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

BUYING BOAT POWER • Comparison shopping for boat engines requires a thoughtful approach.

Paul Tracy • Former IndyCar Champion

OUTBOARD POWER • Outboards are the marine power of choice for many new rigs and even repowered sterndrive and inboard rigs today. Outboards today are powerful, quiet and efficient, and lighter in weight than their sterndrive and inboard brothers. How much do you know about these “clampons,” as they used to be called? Let’s take a look.

INSIDE THE ISSUE

OUTBOARD PROPELLERS • Your outboard needs a propeller—maybe two if you are smart and carry a spare. There are literally dozens of prop options for most outboards, so start here. Outboard props come in three flavors: aluminum, stainless steel and composite. Let’s compare the features and benefits of each material.

COBALT R33

WORLD CAT 260CC-X

GH HEAD GEAR

5 BAD IDEAS FOR ALTERNATIVE BOAT PROPULSION

ANCHOR READINESS • An anchor at the ready and a crew trained to use it are important boating-safety protocols.

WAVE FORECASTS • Checking and interpreting wave forecasts prove critical to safety and comfort.

SCRUB-A-DUB

SHACKLE STICK?

INSTALL AN ELECTRIC LINE PULLER • An electric line hauler makes recreational crabbing, lobstering and shrimping easy and fun boating activities for the whole family to enjoy.

PONTOON BOAT MAINTENANCE • Keep your pontoon boat looking great with these maintenance tips.

THROTTLE AND SHIFT CABLES • Cable throttle and shift controls still dominate the boating market for outboard, inboard and sterndrive engines. Cables from brands such as Dometic Marine (previously SeaStar) and Uflex provide smooth, reliable service for years, even decades, but they might eventually wear out, corrode or otherwise lose optimal functionality. Here’s what to look for when deciding on replacement throttle and shift cables for your boat.

PLUGGED IN • Back in 2015, I’d mused on these pages that my son, Evan, then in kindergarten, would likely own an electric-propelled boat. Now he’s in middle school and can operate a boat on his own. Has electric propulsion matured to where my light-hearted prediction might actually come true?

GEAR-CASE REPLACEMENT • I’m no wrench head when it comes to the inner workings of outboard motors, so when I learned that the ad for the used 130 hp Evinrude E-Tec I recently purchased neglected to mention its close encounter with Lake Erie limestone and related gear-case damage, I feared the worst financially.

NOR-TECH 500 SPORT • This Nor-Tech combines high speed, high style and high comfort.

SAILFISH 316 DC • Sailfish’s new dual-console flagship is a multimission marvel.

BAYLINER TROPHY T24CC • The hull style fishes well, provides generous deck space, and performs nicely on Mercury power.

YAMAHA 222 FSH SPORT E • Jet to your favorite fishing spots on this family-friendly center-console packed with standard fishy features and amenities.

ASPEN C120

SOLACE 32 CS

SEA PRO 320 DLX OFFSHORE

SCARAB JET 215 ID

VOLVO PENTA COASTAL SERIES STERNDRIVES • A new anti-corrosion system and other features offer a bevy of benefits and the backing of a long warranty.

MOST ICONIC CITIES TO EXPERIENCE BY BOAT • Ditch the Ubers, bikes and electric scooters. A marine-centric metropolis should be seen from the water. It’s a tour of three of America’s bestknown waterfront cities—all from a boater’s point of view.

FLATS BOAT VS. BAY BOAT...