Boating is the world's foremost magazine for boating enthusiasts. Written by experts for those who love the sport, the editorial covers the waterfront -- from runabouts to sportfish convertibles to luxury showpieces, and everything in between.
THE DAY BEFORE COMPOSING this editorial, I was fishing with my daughters and in the company of several other boats, one of which brought back memories of boating in decades past. Ahh … the halcyon time known as “back in the day.” The boat in question was a 1990s vintage walkaround cuddy that, as it happens, I originally tested for this magazine when the boat was new. As we drifted along, boating a few fish, rebaiting hooks and munching pretzels, I had the chance to reflect on this boat. I came to the conclusion that the design had withstood the test of time, since it would compare pretty favorably to the brand-new 2016 model year walkarounds that Boating is testing now. My mind then drifted off to boating adventures I…
Natasha graced our magazine’s cover in January aboard the MasterCraft X46. Here’s what she had to say about being voted our top cover model by our Facebook fans. iCOM PRESENTS BOATING COVER GIRL SCAN HERE TO VIEW ALL OUR COVER GIRL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS How does it feel to be selected as the Icom Cover Model of the Year? It feels great. It was such a nice surprise! What did you think of the MasterCraft X46? It was a beautiful boat and super fast, which I loved. You could tell it’s great for water sports. Do you like being on boats in general? Yes, it’s always a great day if I can spend it lounging on a boat. What do you like best about being on the water? Cruising around…
Leatherman Wave THE SHARP: Does everyone call their multitool a Leatherman? The most popular brand on the market has 17 tools, including locking blades that deploy with one hand. The spring-action scissors are a highlight and it has large and small-bit drivers plus a can and bottle opener. Knife blades are formed out of 420 HC (for “high carbon”) stainless steel that is heattreated for extra strength. Closed length is 4 inches. THE DULL: Some people gripe about the weight (8.5 ounces) of the Wave when compared to other multitools, such as those with plastic or composite grips. PRICE: $89.95 to $99.95; leatherman.com Gerber MP1 THE SHARP: Gerber takes a keep-it-simple approach with the new MP1 that features 12 tools, including pliers, three blades, three screwdrivers and a pry bar/bottle…
For many boaters, November means the end of the season, but it’s also time for the annual Super Boat International Offshore powerboat racing world championships in Key West, Florida. This year is the 35th anniversary of the event, which will take place Nov. 8-15. Let’s see what you know about the fastest boats in the sport. 1 How many races comprise the World Championship? A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four 2 In last year’s event, a team that finished poorly on Wednesday and Friday but won on Sunday took the overall championship for its class. How could that happen? A. Sunday is double points B. Sunday is triple points C. Wednesday and Friday are qualifying races D. All the other boats in the class broke down 3 What…
Things have changed since you last had to buy your boating family members some gifts. Wakesurfing has exploded in popularity, thanks to wave-sculpting advancements in the inboard and V-drive towboat realm, and also Volvo Penta’s new Forward Drive that brings surfing to the runabout crowd. Even with that, who doesn’t have a member of the crew that loves to wakeboard, wakeskate, water ski or just have a blast trying to hang on to a tube? The good news for you is we’ve got you covered. Our 2016 Water-Sports Gear Guide details some of the best water-sports gear that you can buy. So head on over to boatingmag.com/watersports-gear (or go to boatingmag.com/gear) and see if there’s a monster tube or slalom ski out there with your name on it.…
A boatbuilder friend of mine talks about going to IBEX (the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference) like it’s his favorite candy store. Every year, IBEX products and seminars show him new ways to improve. My favorite feature is the annual Innovation Awards program. Here are a few products that received this year’s awards. Boatbuilding Methods and Materials Xtreme Tower Products/Marine Accessories Corp., Mixed Media Parallel Hinge Tower — An ingenious tower with a Bimini that can lower to the windshield for trailering and storage or rise for a serious day on the water. Deck Equipment and Hardware Dowco, Easy-Lift — A deceptively simple latch and airshock system that makes raising and lowering a pontoon boat’s top quick, easy and safe. Furnishings and Interior Parts Syntec Industries LLC, Elage — A…
