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.
Alexander Lake in Wisconsin is like tens of thousands of other lakes that boaters frequent. There are three public boat launches, it borders a state park, there is a nice public beach and the fishing is reportedly good. At approximately 670 acres, this impoundment of the Wisconsin River is not large and, therefore, not intimidating to cruise on, even for small, conservatively powered, open boats. When boaters think about Alexander Lake, they think of simple fun with family and friends. But for some, that vision of halcyon days afloat is now destroyed. That’s because on July 27, 2025, sometime after 3 p.m. on a beautiful summer day, an 11-year-old girl died while boating on Alexander Lake. The cause wasn’t rough seas or bad weather. Nor were excessive speed, alcohol or…
BOATINGMAG.COM OCTOBER 2025 SCAN To read the full interview online, go to boatingmag.com/georgelaycock. What inspired you to make this run? I thought it would be a unique trip; it was a personal challenge, especially for someone my age. I used to boat race, so I’ve got a bit of a competitive gene. I wanted to see if I could better the distance record on one battery. How were the logistics? You have to really plan for having extra batteries on the chase boat, and especially for the weather, because it can be ferocious. Which Fliteboard did you use? The Fliteboard Pro model and Flitecell Explore batteries. We used four total batteries and switched them out on the fly, I got so much distance out of the third battery that I…
(Answers on page 22) 1. Can modern four-stroke outboards be modified for more horsepower and performance? A. Technically, not legally; current EPA regulations prohibit changing anything on these engines as it presumably affects emissions. B. Yes, as long as you clear it with your state’s environmental board. C. Yes. Several aftermarket manufacturers offer simple Engine Management Module program changes to increase horsepower and torque on many different brands of outboards. These are available, but technically not in compliance with EPA regulations. D. No. All engine Electronic Control Unit units are “hack protected” and therefore prohibit modifications. E. A and C F. None of the above 2. What is the least expensive (and likely best) performance modification you can make to your boat? A. Working carefully with boat balance, removing or…
THREE BLADES MERCURY ENERTIA Three-blade propellers are known for their efficiency and high-speed capabilities. They typically have less blade area, leading to less drag and allowing for a higher top speed. The reduced blade area results in more vibrations compared to options with more blades. They are the most common type of propellers used, largely due to their affordability and availability in various sizes. Mercury Marine’s Entertia is a notable example, providing excellent performance for smaller recreational boats with high-horsepower outboards. THE BITE: Higher top speed due to less drag. More affordable and widely available. Efficient for most general boating applications. THE SLIP: Increased vibrations. Less blade area reduces grip in the water. PRICE: Visit mercurymarine.com FOUR BLADES MERCURY REVOLUTION 4 By adding an additional blade, four-blade propellers provide improved hole-shot…
There is a new King of the Sea: All hail the Marex 390! That tongue-in-cheek introduction is a reference to Marex Boats’ tagline (the roots of the word Marex literally mean “sea” and “king”). It’s no boast. The 390 is designed and built by experienced boaters incorporating features and enhancing systems as the need for such is discovered out on the water. Examples abound. The swim platform benches provide seats next to the water and offer expansive stowage for fenders, lines, and toys. The see-through door separating the salon and cockpit allows more natural light while enhancing visibility during docking. A pilot door allows quick egress to the side deck from the helm. Cockpit canvas rides on track to deploy or stow easily. Two large staterooms belowdecks, including the full-beam…
Inspired by owner input, the new S 388 Sport CC is the latest evolution in Pursuit’s luxury line. (It also manufactures the OS Offshore series.) Notably, it incorporates more stowage and refrigeration than previous models. Pursuit’s practice of building a mock-up prior to committing to a mold ensures that every inch of space is used wisely and practically. For example, the space between the cockpit galley and helm seating allows for comfortably manning the grill while also housing a ton of stowage and offering great visibility fore-and-aft from there. Belowdecks, note the hanging locker—unique for a center-console—abutting the head with its standup shower. The helm is a stylish and ergonomic place of command. In the bow, I applauded the richly upholsteredshore lounges as much for their comfort as for the…
