A 24-foot Sea Ray with four people on board capsized off St. Lucie Inlet in Stuart, Florida, and three people on board drowned. A fourth was found later walking on the beach in shock. Here’s a video showing the boat and the survivor. http://miami.cbslocal.com/2016/04/12/survivor-of-tragic-boating-accident-speaks-out/
The Azimut Magellano line is something of a cross between traditional trawler-type cruising boats – think Fleming or Grand Banks – and the more trendy styling you usually associate with first-rate Italian builders. Here’s a good look at the new Azimut Magellano 66. http://www.mby.com/reviews/trawler-yachts/azimut-magellano-66-review
Over the years, I’ve driven Hunt-designed boats, and Hunt Yachts, from the Florida Keys to the top of the Bay of Fundy, in all kinds of weather and all kinds of sea conditions. From the original Bertram 31 to the latest Hunt (a new 32 is pictured above), these are all great sea boats. And pretty, too. Here’s a great story about Hunt Design, now 50 years old and going strong. http://www.boatingmag.com/hunt-design-celebrates-50-years-innovative-boat-design
New emission standards plus inconsistent diesel supplies plus changes in high pressure injection technology all spell potential problems. Here, Nigel Calder says why you should be concerned. http://www.yachtingmonthly.com/gear/reasons-to-be-paranoid-about-diesel-34807
Here’s a good look at the new Marlow Pilot 31, the entry-level boat in what used to be the Mainship lineup, that’s now has been revised and updated by David Marlow. It’s a basic couple’s single-diesel cruising boat, made for coastal cruising or, say, the Great Loop. http://www.boats.com/reviews/marlow-pilot-31-first-look-video/
There was no need for this to happen if both captains had followed the most basic rules of the road. A tragedy. I guess the moral is that you have to think defensively all the time, as if the other person is clueless. http://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/after-lake-fatality-coast-guard-says-boaters-often-dont-follow-the-rules/Content?oid=3477159
Here’s a great blog and pictures of an American Tug 365 delivery from the factory in LaConner, Washington, 269 miles down the coast to Astoria, Oregon. (I’ve done this, and you definitely want to be careful out there.)http://americantugnews.blogspot.com/2016/04/delivering-american-tug-365-to-astoria.html
We all want to keep the planet blue – and green. Here are some tips to keep it that way: http://www.riyachting.com/programs/ten-tips-for-clean-boating?utm_source=Multi-lead+List&utm_campaign=65849fc7e0-Wednesday_+July+14_2016&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c884307d0f-65849fc7e0-336878677
Here’s a scary very close-up video of a sudden storm hitting a boating area in Tennessee. It truly feels like you are there, as boats are caught in a microburst and a floating dock is torn apart. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2016/07/11/boaters-capture-epic-downburst-on-video-we-thought-we-were-going-to-be-picked-up/
Garmin just introduced Quickdraw Community, free, user-generated map data software where you can share HD mapping content and download data. The new Quickdraw Community is based on Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours software, which lets users create personalized HD maps with one-foot contour lines on any body of water. “Garmin customers have been collecting Quickdraw Contours mapping and depth data on their devices since the free software feature became available earlier this year,” says Garmin VP Dan Bartel. “Now they have a way to easily share that data with others.” Bartel also says that Quickdraw Community, which uses sonar technology, is “the…