Outdoors Magazine

Section

On The Water

Wind, boats, kayaks, and the skills that keep a good day from turning dangerous.

Showing 118 of 46 field notes · Page 1 of 3

How Windy Is Too Windy for Boating? A Quick Guide

Wind limits depend on fetch, hull, and crew — not a single knot count. Here is how to decide go, shorten, or stay tied.

Smart Dock Setup Tips for First-Time Boat Owners

A first dock is a workplace: honest cleats, fenders, a walking lane, and light that helps feet — not a marina catalog.

How To Troubleshoot Common Electrical Problems in Boats

Boat electrical problems start at the battery and the ground — a meter beats a parts cannon, and a bigger fuse is how boats burn.

The Importance of Sea Trials When Buying a Boat

A sea trial is holeshot, a turn, and systems in real water — the no at the dock is cheaper than a loan on a brochure idle.

5 Healthy Snacks to Keep You Energized While Fishing

Fuel your fishing adventures with nutritious snacks that maintain energy levels throughout long days on the water without weighing you down.

Boat Maintenance Tasks You Should Go to a Professional For

Smart boat owners know when to call professionals. Get expert guidance on complex repairs that require specialized knowledge, tools, and marine experience.

How To Troubleshoot Common Boat Battery Issues

Boat battery trouble starts at voltage, then clean terminals, then a draw hunt — know which bank you are standing on.

Ways To Inject Personality Into Your Boat

If you want your vessel to stand out in the marina and open water, check out these ways to inject personality into your boat and upgrade its look.

The Best Swimming Spots in Nature To Enjoy

There are many places to go for a dip, but some of the best swimming spots in the natural world offer an unforgettable experience that helps you find joy.

How To Navigate Waters in Your Boat Like a Pro

Pro navigation is markers, a this-year chart, idle in skinny water, wind versus current, and night as a different class — not an invented plotter ASIN.

Gadgets and Gear: Getting the Most Out of Your New Boat

New-boat gear is jackets first, then ice, then a meter you can read — no invented chartplotter or stereo. We named the O’Neill Superlite and an Igloo Marine Ultra.

Tips for Safeguarding Your Boat When You’re Not There

How do you safeguard your boat when you’re not there? This is extremely important for the performance and security of your boat; learn more here!

5 Helpful Tips for Planning an Ice Fishing Trip

Plan an ice-fishing trip around measured thickness, shelter and heat, a kit for cuts, a check-in, and clothes for a sit — not an invented flasher.

First-Time Boat Owner Mistakes You Should Avoid

First-time boat mistakes: skip the sea trial, skip the survey, ignore the plate, stash jackets in a locker, run old fuel, and forget the kill switch.

How Scuba Divers Can Help Restore the Oceans

Protecting our oceans is incredibly important for many reasons. Scuba divers offer a unique vantage point, and they are key players for ocean restoration.

Recreational Boating: Boat Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Recreational boat safety is legal minimum versus useful kit — lookout, no-wake, a capacity plate, jackets that fit, and an extinguisher you have checked.

Best Spots in Texas for Planning a Fishing Trip

Sometimes you just need to get away and do some fishing in the welcoming waters of Texas. Consider some of these fantastic spots for your next getaway.

5 Reasons Routine Boat Maintenance Is Essential

Owning a boat brings immense joy and freedom, but it also comes with responsibilities. You have to keep the vessel in top condition. The only way to sustain performance and safety is…