Posts by zelliott
Hidden Coastal Towns Worth Trailering Your Boat To
There’s something special about finding a coastal town that still feels untouched. The kind of place where the boat ramp is never crowded, the seafood is caught just offshore, and the locals wave as you idle past the marina. For those who like to bring their boat with them on vacation, those quiet, hard-to-find destinations…
Read MoreYour Complete Guide to the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Every fall, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show transforms South Florida into the epicenter of the boating world. Recognized as the largest in-water boat show on the planet, it’s a spectacle that draws everyone from first-time buyers to celebrities searching for their next yacht. The scale alone is jaw-dropping—miles of docks lined with everything from…
Read MoreTop 10 Coastal Towns to Visit This Fall in the Southeast
Fall is one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the Southeast’s coast. The heat and humidity of summer begin to fade, giving way to comfortably warm afternoons and cooler mornings that make time on the coast more enjoyable. Fishing heats up as inshore species like redfish and trout gather in the creeks…
Read MoreHow to Anchor Your Boat Properly in Different Conditions
Why Anchoring Matters Dropping an anchor might look simple, but every boater learns quickly that there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Get it right, and your boat stays put while you fish a shoreline, swim with the family, or relax in a quiet cove. Get it wrong, and you’ll spend…
Read MoreBest Time to Visit Beaufort, SC
Tucked along the tidal creeks and marshes of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, Beaufort blends historic charm with a lifestyle that revolves around the water. It’s a destination where boating, fishing, and waterfront festivals are part of everyday life, and the time of year you choose to visit can shape the entire experience. Spring is one of…
Read MoreSecured vs. Unsecured Boat Loans: What’s the Difference?
Why Loan Type Matters in Boat Financing Financing a boat isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Two buyers could walk into the same bank, both looking for $50,000, and walk out with very different types of loans: one secured, one unsecured. The difference? Collateral, interest rates, and how much risk each borrower (and lender) is willing to…
Read MoreBoating Etiquette: 10 Rules Every New Boater Should Know
Why Boating Etiquette Matters Boating is all about freedom: casting off the lines, opening up the throttle, and enjoying time on the water. But that freedom comes with responsibility. Unlike driving a car, where traffic lights and painted lines keep everyone in order, boating takes place in wide-open spaces where courtesy and common sense matter…
Read MoreEthanol vs. Ethanol-Free Fuel: What to use in Your Boat
Why Fuel Choice Matters for Boaters Choosing the right fuel for your boat isn’t as simple as pulling up to the nearest gas pump. While most cars run on ethanol-blended gasoline without issue, marine engines operate under very different conditions. Ethanol fuel (most often E10, or 10% ethanol) has become the standard at gas stations,…
Read MoreHow a Longer Loan Term Affects the Total Cost of Your Boat
*BoaterUSA may receive a commission if you apply for and are approved for a boat loan through links in this article. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our content and platform. We only recommend financing partners we trust. Why Loan Terms Matter in Boat Financing When it comes to financing…
Read MoreCan You Finance a Boat with Bad Credit?
*BoaterUSA may receive a commission if you apply for and are approved for a boat loan through links in this article. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our content and platform. We only recommend financing partners we trust. Financing a Boat When Your Credit Isn’t Perfect Dreaming of hitting the…
Read MoreIn-Depth Look: Sea Pro 292 Offshore Review
Meet the Sea Pro 292 Offshore Sea Pro has made a name for itself by delivering solid, well-equipped boats at prices that don’t climb into the stratosphere, and the 292 Offshore is a strong example of just how far the brand has come in the larger center console market. At 29 feet, this model pushes…
Read MoreLithium vs. Lead Acid Batteries
Introduction Batteries aren’t exactly the most glamorous piece of boating gear, but they’re the heartbeat behind just about everything we do on the water. From starting the engine to powering a trolling motor all day, running electronics, or even keeping the stereo thumping at the sandbar, the choice of battery can make or break your…
Read More10 Bay Boats for under $100,000
Bay boats have become some of the most versatile vessels on the water, blending the shallow-draft capability needed for inshore fishing with the stability and comfort to handle open bays and nearshore runs. They’re designed for anglers who want to chase redfish on the flats one day and head offshore for snapper the next, but…
Read MoreBest Bay Boat Brands of 2025
Bay boats have earned their reputation as some of the most versatile vessels on the water. Designed to handle everything from shallow flats and backcountry creeks to open bays and nearshore reefs, they’re the go-to choice for anglers who want one boat that can do it all. But their appeal doesn’t stop at fishing. With…
Read MoreIn Depth Look: Sea Hunt BX25FS
First Impressions Sea Hunt has made a name for itself by building quality boats at affordable price, and the BX25FS fits that reputation perfectly. It’s a bay boat that leans more into the fishing side of its DNA, with a shallow draft, wide open decks, and all the essentials an angler needs for a full…
Read MoreBest Chartplotters & Fishfinders for Under $1000
Modern chartplotters and fishfinders pack more technology into an affordable package than ever before. Anglers no longer have to spend thousands to get crisp, detailed sonar imaging, reliable GPS navigation, and advanced features like side and down imaging or integrated mapping. For under $1000, it’s now possible to equip your boat with a system that…
Read MoreUnderstanding Tides and Currents
Why Tides and Currents Matter If you spend any time on coastal waters, understanding tides and currents isn’t optional, it’s essential. These natural forces affect nearly every aspect of boating, from how your boat handles to where (and when) you can safely go. Misjudge the tide, and you might find yourself grounded in a skinny…
Read MoreBasics of the Garmin Force Kraken
The Garmin Force Kraken is the newest addition to Garmin’s growing lineup of trolling motors—and it’s designed with offshore and coastal anglers in mind. Built with the same brushless tech as the original Force trolling motor, the Kraken ups the ante with longer shaft lengths, higher thrust, and a design that suits larger, heavier boats…
Read MoreBest Saltwater Trolling Motors of 2025
When you’re fishing saltwater, your trolling motor isn’t just an accessory—it’s a critical piece of gear that can determine how productive (and enjoyable) your time on the water will be. The right motor lets you move stealthily through skinny flats, hold your position over a reef with pinpoint accuracy, and fight against wind and current…
Read MoreIn Depth Look: Sportsman Master 267 OE
First Impressions The Sportsman Masters 267 OE is built for versatility, plain and simple. Whether you’re casting in calm freshwater lakes, working a marsh shoreline, or pushing out to nearshore reefs, this boat is designed to thrive where many bay boats start to tap out. At 26 feet, it offers a confident ride and the…
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