Panga Skiffs: Practical, Efficient, and Growing in Popularity A Panga may not win any beauty contests. Its bow sits high, the beam is relatively narrow, and the basic versions used by small-scale fisheries in developing countries often amount to little more than a simple hull with no frills. Yet the Panga’s strengths are practical and … Read more

One week into the fourth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race, the fleet is being tested by extreme conditions: sustained winds approaching 50 knots and towering seas with maximum wave heights reported at 46 feet. These raw elements push both boats and crews to their operational limits, turning routine sailing tasks into high-stakes decisions where … Read more

WELCOME TO THE FLEET John R. Leopold, Anne Arundel County executive, formally christened the hull of the 35-foot emergency-response vessel Arundel Patriot on Sept. 24 during a commissioning ceremony at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Md. The Arundel Patriot is the first aluminum catamaran placed in service as a joint asset for the Anne … Read more

If you’re new to saltwater fishing or want to sharpen your skills, consider the Boaters University course Angler’s Bootcamp: The Basics of Saltwater Fishing. Sign up today — use code SOUNDINGS for 15% off. For me, the connection with fish goes beyond predator and prey or a meal on the table. Releasing the fish I … Read more

First Recorded Fatal Shark Attack in Maine Kills Swimmer Near Bailey Island Shark encounters along the coast of Maine are uncommon, but on Monday the state experienced its first recorded fatal shark attack. The victim, 63-year-old Julie Dimperio Holowach, a New York City resident who spends summers in Maine, was swimming near Bailey Island when … Read more

Pride in Craftsmanship: Boats, Propellers, and the Rewards of a Job Well Done The pieces in this issue are not all tied to a single theme, yet a recurring idea runs through several stories: the deep satisfaction that comes from taking pride in one’s work. Whether on a factory floor, restoring a wooden trawler, or … Read more

Custom vs. Semicustom Boats: Choosing the Right Path If you’re shopping for a new boat, production models cover a wide range of styles and budgets. But if you want a vessel tailored to your exact needs—and you have the time and budget—you can pursue either a semicustom or a fully custom build. The distinction can … Read more

A Life In Boats When I was a child, most small craft were wooden, and rowing was how you reached your mooring. Today, inflatables have replaced nearly every oar-powered pram, dinghy and dory, changing the humble routines of generations of boaters. In our family, the progression for youngsters was consistent for all seven of us: … Read more

Torqeedo Unveils the Sea Eagle 10.6 SRRIK Solar-Electric Inflatable Torqeedo has introduced a new solar-electric inflatable boat, the Sea Eagle 10.6 SRRIK. This compact, transportable craft combines an efficient electric outboard with integrated solar charging to deliver a low-emission, easy-to-use option for day cruising, fishing, and short-range boating adventures. Overview and Purpose The Sea Eagle … Read more

The Mack Attack is a new Viking 48 Convertible flybridge model that looks familiar from the outside but hides a surprising powerplant belowdecks: high-performance Scania DI16 diesel V8s. Built as a collaboration between Scania, Mack Boring—the largest Scania distributor in the U.S.—and Viking Yacht Company, this boat serves as the test platform for Scania’s 16-liter, … Read more