This week's worst drivers: Docking is purely optional for some captains.
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Hello Boater
Level 43 Super Tender
The European Weekender
BEAM X2 From Level Yachts, a new shipyard focused on robust 'Super Tenders.' The 43 ST blends a sporty hull—a nod to her builder’s American market experience—with European open-air living. She carries an impressive 332 gallons of fuel and a hydraulic tender garage aft, perfect for extended weekend trips. Tony Castro, 2022 Designer of the Year, penned her lines.
HEAVY SEAS READY This Dutch-built 49-footer is a true safe-haven cloaked in comfort. Elling Yachting uses Kevlar in her hull for a CE Category A (Ocean) rating. They back this with extreme confidence: Elling purposefully flipped a vessel to prove her self-righting design—a test few builders dare to attempt.
BOTH INTERNATIONAL & INLAND You are on a vessel nearing a bend in the channel where, because of the height of the bank, you cannot see a vessel approaching from the opposite direction. Which signal should you sound?
A. Five or more short blasts B. Three short blasts C. One prolonged blast D. One short blast
Pre-Owned Yacht Spotlight: "BEE HAVEN"
2006 Fleming 65 Pilothouse
MOTOR YACHT Bee Haven is a meticulously maintained Fleming 65 with a desirable 3-cabin layout. Known for seaworthiness, long-range cruising, and spacious living, she offers easy boarding from both side decks and the swim platform. The deck ensures easy docking and anchoring. Ideal for full-time liveaboard or extended cruising—including trips to the Bahamas—she is powered by preferred Caterpillar C-15 engines recently serviced at 3,000 hours, with new aftercoolers.
TRAVEL SAFER What happens when adventure goes sideways offshore or abroad? Unlike standard coverage, this essential membership ensures transport to your chosen hospital, not just the nearest. For wandering boaters and global explorers, gain peace of mind by controlling your return.
SIMPLE PLASTIC SOLUTION Most boaters know antifouling paint is toxic, but few realize that a poor clean-up job can result in a serious criminal offense. Even small amounts of runoff can violate the Fisheries Act, leading to potential fines up to a million dollars. This article details a simple, two-person tarping method to contain the mess and keep the boatyard clean.
DOCKING IS OPTIONAL This week’s video spotlights the best in launch ramp anxiety and truly terrible docking attempts, featuring our "Boneheaded Boaters of the Week." It’s a compelling argument for investing in a good friend who already owns a vessel. We guarantee a few cringe-worthy maneuvers that will make every co-pilot want to double-check their lines—and maybe offer the captain another beverage.
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According to Rule 34(e) of the U.S. Inland and International Rules of the Road, a vessel nearing a bend or an area of a channel or fairway where vessels approaching from the opposite direction cannot be seen must sound a prolonged blast (4-6 seconds). This signal must be answered by a prolonged blast from any approaching power-driven vessel that may be within hearing distance around the bend.