Aerial view of luxury yachts and powerboats docked at a marina in bright blue turquoise water.

The Insider’s Guide to Buying a Boat Before 2027 Models Hit the Water

Buy Now vs. Wait: Higher 2027 retail prices will offset any potential future rate drops—locking in today's lower purchase price makes more financial sense. Table of Contents Where to Find the Room to Negotiate Should You Wait for Interest Rates to Drop? Is It Worth Waiting for a 2027 boat? Leftover 2026 vs Brand-New 2027 ...

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How to Pack Smart for an RV Road Trip

Smart RV packing comes down to zone-based storage and weight distribution, not cramming in more gear. Set up your storage system once, using the strategies below, and every trip after gets easier. Table of Contents Why Does Packing Strategy Matter More in an RV? How Should You Plan Before Packing Your RV? What Are the ...

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Dog looking out an open RV window at sunset near burned forest terrain

2026 RV Essential Pet Gear

RVs make pet travel easier than cars or hotels, offering dedicated space, climate control, and familiar comforts, but success comes down to the right gear (crates, non-slip mats, ID and vaccination records) and choosing a pet-friendly park by checking reviews rather than just the "pets welcome" sign. Layout details like step height, flooring, and storage ...

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Sportfishing boat with outriggers cruising near a harbor at sunset

How to Cruise At Night: Thermal, Radar and Nav Tech 2026

Night boating carries added risks like poor visibility, but 2026 tech makes it much safer: thermal cameras spot vessels, swimmers, and wildlife in the dark; radar detects mass and distance to fill thermal's blind spots; AIS shares real-time vessel positions; and COLREGS-compliant LED lighting keeps you visible to others. The article recommends building this tech ...

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A man uses a checklist to inspect his boat

Budget and Eco-Friendly Boating Habits

many boaters assume sustainability just means adding more to that cost. The truth is though, in most cases, small habit changes on the water add up to real savings and a healthier marine environment. You don’t have to choose between enjoying the water and protecting it.  Fuel Efficiency on the Water  Fuel is one of ...

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Boating at sunset

When's the Best Time to Buy a Boat? Savings & Finance Tips 2026

When Is the Best Time to Buy a Boat? A Seasonal Guide for Smart Buyers For many Americans, owning a boat represents freedom, family time, and lasting memories on the water. If you’re considering buying a boat, one of the first questions that often comes up is timing. While there is no single perfect moment ...

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A boy and a dog on a boat

Boating with Kids: Essential Safety Tips for Family Fun on the Water

Table of Contents Life Jackets: The Non-Negotiable Rule Setting the Rules Before You Launch Don’t Leave the Dock Without the Essentials Boating with Babies and Toddlers Do Children Count Toward Boat Capacity? Getting Older Kids Involved How to Keep Kids Engaged on the Water Introducing Your Child to Fishing Plan Smart for Smooth Sailing Create ...

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