Boating

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.

Boating

ALL THE NEWS THAT’S FIT TO PRINT • You get what you need from the crew at Boating.

FORMULA • The Formula 330 Crossover Bowrider - LIVE IT NOW!

Sebastian Noel Former Survivor Contestant, Full-Time Merman • ON BOARD WITH… FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE CAPTAIN’S TEST FIRST IMPRESSION GEAR HEAD 5 THINGS

LIFE-JACKET TYPES • Life jackets might be the most important safety gear you can have on board for you and your crew. But what type of life jacket do you need? There are three types of in-herently buoyant life jackets designated by the US Coast Guard. (There’s also Type IV, which are throwable PFDs; Type V are special use.) Here’s a brief rundown of the basics of Type I, Type II and Type III life jackets. —Pete McDonald

BOATING SAFETY

FIRST IMPRESSION

GEAR HEAD

5 WAYS TO GET BOARDED BY THE COAST GUARD

SWEPT AWAY • Even launch ramps can be treacherous in certain conditions.

RESPECT AND COOPERATION • Extending common courtesy to other boating anglers helps ensure peace on the water.

THE LONG RUN • How to enjoy watersports for your entire life.

BOAT DOCTOR

GAUGE GLASS?

NETWORK

BOAT MEDIC FIRST-AID KIT

STRAINED

DIY • + Weekend Workbook

HOW TO INSTALL A SHOCK-ABSORBING SEAT PEDESTAL • The versatile Shoxs helm-seat pedestal system from Allsalt Maritime softens hard landings.

RIGHT OF WAY How to handle stand-on and give-way situations.

TYPE IV THROWABLE DEVICES

LIGHT MY FIRE (OR DON’T) • E-flares—battery-operated bright lights that automatically flash the Morse code S-O-S distress signal—can replace red handheld pyrotechnic distress flares as required nighttime distress signals. Are there restrictions, and are e-flares as effective? I talked to US Coast Guard regulators and rescuers to answer these burning questions.

LOVING LITHIUM • If anybody could justify a battery that exceeds the total cost of a boat and motor, it’s me. My used 14-foot aluminum boat and new Minn Kota 55-pound-thrust trolling motor set me back about $500, and with the addition of a $125 Group 31 SuperStart 12-volt deep-cycle lead-acid battery, I was ready to fish.

PWC-SPECIFIC SAFETY • Personal watercraft are built with an impressive array of safety features, but just like any boat, safe operation requires a familiarity with the craft’s controls, handling characteristics, and knowledge of any category-specific safety concerns.

SUNGLASSES FOR BOATERS AND FISHERMEN • Sunglasses with polarized lenses have been an important piece of navigation equipment since they came on the market 40 years ago. With polarized filtered lenses, side glare from windshields, water and shiny surfaces is eliminated. In more recent years, popular thinking says blue-mirror and gray-base lenses are best for offshore, and copper or amber-base lenses with green, gold or copper mirror are best inshore in brackish, brown or green water.

#3287 CRUISERS YACHTS 34GLS • Sporty and innovative, the Cruisers Yachts 34GLS boasts versatility and style.

#3288 SAILFISH 276DC • Riding a bluewater hull and built for the long haul, this Sailfish model proves a must-see boat.

AQUILA 28 Molokai Power Catamaran

MANITOU 27 XT SRW

FOUR WINNS H2 Outboard

SEA-DOO FishPro Trophy 170

MERCURY JPO FOR PONTOONS • This innovative system aids pontoon owners in docking and integrates seamlessly with Mercury outboards.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW • There’s something about owning...