One of the best dollar-for-dollar values in boat ownership is the $20 or so it costs for a bottle of wax to keep gelcoat ingood shape. Gelcoat is nothing more than a base of vinyl or polyester resin impregnated with a colorant. Gelcoat lacks the stre

Arksen is a thoroughly modern boatbuilder, which is to say that it is not a boatbuilder at all. Instead, it’s a fulfillment agency that can address an adventurous boater’s needs from its London headquarters. It doesn’t matter whether the boater needs

We wake as first light creeps over the horizon. The orange hue brings us to deck for another wondrous sunrise and a refreshing, 10-knot breeze from the southeast. Behind us, we can just make out the Australian mainland. Our Fleming 65, Freja, sits in

When equipment fails, boat owners often say they don’t know anything about electricity. They won’t touch any of the wiring. This is unfortunate because a majority of the time, faults are caused by loose connections, corroded wiring or blown fuses—all

Founded in 2002 by longtime J/Boats honcho Bob Johnstone, MJM Yachts built its brand on a line of handsome, capable vessels with all-weather pilothouses and accommodations for extended onboard time. A few years back, after two decades in Boston, the

When you’re trying to buy a boat, your surveyor will provide a summary document. This summary will be several pages long with photos and a list of recommendations. Your insurance underwriter will need a copy, and the results will certainly influence

One could say the Kadey-Krogen 54 broke the mold in a big way. In the timeline of Kadey-Krogen production boats, this serious motorsailer launched in 1988, after the 42, the 38 cutter (designed by and for co-founder Jim Krogen) and the 36 Manatee. Th

With the rapid advancement in self-driving cars, it was easy to predict that self-driving boats wouldn’t be far behind. Military and commercial craft will inevitably be ahead of recreational in adopting autonomous operation, but cruising boaters will

I’ve done countless offshore passages, including a 3,000-miler without stops or even seeing another vessel. And here’s my short take: That’s a long, long way. That’s really, really boring. Yes, I know that this magazine is named Passagemaker. It sugg

“So hope for a great sea change on the far side of revenge. Believe that a further shore is reachable from here.” These mental images of the sea by the Irish poet Seamus Heaney explore themes of struggles and hope. My husband, Gerry, and I left Dubli

These burgers are crafted with fresh ingredients such as cucumber, mint, garlic, lemon juice and a surprising touch of sliced egg. All of that is important, but the true key lies in using wild-caught salmon that is canned fresh. Adding a savory mint

Growing up, my penchant for building model boats was insatiable. In many ways—like the glue I used to hold hulls and decks together—it cemented my career path as a boat designer. A few of those creations have survived and are now my children’s toys.

The origin story of Deep Water Yachts is about someone who was unsatisfied with current offerings, and who was graced with an entrepreneurial, restless mind. Founder Peter J. Bost was raised by the sea in Holland and pursued a career in the Netherlan

Interior designer Victoria Sass starts every project by learning about a space’s story. It’s an appropriate formula for her studio, Prospect Refuge, named after a design theory that explains why clients choose certain environments over others. Taking

Despite growing up in landlocked Indiana, I have always been crazy about boats. As a teen, I cut my teeth on a wooden Sailfish and worked my way up to a 26-foot sloop, which I later sailed solo to Bermuda. Smartly relocating to Florida, I followed my

I’m looking at something so priceless, it seems borderline illegal. The feeling is not unlike breaking into a vault without lifting a finger. There’s the impenetrable door made of steel-reinforced concrete, cast aside on its hinges to reveal a gleami

Risk and reward are inexorably linked in many areas of life. Nowhere is this truer than in cruising. Reaching some of the world’s most beautiful, unspoiled cruising grounds often involves challenging open-water passages or narrow, difficult channels.

The hook has been dropped and set. Your crew is itching for a night on the town. Since no one is ready to swim ashore, the tender will have to be launched, but it is such a pain in the neck, the crew starts foraging in the galley and considers readin

For decades, shorthanded cruisers have easily managed boats in the 40- to 50-foot range, but two things have contributed to a sudden growth in shorthanding. First, new technology, from engines to electronics, is allowing shorthanders to cruise farthe

“Do you see that boat coming up on our right side?” I had not. Fortunately, my wife, Dori, warned me in time to make a turn to star-board and pass behind the boat, complying with our requirement as the give-way vessel in this crossing scenario. It is

Hull No. 1 in Outer Reef’s Azure series was a 640 that splashed half a decade ago at the Cannes Yachting Festival. The Côte d’Azur was the ideal backdrop for the model, which takes its design cues from the alfresco lifestyle of the Mediterranean coas

The workboats that ply the North Sea have made an indelible impression on the crew of our yacht design atelier. We draw constant inspiration from the high flared bows, beefy weather-proof cowlings and large pilothouses of the commercial fleets that e

Beyond all the folderol of sanding and stripping, buffing and waxing, varnishing and painting, refit time is perfect for creating an essential item for every boat: an owner’s manual. Chances are that you never bought a car—even a very used one—that d

1¼ cups all-purpose flour2 tablespoons granulated sugar2 teaspoons baking powder¼ teaspoon sea salt1¼ cups 2 percent milk1 large egg1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil¾ cup blueberriesblueberry or other syrup In a large bowl, stir together flour, sug