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.
POLE POSITION Check out page 80 for our take on the new Power-Pole Move trolling motor. Of all the boat types we cover, watersports boats prove among the most colorful and action-packed. While I share my passion for boats every month on this page, I don’t often express my passion—indeed that of the entire crew—for making a magazine. This annual Watersports Issue brings that love to the fore. Dazzlingly colored, these often metallic or sparkled hulls propelled by high-powered engines leaving foaming wakes make for great imagery. The electronics and systems that control the size and optimize the shape of wakes and waves offer our editors a chance to explore and explain some of the highest technology available aboard recreational boats. (Watersports boatbuilders have long been at the fore-front of…
ON BOARD WITH… FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE NEWS ONLINE THIS MONTH CAPTAIN’S TEST FIRST IMPRESSION GEAR HEAD What is your connection to the ocean? Growing up, I was either sailing or working on my family’s oyster farm in Duxbury, Massachusetts, where I learned firsthand how the health of the ocean is connected to how we treat it. Oysters are amazing creatures—they are filter feeders, and that’s how I first learned about microplastics. What inspired you to turn microplastics into jewelry? I was the director of an environmental and marine-science kids camp. We would do beach cleanups, and I would teach campers about microplastics and the dangers they pose to marine life. We talked a lot about repurposing and reusing things. We would bring the plastics we collected to art class and…
Helicopters, photographers, cruisers, ‘toons and chase boats: every issue of Boating is a major production, and Icom helps the team communicate during the controlled chaos of a big shoot. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the magazine, and tips on how to optimize your Icom marine radio like the Boating team does. SCAN ME Scan the QR code below to gain access to each new episode that includes advice/tips from our editors on maximizing use of your marine communication. MADE POSSIBLE BY…
WATERSPORTS TACTACAM SOLO XTREME The Solo Xtreme has an optional ultrawide lens that screws onto the front of the camera. That’s ideal for most POV users, who do close work. We found that the Solo linked to the Tactacam Connect app quickly and with little effort. Once connected, we could choose the shoot modes, from slow motion to 30 or 60 frames per second. The app allowed us to adjust cam settings such as exposure and white balance, format the card, and transfer clips. With the standard lens, it will capture wakeboard action up close and personal. Its field of view won’t reach the outside of a cut, but it will capture wake tricks. For ultrawide action, buy the Xtreme wide-lens accessory ($24.99). PROS: Loop recording allows the user to…
We All Float On If you own a boat and there’s a decent sandbar nearby, odds are you’re going to drop anchor or raft-up and enjoy the company of other boaters. We know this because we hear all about several sandbar hotspots around the country that are legendary for their party scenes. Want to add to the fun? Bring aboard an inflatable Watercraft Sandbar Series Platform from Aqua Lily Pad. The platform stows in a 50-pound travel bag that measures 14-by-14-by-33 inches for transport. When you’re ready to deploy it, use the provided air pump to blow it up to its full 6-by-13-foot rectangular shape. The PVC and nylon raft sits 4 inches above the water can hold up to eight adults. When inflated, it can serve as a swim…
1. When starting a skier or rider, what are a few things to keep in mind to get them safely underway behind your boat? A. Make sure they have a cold beer before jumping in.B. They should be wearing an approved watersports life jacket.C. Waiting until dusk is the best time because they’ll be able to see better.D. They should be briefed on the traditional hand signals for stopping, slowing down, etc.E. B and DF. All of the above 2. When your rider is in the water, what should you as the driver pay particular attention to? A. Make sure you idle at the slowest speed possible as your rider gets ready to go.B. Watch all the hotties in that boat over to the port side.C. No sudden throttle bursts;…
