Seamanship

A knowledgeable skipper is a safer skipper. Learn all about anchors and anchoring, boat handling tips & techniques, navigation, ropework like splicing and line handling, and weather for boaters.

Close-up artistic illustration of thick braided dock lines painted in warm shades of orange, red, gold, and cream, highlighting the texture and weave of the rope against a dark background.

Artificial Who?

As AI-powered boating technology becomes more common, one veteran skipper reflects on the risks of overreliance on automation, the importance of hands-on seamanship, and why experience, judgment, and common sense remain essential on the water.
Two adults seated in a small open skiff wearing life jackets, with water‑filled buckets on the deck demonstrating balanced weight distribution on calm water

How To Balance The Load In A Small Boat

What happens when weight is misloaded on a small boat? A real‑world test shows how shifting passengers and gear affects balance, handling, and safety on the water.
Center console fishing boat running at speed on open water, leaving a visible wake

How Trim Tabs Change the Game

From traditional trim tabs to advanced automatic systems, see how today’s trim technology uses sensors and fast actuation to reduce pitch, roll, and fatigue underway.
active-HERO

Active Anchoring

Shallow-water anchors can be invaluable for holding smaller boats in place, whether for fishing, enjoying the sandbar, or as a helping hand at the boat ramp.
Northeast Boaters

Northeast Boaters

Don’t miss your chance to comment on a proposed removal of dozens of federally maintained coastal buoys from New York City to the Canadian border.
Links You Can Rely On

Links You Can Rely On

When you make the switch to an all-chain rode, strength and weight are key considerations.
Anchoring Perp Walk

Anchoring Perp Walk

For boaters, watching each other anchor is often the best show in town.
Straighten Up!

Straighten Up!

The beauty of getting from point A to point B on a boat is that you can travel in a straight line. Well, sort of straight.
All About Rope

All About Rope

An in-depth look at the common thread that binds all boaters.