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.
Bob Stearns left us August 25, 2021, at age 85. The man was a pioneer and innovator in the craft of delivering boating and fishing content to a population eager to learn the best way to rig a boat, hook a fish, or learn why they needed two anchors—and much more. The author of four books, Stearns wrote boat tests and the “Sportfishing Journal” section of Boating during the 1980s; penned thousands of articles for other magazines, including our sister publication, Salt Water Sports man; and was instrumental in designing the flats fishing boat with late famed boatbuilder Bob Hewes. What was working with Stearns like? “Editing Bob Stearns was like editing Hemingway,” recalls a wistful Charles Plueddeman, then on staff and now a contributing editor. “It was intimidating. Bob…
This past summer, I spent some time aboard Defiant, a boat owned by cousins Mike Guanci and J.T. McCarthy for their business, Charters in the Hamptons, which they founded together. The cool thing about it? They’re both still college students. Guanci is a senior at Trinity College, and McCarthy is a senior at Fairfield University, both in Connecticut. I asked them about their path to becoming full-time captains. When did you and J.T. start boating? Our entire family has been summering together in our grandparents’ home in Southold, New York, for over 50 years. Growing up at the same age, we have essentially learned all the same things at the same time. What gave you the idea to make a charter business? We got introduced to chartering while working at…
(Answers on page 22) 1. When draining the water in an inboard or sterndrive engine’s cooling passages, what might someone not familiar with the process miss? A. On an older engine, the block and exhaust manifolds both have drain petcocks. A wire or pipe cleaner should be pushed through the open drain to ensure no debris or rust flakes can block the drain and keep water inside that will freeze, expand and crack the block or manifold. B. You should pump pink “RV” anti-freeze through the engine to prevent freezing, and watch so you can see it run out of all the open drains. C. Tilting the drive down ensures that all water from the block, manifolds and drive runs out and will be sufficient. D. If you have to…
TECHRON PROTECTION PLUS MARINE FUEL SYSTEM TREATMENT PROS: Techron’s alcohol-free formula does not contribute to water absorption in the fuel, helping to minimize corrosion damage caused by water separation in the fuel system. Its detergency removes and prevents deposits on valves and piston tops, and also prevents gumming and varnishing in the fuel system. Reportedly, its formula stabilizes fuel for up to 24 months. It can also treat diesel fuels. It’s available at many larger online and brick-and-mortar big-box retailers, and the pricing is competitive. CONS: Might not be available at local marine suppliers. PRICE: $10.49 for an 8-ounce bottle; chevron lubricants.com GAS-SHOK PLUS WATER ABSORBER & FUEL STABILIZER PROS: Gas-Shok advertises that it controls and disperses water in boat fuel tanks and systems, protects rubber and plastic seals and…
The resin-infused hull for the first Albemarle Spencer 53 was completed in August. We’re eager to get aboard. This new boatbuilding venture gives the buyer the styling and custom layout of a Spencer while leveraging Albemarle’s ability to produce high-quality boats in a production setting. As many know, a custom boat build often overruns price and time estimates. These two builders putting their strengths together is said to mean the best of both production and custom worlds for boat buyers. The first 53 will be a flybridge that delivers high-cruise speeds with great seakeeping, the builders say. The interior boasts an open salon, three staterooms and two heads. An island helm offers excellent visibility, while the 160-square-foot cockpit features a mezzanine design with engine-room access and molded boxes that can…
From the builder of BoatingÕs 2019 Boat of the Year comes the Axopar 25 Cross Bow. At a glance, this new boat sports a long waterline, a double-stepped hull, a narrow(ish) beam, a low freeboard and outboard power, features designed to maximize the performance, effciency and seakeeping of its fleet mates. Multipurpose functionality proves another marker in the Axopar DNA evinced by the 25: It will serve as either a dayboat or a weekender. The cuddy features two berths, a head, a sink and a seat. Atop the cuddy, crew can recline in the lounge, access the anchor locker, or step off the bow as needed with ease. Choose from three different cockpit layouts: a six-person, U-shaped sofa; a multistorage compartment with seating (either for four seated sideways or two…
