Trawlerfest Anacortes 2022 — A Complete Guide for Cruising Enthusiasts Trawlerfest Anacortes 2022 brings together both new and pre-owned cruising powerboats, hands-on demonstrations, and in-depth education for captains and crews. This gathering is designed for anyone who enjoys long-range cruising, passagemaking, or simply wants to learn more about the latest marine products and services from … Read more

He had enormous hands, fingers as thick as quarters: scarred, scratched, calloused and rough. A handshake felt like grabbing a catcher’s mitt. Yet with those hands he could tie intricate fishing knots, repair almost anything, and drive whatever vehicle was in front of him—whether it flew, floated or rolled. He opened an autobody shop when … Read more

FortNine Acquires Defender Industries, Bringing Modern E-Commerce to a Marine Mail-Order Icon In February, Canadian online retailer FortNine announced the acquisition of Connecticut-based Defender Industries, a long-running supplier of boat gear, inflatables and outboard motors that has served boaters since 1938. At first glance the match may seem unusual—FortNine is best known as a top … Read more

Once confined to chores like trolling and powering tenders, electric outboards are increasingly available with higher horsepower, bringing greater speed and capability to larger boats. But how far can electric outboards realistically take us? Advances in motor design are clear, yet battery capacity, cost and range—especially at high speed—remain the key hurdles. Electric outboards offer … Read more

Origins of OSTAR: The First Single‑Handed Transatlantic Race The single‑handed transatlantic race known today as OSTAR (Observer Single‑handed Transatlantic Race) began as a bold idea in the mid‑20th century. Credited to Herbert “Blondie” Hasler and organized under the auspices of the Royal Western Yacht Club of England, the race set out to test human skill, … Read more

Dangerous Weather: Jim Griffiths’ Maritime Painting of the Clipper Cromdale On a storm-tossed sea, the topgallant sail of the 19th-century clipper Cromdale has snapped, leaving the crew scrambling to secure rigging and protect the ship. Jim Griffiths captures that tense, dramatic moment in his painting Dangerous Weather, where roughly twenty sailors rush across the deck, … Read more

Spring Fishing and Boat Safety: Preparing Your Vessel for Offshore Trips Most anglers eager for early spring fishing focus first on tackle: fresh line on reels, sharpened hooks and drags set for whatever species they expect to battle. But equally important—and sometimes overlooked—is preparing the boat. Routine maintenance and a careful equipment check can be … Read more

When most people hear the name Parker Boats, they likely picture a 20-foot-plus Sport Cabin with its cabin set well forward and a large cockpit built for hauling fish. For more than 50 years, those distinctive Sport Cabin models have been what many anglers associate with Parker. But alongside those iconic boats, Parker has quietly … Read more

When Sir Ernest Shackleton and his 27-man crew put the stout wooden ship Endurance into the Weddell Sea in December 1914, they knew they would face brutal conditions: subzero temperatures, hurricane-force winds, uncharted waters and, above all, the relentless pack ice. Even with modern technology—reinforced steel hulls, satellite ice charts, drift models and ubiquitous communications—the … Read more

Top Boat Trips Readers Recommend: Memorable Rides from Around the World If you love being out on the water, a well-chosen boat trip can turn an ordinary holiday into an unforgettable experience. Recently, readers shared their favorite boat excursions around the globe, highlighting a variety of styles and settings — from peaceful dinner cruises to … Read more