Harbor Journal

Stories from the waterline.

Destination ideas, boat ownership advice, family itineraries, maintenance guidance and gear that earns its place aboard.

Featured story

Why classic runabouts still matter.

Polished mahogany, chrome hardware and the enduring appeal of a boat built around experience.

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Latest stories

Useful reads for better days aboard.

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Illustrative disabled runabout communicating with a generic professional assistance vessel before any towline is loaded
Ownership and assistance

Tow, Salvage, or Distress?

Protect people first, then identify the proposed service and written terms.

Open the decision card
Life-jacketed family seated aboard a generic runabout resting on a soft sandy shoal while adults communicate and inspect from aboard
Grounding response

Stop Before Refloating

Protect people, check water and damage, then choose the recovery path deliberately.

Open the grounding protocol
Buyer and seller comparing a generic hull identification plate with title, registration and bill-of-sale paperwork
Used-boat ownership

Match the HIN Before Paying

Reconcile the physical boat, ownership document, seller and lien before money moves.

Open the paperwork protocol
Life-jacketed family seated in a stopped runabout while the operator uses a VHF and a loose rope floats behind the stern
Propulsion entanglement response

A Rope Wraps the Propeller

Shut down fully, control the crew and drift, and call before attempting any inspection.

Open the response plan
Family moving away from a docked runabout while the operator keeps the engine off
Fuel-vapor response

You Smell Gasoline

Create no spark, do not start the engine or pump fuel overboard, and get people clear.

Open the response plan
Powerboat operator and dedicated observer towing one life-jacketed child on a tube across open water
Family tow-sports seamanship

Towing a Tube With Kids

Assign the observer, fit the PFD, agree on signals and protect every pickup.

Open the tubing plan
Family seated in fitted life jackets aboard a stopped runabout while the operator checks a generic warning display
Engine-temperature response

When the Overheat Warning Sounds

Reduce load, protect the crew, control drift and keep diagnosis inside the exact engine manual.

Open the response plan
Family seated in life jackets aboard a stopped powerboat while an adult uses a handheld VHF
Loss of propulsion

When the Engine Stops

Secure people, read the drift, communicate early and keep diagnosis inside the operator manual.

Open the response plan
Family wearing fitted life jackets seated safely in a powerboat approaching a moderate wake
Family seamanship

Crossing Boat Wakes

Slow before the wake, seat everyone, preserve steerage and stop when comfort or control margin is gone.

Open the wake protocol
Family wearing life jackets seated inside a powerboat during a slow dock approach
Family crew seamanship

The Family Docking Brief

Assign seats, lines and one voice before the approach—and make the go-around normal.

Open the crew brief
Life-jacketed family seated in a stopped powerboat while an adult observes a tilted outboard
Impact response

After the Boat Hits Something

Protect people, check for flooding and stop for vibration before a damaged propeller compounds the strike.

Open response plan
Family in fitted life jackets proceeding slowly by powerboat in dense daytime fog
Restricted visibility

When Fog Removes the View

Slow, assign a lookout, show the right lights, signal and preserve a safe place to stop.

Open response plan
Life-jacketed powerboat operator using a marine VHF while monitoring an outboard steering system
Emergency response

When the Boat Stops Steering

Reduce thrust, protect passengers, control drift and call early before diagnosing the system.

Open response plan
The Lake George Weekend That Actually Works
Destinations

The Lake George Weekend That Actually Works

Where to launch, dock, eat and build a two-day itinerary without wasting half the trip.

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What Belongs in Every Dock Box
Maintenance

What Belongs in Every Dock Box

A practical checklist for safety, quick repairs and fewer afternoons ruined by one missing item.

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Clean recreational powerboat helm with an unbranded chartplotter and VHF radio
Electronics

How Much Chartplotter Do You Really Need?

Choose the screen, mapping and sonar features that match how you boat.

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The Perfect Two-Night Waterfront Escape
Lifestyle

The Perfect Two-Night Waterfront Escape

Make a short trip feel substantial without overplanning every hour.

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What Makes a Great Family Boat?
Boat Reviews

What Makes a Great Family Boat?

Layout, shade, storage, boarding and the details that matter more than horsepower.

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A Better End-of-Season Checklist
Maintenance

A Better End-of-Season Checklist

Protect batteries, fuel systems, upholstery and your spring launch date.

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Explore the complete boating library

Browse 20 organized hubs covering Northeast destinations, ownership, maintenance, safety, navigation, weather, docking, anchoring, family boating and more.

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The Weekly Tide

Get one destination, one practical guide and one piece of gear worth knowing about.