solution: the lightship. These sturdy vessels, outfitted with powerful lights and anchored in precise locations, served as floating lighthouses where shoals, deep water, or dangerous currents prevented the construction of fixed beacons. For more … Read more

Everglades Introduces the 455cc Offshore Center Console Everglades has introduced a new line of offshore center consoles, anchored by its flagship model, the 455cc. Announced for production in the spring of 2021, the 455cc is designed to serve serious anglers and families who want a high-performance center console that balances offshore capability with day-boat comfort. … Read more

Today’s boat buyer tends to have good credit, a stable job and a strong passion for boating. Although the number of buyers overall has declined, several winter boat shows still produced sales and steady interest. The CMTA Hartford Boat and Fishing Show drew about 16,000 attendees and organizers called it a success given the economic … Read more