Yachting

No matter what type of boat you’re planning to purchase, we’re here to help you make a better boat-buying decision. That’s why we publish Buyers Guides. Making boaters more confident as consumers also drives the creation of most of the other content we produce. Consider Boating’s Tech Team your knowledgeable boating friends. Boastful? Maybe a little. The truth is we get paid to go out and use different new boats and marine accessories every day, every week, resulting in our testing some 100 boats every year. I can state with confidence that Boating editors and contributors get aboard more different kinds of boats, and put more different kinds of gear through their paces, than anybody on the planet. This 2026 edition of Boating’s Boat Buyers Guide includes 70-mph pontoon boats,…

The definition of seamanship is apparently a matter of contention among some boaters, including other marine journalists notworking for this publication. I will settle the matter right now: To practice seamanship means, in part, to practice good preparation. Seamanship is not limited to acts of high adventure on stormy seas. Now that that’s resolved, let’s examine why boaters who winterize—or who store their boats otherwise—for months at a time should develop a routine for that first run of the season. First, I never met a boat that wasn’t a work in progress. There’s always one or more tasks that need to be done or that are not 100 percent completed and one or more items that have failed or are about to fail. It’s the nature of the beast. Break…

If there’s one type of boat that resonates with boaters of all ages and experiences, it’s the runabout. The classic family-style boat that mixes performance and relaxation on the water comes in many shapes and sizes and has evolved considerably over the years. Whether propelled by outboard, sterndrive, jet, or electric power, the genre has still retained its essential identity and purpose. Here are 12 of the latest, greatest runabouts available for 2026 that are sure to please boaters, whether they’re cruising, tubing, or hanging out at the sandbar.…

Sea-Doo’s latest adrenaline injection just splashed onto the scene. The Sea-Doo Spark Trixx for one rider is for those seeking to have a blast on the water. Priced attractively, this single-rider PWC comes wrapped in eye-catching new colorways: a refreshing Gulfstream Blue with Orange Crush accents or classic Dragon Red and Bright White combo. What makes this watercraft worth your budget? One thing is its 90 hp Rotax 900 ACE engine. With a dry weight of just 425 pounds (bumping up to 435 with the optional audio system), its power-to-weight ratio delivers acceleration that will have you grinning like a sugar-rushed 5-year-old. Think crisp, responsive power with fuel economy that’s stingy. The true magic happens when you activate Trixx Mode. Doing so transforms this PWC from fun to “how did…

Starcraft’s SVX 191 OB is a multi-tasker: It’s a family runabout, water-toy-towing platform, and lake cruiser with plenty of power, speed and space to accommodate most families for fun-packed days on the water. With a Suzuki 150 outboard, it zipped to 30 mph in 6 seconds, topping out at 6,000 rpm and 42 mph. With its 45-gallon fuel tank, it has a range of 180 miles with 10 percent in reserve at a most economical cruise speed of 24 mph and 3,500 rpm, where it’s sipping fuel at 5.4 gph—that’s 4.4 mpg. The 14-degree hull deadrise gives the fiberglass hull wave-slicing ride capability, with sharp and precise turning even at higher speeds during our test runs. Mashing over afternoon wind-blown lake chop and passing boat wakes at speeds in the…

Regal’s LX2 pushes the boundaries of traditional bowriders. Its thinner gunwales allows interior space to be maximized. Social Seating, a versatile design that includes lengthy benches down both port and starboard sides and flip-over backrests at the four corner seats, takes full advantage of the space. Flip backrests to the rear for a forward-facing focus when running, flip captain’s and mate’s backrests forward to enhance face-to-face socializing at rest, flip individual backrests to catch ski and wake action, or flip aft seatbacks forward to emphasize the boats aft “rumble seats” and extended, wraparound swim platform. Its single-level design is unique in that it transitions directly into the center transom walk-through without a step. Physical boundaries aren’t the only ones broken. Rather than a tiny handful of color and accessory choices,…