3 Ways to Run Aground | 38-Knot Weekender | Beginner's Boat Bible - 8/7/2026

LOOK BELOW Four steps down from the helm, the Solaris 40 Open OB sleeps four across two berths, a layout built as much for weekending as for serving as a yacht tender. Twin 450-hp Mercury Verados pushed her to 38.2 knots in testing, and joystick docking with a bow thruster makes handling at the dock as easy as running her offshore.
 

HONG KONG BOUND CL Yachts' all-new CLB65 SUV has completed sea trials and arrived in Hong Kong, where she'll greet clients ahead of her Asian premiere at the Hong Kong Boat Show in December. Twin Caterpillar C18 or Volvo Penta D13 power gets her to 28 knots, and her Supertomato Studio interior comes in walnut or white oak. Make an appointment with a CL Yachts representative to explore more.  
 

IN STOCK NOW Located in Charleston, SC, this 2025 Valhalla V-28 Bay comes with twin Mercury 300-hp outboards, Optimus steering, and a Garmin helm with dual 19-inch displays. A fiberglass hardtop, upgraded seating, and extensive rod storage reflect a build aimed squarely at serious inshore and nearshore fishing.
 

NO BRAKES New boat owners face a learning curve once the dock lines come off. Born Again Boating's beginner guide covers required safety gear, the 1/3 fuel rule, why boats have no brakes at all, and why a missing transom drain plug is the single most common cause of swampings at the ramp, among other essentials.

WRONG WAY This week's countdown is built entirely around boats meeting land they had no business meeting. A missed channel at Black Point Marina, a river full of hidden rocks, and a beach tractor launch straight into breaking surf all make the cut. Nobody here planned to run aground.
 

FIRST START A factory-fresh outboard still needs attention before its first start. This video explains what belongs on the pre-delivery checklist, including oil, gear lube, grease points and cooling-water checks. It also shows why closing the fuel valve before transport can save a messy surprise later.