NEW TEST & FEATURES VIDEO. The Solaris Power 40 Open is new to the U.S., but not new to European aristocrats who've monopolized them for the last few years. Little wonder. We've learned one thing about the folks at Solaris — their boats must be perfect or they don't ship them. We asked two of our captains to test and closely inspect them. We think you'll be surprised at what they discovered. Don't miss it.
WALKTHROUGH VIDEO. The 435 features lines linking her to a workboat heritage, but she’s all about comfort and secure coastal cruising for recreational yachting families. The pilothouse welcomes company and she accommodates four below, but three more can weekend on convertibles in the salon. Power is a thrifty single Cummins 550.
FEATURES VIDEO. The UK-built Squadron 68 has a flying bridge with three discrete entertaining areas, an expansive main deck salon/galley and accommodation options with three or four en suite staterooms. She was powered with twin CAT C-18s for our tests, which produced linear fuel economy.
PRODUCT REVIEW. If you boat alone or in challenging conditions any distance from shore, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) should be a standard part of your gear, worn on your PFD or jacket. The ACR ResQLink 406 is waterproof, floats and is small enough to go unnoticed until you need it. It beams your GPS position to responders and also has a strobe light
YACHT MAINTENANCE. It’s haul-out time for many yacht owners. Here’s what you can expect from the yard and what to look for when your boat is on the hard.
CRUISING. Whether you're cruising for months or embarking on the Great Loop, managing your home and finances securely is essential. Here are some key tips.
FEXAS FRIDAY. Legendary yacht designer and raconteur Tom Fexas goes off on the naming of San Diego, drunkenness, the Bronx, kitty litter boxes, cheerleaders and assorted other topics more or less having to do with yachting.
This is a Great Harbour GH47 in Bad River Anchorage in Georgian Bay (Lake Huron), Ontario.
Every day, we feature a new Life is Better on a Boat photo. Submit yours for the chance to win a coveted BoatTEST hat! (Bonus points for showing people enjoying life on a boat.)