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.

Ready, Set, Sea Trial

Soundings • MARCH 2026 VOL. LXIII, NO. 7

MAILBOAT • FEEDBACK FROM OUR BOATING COMMUNITY

Sailing’s Honor Roll • THE CRUISING CLUB OF AMERICA HONORS A LIFELONG VOYAGER, A BRAVE RESCUER AND OTHERS

Common Boating Mishaps and How To Avoid Them • SAFETY EXPERT AND FORMER RACER CHUCK HAWLEY OFFERS TIPS AND ADVICE BASED ON MORE THAN 40,000 MILES UNDER SAIL AND POWER

Grady-White Express 340 • THE NORTH CAROLINA BUILDER REDESIGNS A POPULAR MODEL TO INCLUDE MORE FEATURES AND AN UPDATED LAYOUT

A Close Contest • MARITIME ARTIST FRANK WAGNER DEPICTS THE 12 METRE LIBERTY

Masters of Metal • These founders perform an ancient craft, revealing how much more there is to casting marine hardware than hellishly hot copper

DRESSED TO CRUISE, READY TO FISH • With the 38RS, MJM creates a refined crossover that’s at home trolling offshore and hosting the family off the beach

A New Fleet TAKES SHAPE • With the spring season about to get underway, builders debut models that blend fresh thinking with the details seasoned boaters appreciate

Classic Cool • Ocean Reef Vintage Weekend is a feast for the eyes and hearts of those who appreciate period-perfect machines

BUILDING ADVENTURE • A couple discovers one of the greatest joys of boat ownership is the opportunity to build your dream ride from scratch

Rewiring the Future • HERE’S WHY 48-VOLT SYSTEMS ARE POSITIONED TO BECOME COMMONPLACE IN MARINE ELECTRICAL ARCHITECTURE

Chesapeake Workhorse • ONE OF THE FEW SURVIVING CHESAPEAKE BAY SKIPJACKS, E.C. COLLIER IS PART OF THE LAST COMMERCIAL SAILING FLEET IN THE UNITED STATES