HIGH OUTPUT CONTROL With Yamaha’s 1.9L HO four-stroke, she has no trouble getting up and moving, but the real story is how controlled she feels once underway. Cruise Assist, No Wake Mode, and a well-sorted hull shape make this VX easy to manage for longer rides, tight marinas, and mixed skill levels without dulling the fun.
BUILT FOR LIVING Designed around how people actually spend time aboard, she blends open social spaces with quiet private zones below. Large windows bring light throughout the interior, while easy transitions from cockpit to salon to helm keep everyone connected. Three staterooms, generous storage, and a well-organized engine room support longer stays without the boat ever feeling crowded.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND The steering and sailing rules for vessels in restricted visibility apply to vessels __________.
A.In sight of one another in fog
B.Only if they have operational radar
C.Only if they are showing special purpose lights
D.Navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility
Why Trim Tabs Matter
Better Balance Underway
SMALL TABS, BIG DIFFERENCE Trim tabs are one of the simplest tools on board, yet many boaters never quite trust them. This short video shows what they actually do underway, when to use them, and why a small adjustment can change how a boat feels almost instantly.
MORE THAN A SWITCH Most boaters think the battery switch is just an on/off dial. That’s only part of the story. This quick read clears up what a battery switch really does (and doesn’t do), when you should use All vs 1/2, and the one wiring detail that can keep your bilge pump working when you need it most.
HALFWAY HOME After five months and thousands of miles, SeaSHINE turns south and reenters the United States, marking the true halfway point of the Great Loop. From a cold Canadian departure to clearing customs in Michigan, this episode blends reflection, real-world seamanship, and a reminder that rivers, currents, and stabilizers still demand respect.
Proof that time on the water has no age limit: celebrating the Erie Canal Bicentennial aboard a 2006 Regal 40 at 93 years old.
Most days, we feature a new Life is Better on a Boat photo and we even sometimes share on social media. Submit yours for the chance to win a coveted BoatTEST hat! Winner announced the last Sunday of the month.
(Bonus points for showing people enjoying life on a boat.)
D. Navigating in or near an area of restricted visibility Rule 19 of the International and Inland Rules applies whenever vessels are operating in or near restricted visibility, regardless of radar, lights, or visual contact.
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