Just what constitutes “cheap” is always open to interpretation, but in the world of boats there are few offerings on the market that meet most people’s definition—it’s difficult enough to find new models that most people would consider an affordable fishing boat, much less a cheap one. But tough job as it is, it’s not completely impossible. Just what might the average boat buyer consider cheap? Our definition is that it has to be below the average price of boats in the same size range, and represent a clear bargain and/or added value that makes it stand out from the crowd.   Cheap Fishin ..read more

When San Franciscans Hugh Gregg and Becky Failor, sailors who were comfortable in their home waters as well as in far-flung charter destinations, decided it was time to transition to a different type of onboard experience, they did hands-on homework.  During several years in the Netherlands, they’d cruised with Dutch friends who owned a canal boat and had fallen in love with it as an easy, hassle-free way to stay active and continue to explore as they aged. They took a couple of charters aboard canal boats in Scotland and in France and found models they could purchase. But they worried ab ..read more

Marine multifunction displays have revolutionized boat navigation thanks to their advanced yet easy-to-use systems. These machines combine navigation sonar, radar, weather, communication tools, and more into one convenient system. In 2009, multifunction displays took on a new face, integrated into smartphone apps for iPhones, tablets, and Androids, the first of which is iNavX. Ever since, more apps have become available with enhanced software, making them a first choice for some and a reliable backup app for others. Why? It comes down to your boating preferences! Multifunction displays are usu ..read more

Shipping a boat isn’t quite as daunting as it might seem, and it’s common practice in the Unites States and across the world to see even large vessels making their way to a distant port by land or by water. There are many reasons you might need your boat moved large distances, from purchasing a boat that isn’t close by, to moving to a new region, to choosing to explore far-away waters. There are several ways to ship a boat for you to consider, and the right one will depend on the size and type of the boat, the distances involved, and of course the budget.   Shipping a Boat by Trailer Shi ..read more

Of the many types of fishing boats on the water, few can capture an angler’s imagination as completely as the true sport fishing boat. Just which models qualify as sport fishing boats is, of course, up for debate. One could argue that a 21-foot center console trolling along the coast of Florida counts, even if it’s hardly in the same category as a 60-foot convertible. But for the most serious anglers looking for fishing machines designed solely for bluewater fishing, true sportfishing boats will be over the 35-foot mark, integrate must-have offshore fishing features like outriggers, bait freez ..read more

The Leopard 48 is a robust bluewater cruiser mindfully designed for serious comfort on long-range voyages. In fact, everything about the 48—designed by Simonis-Voogd and built by renowned South African shipyard Robertson & Caine—focuses on stability, safety, and performance, with an obvious emphasis on elegant living spaces.  In 2013, the 48 was named the Multihull of the Year by Cruising World magazine, an accolade that saw it catapult into the limelight, not just with private owners but for the charter market too. It was designed to replace the popular 46, building off its successes ..read more

Wake sports are popular, wake surfing is the most popular of them all, and the best wake surfing boats are so advanced that they let surfers create their own personally sculpted wakes. They’ll be a bit different from the best wakeboarding boats, too, tweaked and tuned to give the ultimate experience to ropeless riders. Between ballast tanks, tabs, and computer-controlled wake-tuning systems, these boats aren’t just impressive—they’re also jaw-droppingly well-designed and well-equipped. But, which deserve to be called the best wake surf boats around? This debate will rage, but we think these pi ..read more

Sea Ray’s Sundancer series needs little introduction and has led the company line-up for decades. The Sea Ray 340 Sundancer, launched in 1999 and manufactured through 2007, positively dominated the express cruiser market at the time and has remained a firm favorite with owners ever since.  When first launched, the 340’s sleek styling, forward-leaning radar arch, and combination of luxury, speed, and craftmanship set it apart from its competitors. Not only was it fast—equipped with twin MerCruiser 8.1L 375hp V-drive inboards that saw it reach 28 knots or more—but it looked fast, too. Very ..read more

Of all the different types of fishing boats out there, flats boats are among the most specialized. They’re designed to get to distant hotspots fast, allow anglers to make it through the skinniest waters, and then stealthily prowl around for fish like reds, bonefish, and permit. To maintain minimal draft and remain unobtrusive, most are quite small, and few dedicated flats boats stretch much past the 21-foot mark. They’re also powerful but light, rigged with angling features like livewells, rodholders, and casting decks, and they usually have elevated poling platforms for pushing the boat along ..read more

Yamaha has always been at the forefront of innovation, and when they launched the 240 Series in 2013 it was no different. The Yamaha 242 Limited S was produced for five years, the compact family jet boat soaring in front of the competition when it came to an exceptional ride, smooth handling, and speed. At just over 21 feet in length, the 242 Limited S is an easily trailerable, lightweight fiberglass bowrider, but it’s still able to accommodate 10 passengers for watersports, family fun, and cruising on coastal and inland waters. It’s also packed with features to make the day enjoyable, from th ..read more