Features & Expert Advice

BVI Flotilla: Boats, Beaches, Buddies & Beyond

BoatUS members gathered for a flotilla in the British Virgin Islands to enjoy beautiful islands and great cruising, make new friends, and help celebrate our association's 60th anniversary.

Sunset over a calm waterway with orange and pink reflections on the water, silhouetted trees along the shoreline, and a kayaker paddling in the distance.

Current News & Articles

Parallel rulers and navigation divider resting on a nautical chart used for marine navigation, chart plotting, and captain's license training.

Are You Ready To Be A Captain?

From documenting sea time to passing Coast Guard exams, discover what it takes to earn a captain’s license and officially become a U.S. Coast Guard credentialed mariner.
Small black Maglite Solitaire LED Spectrum Red flashlight projecting a focused red beam of light against a dark background, designed to preserve night vision for boating and outdoor use.

After-Dark Boating Gadgets

Stay safe after sunset with affordable, install-free boating gear. From a handheld AIS/VHF transceiver and backup radio to safety strobes, night-vision-friendly lighting, and navigation aids, these compact tools can help you navigate and communicate after dark.
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.

6 Fishing Boat Upgrades That Are Worth EVERY Penny!

If you've got a fishing boat, you'll want to customize it to make it the BEST fishing boat ever! What that means to you may be vastly different from someone else, but don't be afraid to make some upgrades to turn it into the perfect fishing machine for your needs.

How-To DIY

Marine electrical wiring and battery cables installed inside a boat, showing organized red, blue, and black power cables with protective conduit.

How To Pull Wire Without Pulling Your Hair Out

Running wire or cables below deck can be frustrating at best. But these simple tips, along with some patience, can make the job much easier.

Boat generator unit mounted below deck with connected hoses, wiring, and cooling lines, providing onboard electrical power for marine systems.

Occam’s Generator

Facing some mind-boggling fixes or upgrades? Before you act hastily, try the simplest solutions first.

Marine 120V 30A master breaker and onboard battery charger installed inside a boat, part of the vessel’s AC electrical and charging system.

Install A Galvanic Isolator

Protect your boat – and your crew – with this inexpensive upgrade to your boat’s power system.

From BoatUS Magazine, America's Most-Trusted Boating Magazine

BoatUS Magazine, official publication of the Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), provides recreational boating skills, DIY maintenance, safety, news, lifestyle and personality profiles, and insight from top experts. The award-winning boating magazine publishes several issues a year and is an exclusive benefit of BoatUS Membership.

Our active and passionate readers enjoy powerboating, sailing, cruising, fishing, and water sports on boats both big and small. In addition to the print publication, BoatUS Magazine sends email newsletters with exclusive curated content specific to your boating interests.

If you're interested in contributing to BoatUS Magazine or running a story idea by the editorial team, please email us at magazine@boatus.com.