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 • JULY 2026 VOL. LXIII, NO. 11

Something Wild

A New Chapter for a Classic Brand • DIMILLO’S YACHT SALES SEALS A DEAL TO BUY KEY ASSETS FROM HINCKLEY AND CREATE HUNT YACHTS BY DIMILLO’S

Duchy Brings British Seakeeping to New England • THIS CORNWALL-BUILT CRUISER PAIRS CLASSIC LINES WITH ALL-WEATHER CAPABILITY

Boaters Welcome Lower Cruising Fees in the Bahamas • NEW PERMITS REVERSED LAST YEAR’S STEEP RATE HIKES, BUT ECONOMIC FALLOUT WON’T BE EASILY UNDONE

Tender Rules • ALL BOATS REPRESENT SOME RISK, AND THAT INCLUDES YOUR TENDER, SO PRE-PARE FOR TIME ABOARD THE DINGHY AS YOU WOULD ANY OTHER VESSEL

No Off Season • A NEW ENGLAND COUPLE READY TO TRADE UP FINDS THE RIGHT BALANCE IN A MAREX 330 SCANDINAVIA

The Dual Console That Does It All • WITH THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, SCOUT’S 288 DORADO RAISES THE BAR FOR WHAT A 29-FOOT DAYBOAT CAN BE

Beneteau Builds a Better Weekender • THE ANTARES 12 COUPE BOASTS THREE CABINS FOR EXTENDED CRUISING CAPABILITY

BEAT THE HEAT • SUMMER STRIPER SUCCESS MEANS FINISH MORE LIVE BAIT. STRUCTURE AND NIGHTS

Summer Suds

RETURN OF THE CULPER SPY BOAT • Meet the Revolution-era whaleboat that helped the Culper Spy Ring outwit the British on Long Island Sound

THE BLUEWATER STANDARD • The 50C is the smallest model in Viking’s convertible fleet, but it punches well above its weight

HOMEPORT ADVANTAGE • WITH SUMMER BOATING IN FULL SWING, OUR EDITORS MAKE THE CASE FOR VISITING THEIR LOCAL WATERS

Spirit of Sailing • WILLARD BOND USES BOLD COLOR TO EMPHASIZE THE POWER AND ENERGY OF A YACHT RACE

The Aquaplane Era • THE PRECURSOR TO WATERSKIING, AQUAPLANING TOOK THE NATION’S WATERWAYS BY STORM IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY