COVER STORY
Tactical Success
Exclusive: Sea Ray took the gamble out of designing its new 550 Sedan Bridge by relying on proven design tactics.
By Richard Thiel • Photo by Robert Holland

Lead Line
Keep It Simple

FYI
Cuban Cruisin’, A Word With...Buddy Purcell, and more

Latest & Greatest
Stidd Systems Heat Wave, Mustyzap Active Liquid and Diffuser, Sea-Fire Marine fire extinguishers, and Fastening Solution’s Tool Leash

Maintenance Q&A
Installing a second bilge pump, getting a good finish with teak oil, and more

Electronics
The digital revolution in charts hits tough terrain, plus Q&A, Humminbird Smartcast, Deep Blue Anchor Alert, Caig DeoxIT and ProtecIT, and ShipModul NMEA multiplexers

Megayachts
Palmer Johnson Gets a New Lease on Life

At Sea
Divorced With Children

SPECIAL MAINTENANCE SECTION
The Right Way to Paint By Craig Anderson
No more crying foul(ing) on your running gear—as long as you follow these directions.

Fuel Proof By Capt. Ken Kreisler
A new alarm system helps you ensure that fuel stays in your tank and not in the water when you fill ‘er up.

Green Machine By Elizabeth Ginns Britten
You won’t believe what’s now being used to take the paint off hulls. Hint: There’s probably a box of it in your refrigerator.

Barnacle Wars By Capt. Ken Kreisler
Sure, antifouling products protect exterior surfaces, but what can you do about fouling in raw-water passages and other internal spaces?

Cool It By Diane M. Byrne
The days of overheated engine rooms are becoming distant memories for production-boat owners thanks to trickle-down technology.

See(ing)-Through Is Believing By Capt. Patrick Sciacca
If tests of this product are any sign, then soon what you don’t see--namely, salt and grime on your boat’s windshield—will be what you get.

Christmas in April By Capt. Bill Pike
No room for a genset? No problem. A do-it-yourself inverter installation is the way to go.

FEATURES
One Vision By Capt. Patrick Sciacca
Using input from owners and dealers, Luhrs created a 41-foot convertible for both fishermen and cruisers.

Classical Gas By Capt. Bill Pike
Don’t let her traditional looks fool you—Symbol’s 42-foot Classic Trawler has a flair for the modern, too.

Quick Study By Capt. Bill Pike
Our Senior Editor finds the handling of Regal’s latest express cruiser is in marked contrast to that of other inboard gasoline cruisers.