Cockpit Confessions

Catamaran sailboats anchored in a calm British Virgin Islands harbor at sunset, with golden light reflecting across the water and dramatic clouds overhead.

BVI Flotilla: Boats, Beaches, Buddies & Beyond

Join Boat.U.S. members on an unforgettable British Virgin Islands flotilla adventure featuring island hopping, stunning beaches, vibrant beach bars, new friendships, and memorable cruising experiences with Captain Glenn Shephard.

Small motorboat anchored on a calm lake framed by vibrant red autumn foliage, with distant shoreline and cloudy sky reflected on the water.

Top Boating Towns 2026

Discover BoatU.S. Magazine's Top Boating Towns of 2026, from coastal cruising destinations to inland lake communities, chosen for exceptional boating access, marinas, waterfront living, and quality of life.

Cartoon illustration of a boater at the helm looking at a dark radar display after an apparent electronics failure, with the boat's windshield and navigation equipment visible in the background.

Thick Fog, No Radar, Now What?

A relaxing evening cruise in Maine's Penobscot Bay takes an unexpected turn when a powerboat's radar fails in dense fog. Read this firsthand story of seamanship, navigation, and keeping calm when electronics let you down at the worst possible moment.

Cartoon illustration of a small motorboat crashing into a dock as the operator turns the wheel, with a passenger thrown backward and onlookers watching from the shoreline and dock.

Captain Wrong Way & The Force of Doom

After months fixing an old outboard, a DIY hydraulic steering upgrade turns into a chaotic first cruise—when reversed lines send the boat steering the wrong way on launch.

Cartoon illustration of a boater falling into the water between a dock and a sailboat during a docking mishap.

Between A Dock And A Wet Place

A quiet electric outboard, a perfect approach, and one small mistake lead to a memorable dockside lesson.

From Predator To Panic Mode

A fun day of fishing turns from a hot hit to cold fear in seconds.

Cockpit Confessions Dragged Into A Mess

A couple's 'experienced boater' friends aren't so experienced.

Round And Round

A family on their sailboat gets caught up in a summer storm.

Navigating A Graceful Exit

A kind-hearted fellow boater comes to their rescue.