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

TRAGEDY ON ALEXANDER LAKE • Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that stalks all power boaters, even those aboard open boats.

George Laycock Silver Surfer • After seeing a random person on a Fliteboard cruise past his Nordhavn three years ago, 67-year-old George Laycock decided that he needed to get one. On a recent trip to the Bahamas, he was determined to undertake an epic foiling journey from Bimini, Bahamas, to Palm Beach, Florida. It took three battery changes, but he completed the trip in under six hours, setting the unofficial record for longest foiling run on a single battery (30.5 miles). We caught up with Laycock about his adventure.

POWER AND PERFORMANCE • This month’s Captain’s Test deals with all things power and performance. Do you think you know what it takes to handle all the horsepower in the engine compartment or hanging off your transom? Let’s get moving, and quench that thirst for power!

PROPELLERS • Selecting the proper propeller for your boat requires a lot of science and an equal amount of art. It’s all about putting together the right amount of tech and magic to work best for your boat. Fortunately, engine companies have plenty of prop experts on hand with plenty of experience in matching propellers to engines and boats to get the best performance for the desired intent. Most of the time on recreational boats, you’ll see three-blade stainless-steel propellers, but there are a decent number of boats running with four-blade props, and in certain cases you’ll find an engine spinning five blades. Which is best for your boat? Here’s a brief explanation of three-, four- and five-blade wheels using Mercury propellers as examples. If you want to take a deep dive, Mercury Marine, offers a propeller selector tool on its website at mercurymarine.com/us/en/propellers/mercury-propeller-selector.

MAREX 390

PURSUIT S 388 SPORT CC

VHF RELAY • Being a Good Samaritan means helping fellow boaters communicate.

Q&A • BOAT DOCTOR ///Q&A • WEEKEND WORKBOOK • WHAT TO LOOK FOR • BOAT DOC SPECIAL • BOATING LAB

WE TEST STUFF

INSTALLING A VHF RADIO • Today’s VHFs boast multiple features that enhance versatility and safety, but also increase installation complexity.

OUTBOARD COLORS • Today, outboards from Honda, Mercury, Suzuki and Yamaha are available in a wide array of colors. In fact, Mercury—which once adhered to the Henry Ford mantra of “any color you want as long as it’s black”—offers the most color options: three shades of white, as well traditional black. With an outboard being such a visible element, the idea is to complement the boat’s color scheme with the right engine shade. Here’s what to consider when it comes to outboard colors.

OUTBOARD POWER STEERING • Outboards are increasingly available with power steering systems, using advanced high-speed brushless electric motors controlled by digital input from an electronic helm.

MAKE TRAILERING YOUR BOAT EASY AGAIN • Seven superb trailer accessories to make launching and loading your boat a breeze.

SCOUT 670 LXS • Scout’s new outboard-powered 67-footer reimagines the yacht.

INTREPID POWERBOATS 50 EVOLUTION • A new sport yacht that delivers multipurpose functionality, handling and performance.

NIMBUS 495 FLYBRIDGE • This Scandinavian-style boat is an international class cruiser at home in Cannes, Catalina, Cape Cod, or an anchorage near you.

WELLCRAFT 38 T-TOP • This luxurious center-console can entertain a crowd and catch fish with equal aplomb.

CHAPARRAL...