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.
Show me a boater who hasn’t had their thighs scalded on hot vinyl at least once, and I’ll show you a boater who hasn’t left Alaska, British Columbia or Finland. I came across this applicable-to-the-present cartoon gem while browsing through our January 1962 issue. Perusing the past preoccupies me much these days as Boating celebrates its 70th year in publication. What jumps out is how many things haven’t changed. For example, in the same 1962 issue, we ran an article detailing how to equip a small, trailerable, outboard-powered boat for cruising. The author, our editor, Jim Roe, used his own boat, a 22-foot Thompson powered by twin 75 hp Johnson outboards (the “Super Sea Horse” model), and drew on his own experience towing it around the Great Lakes region with…
ON BOARD WITH 70TH ANNIVERSARY CAPTAIN’S TEST ONLINE THIS MONTH FOR COMPARISON’S SAKE FIRST IMPRESSION GEARHEAD As the daughter of a veteran charter captain (Capt. Joe Aiello) in Newport, Rhode Island, Coral Rose Aiello had an early introduction to the salt life. At 14 years old, she started serving on her father’s boat as a mate before eventually becoming a captain herself. She now works with her dad as part of Sara Star Fishing Charters in Newport, as well as writing for several fishing publications, becoming a conservation advocate, and creating a fishing social-media presence. We caught up with Coral to ask about what happens when you follow the family business, and when your passion becomes your career. You grew up in a fishing family. Do you have any first…
In 1911—45 years before this magazine was founded—the first dam holding more than 1 million acre-feet of water was built on the Salt River in the Tonto National Forest near Phoenix, Arizona. It bears the name Theodore Roosevelt Dam, and it backs up the Salt River into the White Mountains, about 60 miles north of Phoenix. It held more than 1 million acre-feet of water—or enough needed to cover one million acres of land with 1 foot of water. The next dam was Elephant Butte in New Mexico, and the third—the largest at the time—was Bagnell Dam, which created Lake of the Ozarks in 1929. Then the Tennessee Valley Authority and the US Army Corps of Engineers got into the dam-building business, creating dozens of impoundments and millions of acres…
Many boaters have never purchased a new boat but there’s always a first time for everything. What’s involved if you do? Shopping boat shows and dealer showrooms can be intoxicating, information-packed and confusing. This Captain’s Test deals with the many “do I or don’t I?” questions that arise during the process. 1. You’ve attended all the recent shows, visited a few dealer showrooms, and are pretty much ready to buy. You’ve narrowed down your choices and are having hot flashes with new-boat buyer’s fever. What’s the most likely misstep that could trip you up in your next steps? A. You saved for the down payment, but didn’t check your credit score—and you’re going to need a loan for this baby. B. Your SUV will tow it, but does your new…
It’s a common complaint of boaters worldwide: Anything on the boat that requires snap-in fasteners—be it carpet, seat cushions or canvas covers—is eventually going to be a pain in the ass to actually snap in. If you’re dealing with difficult snaps on board, there are a few home remedies cooked up by boaters over the years. Here are three household items to help you succeed with the snaps. CRAYONS THE TRICK: If you have kids or grandkids, this remedy is free. Choose a light-colored crayon and rub it gently on both inside the receiving snap and on the inserted stub. The crayon wax will act as a dry lubricant, helping to make the connection and also allowing it to hold. It’s a good temporary solution to get your snaps to…
Strike Footwear sent me a pair of Silvertip Boat Shoes for testing. I found them to be fantastic boat attire. They look like traditional boat shoes with a water-repellent leather exterior, but they have an inner sock to hold the shoe in place while being active on deck. I wore them on a recent fishing trip and was impressed by their ability to quickly drain any water I took on deck. The siped treads provided great traction when walking around the boat and while transiting from the boat to the dock. I felt like I was wearing sneakers all day but, when we pulled up to the dockside restaurant, I didn't have to change, as these Silvertips will hold up for any dress code. Strike makes an array of other…
