Outer Reef’s 860 Deluxbridge Skylounge Motoryacht is a bluewater cruiser designed to cover long distances. Among her highlights are an enclosed flying bridge or skylounge that provides a third, climate-controlled gathering area and protection from the elements at a helm that offers a captain better views and situational awareness. Because the skylounge is so big, family and friends can keep the captain company. They could also trade piloting chores and basically make navigating a group exercise. There’s even a day head on this deck.

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Formula’s bowrider flagship is the 310 Bowrider. She’s a 31’ (9.45 m) boat designed for people who want the best in everything they own. That means she’s not for most boaters who just want to get out on the water on most anything that floats and blast around. Formula has been building boats before most people in the market were born and it knows what quality-oriented buyers want in a boat. Take a look at our video to find out what that means. More...  

The Invincible 39' Open Fisherman is an all-out fishing machine that rides on a Michael Peters-designed twin-stepped bottom. She’s 39’2” (11.94 m) long and has a 24.5-degree deadrise at the transom, one of the deepest in class. Construction highlights include vacuum-bagging and infused vinylester resin that is stronger and more flexible than its polyester cousin. She’s rated for up to 1,800 total hp from up to quad 450-hp outboards. The fit and finish throughout is immaculate and Invincible offers a high level of customization. See what else Capt. Steve liked in our video. More...  

The Fountaine-Pajot MY4.S is specifically designed for a cruising couple that wants to make passages around 20 knots. She has low bridge clearance (12’3”/3.78 m) and since the MY4.S doesn’t have a flying bridge, she makes an excellent choice for cruising European canals or the North American Great Loop. The helm is straightforward with a single Garmin chartplotter for navigation and a dedicated Volvo Penta engine display. Everything that’s needed, but no unnecessary clutter. More...  

Sea Ray’s SLX 260 Outboard is powered by a 300-hp Mercury Verado that pushed the boat to a top speed of 48.2 mph and put her on plane in a rapid 3.9 seconds. She planes off at an almost level attitude, which means the captain doesn’t lose sight of the horizon. Sea Ray equipped our test boat with auto trim, digital throttle and shift and twin Simrad 9” (22.86 cm) displays that are fully integrated with the boat’s switching system. They are also multifunction displays that provide navigation and engine data. More...  

For many years incandescents were used in boats because there were the only things reasonably available. Then, halogen light bulbs hit the market and many boat builders were drawn to them because of their small size and very bright light. The only trouble was that they were a fire hazard because they became so intensely hot. Happily, LED lights came along and are a godsend to boaters. Here are 10 things about them you should know. More...  

Before we go out to the sea, the captain and crew should learn basic knots. It’s a little like learning how to put on your seat belt before going driving. Sadly, most boaters just make a rat’s nest and call it a nautical knot. We know from experience that this will be the top-read report in the newsletter, so don’t be embarrassed to click on it. Find out how to tie the Bowline and the Clove hitch. More...  

How often have we seen boats weaving their way across the water, unable to keep heading in a straight line? Maybe you have even experienced this snaking. Sometimes, it is because the captain is over-steering — first too far one way, then too far the other way. It is primarily because he or she doesn’t know how to aim his or her boat. More...  

The language of recreational boats dates back centuries. It reflects that traveling across the water was the largest and most technically complicated means of transport before the advent of flight. The language of the sea came from men who were often isolated from normal life, so when they came ashore mariners used nautical terms for everyday things. This led to expressions like “know the ropes.” More...  

Three-blade propellers are the most common configuration for most outboard and sterndrive boats. Their performance is usually good through the rpm range, they normally achieve higher final speeds, they are available in a greater variety of diameter and pitch sizes and they cost less. But are they the right choice? Maybe… Maybe not.

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Imagine yourself at the helm of this well-equipped Pursuit DC266. This specific Pursuit has been carefully outfitted with a joystick, power steering, trim tabs and full electronics. Stratoglass keeps the cockpit and driver cozy and dry. Watch Capt. Steve test this boat here…

For more information, visit Sovereign Boat Club to get signed up as a member on this great boat.