Soundings

Soundings is the news and feature publication for recreational boaters. Award-winning coverage of the people, issues, events -- and the fun -- of recreational boating. Check out our generous boats-for-sale section and our gunkholing destinations.

Soundings • MAY 2026 VOL. LXIII, NO. 9

Learning by the Light

When Every Inch Counts • FROM HELM TO HARDWARE, THESE INNOVATION AWARD WINNERS REVEAL SMART THINKING IN EVERY CORNER

False Alarm at Sea • WHEN A PLB WAS MISTAKENLY ACTIVATED, IT LAUNCHED A RESCUE AND DELIVERED A HUMBLING LESSON

A Better Boat for the Boys • A MAG BAY 43 GIVES A COUPLE THE THOUGHTFUL DESIGN THEY NEED TO KEEP THEIR TWIN BOYS AT EASE ON THE WATER

Mainship 34

FISH HARD CRUISE EASY • Design teams are rethinking everything from hull forms to seating plans as anglers demand boats that can run offshore, hit the sandbar and keep the whole family comfortable

Electric Muse • A launch designed for a client decades ago is now Tim Nolan’s electric joyride

HOW FLATS BOATS CAME TO THE NORTHEAST • After mastering the art of poling skiffs in the Bahamas, Capt. Jeff Northrop returned to Long Island Sound and launched a movement that helped reshape fishing in the Northeast

VARNISHED POWERHOUSE • J Craft’s swift speedboat, the Torpedo RS, embarks on a maiden voyage from Sweden to France

A HEAVY LIFT • Marine Travelift has been changing how yards, boatbuilders and marinas get things done for almost 70 years

It’s More Than Just Color • REPAINTING IS NOT ALWAYS A SIMPLE PROCEDURE. BOAT OWNERS NEED TO BE DECISIVE TO GET THE BEST FINISH

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