December/January 2024, Issue No. 206 — Table of Contents
On the cover: Boatbuilder Reid Bandy’s custom 32′ (9.7m) foam-cored carbon fiber sportfisherman, named 31, is fitted with its single 300-hp (224-kW) Mercury on a Porta Bracket in his Edgewater, Maryland, shop. The finished boat weighs 4,100 lbs (1,859.7 kg) fully loaded and runs at 35 knots. Story on page 20. Photograph by Joe Evans.
FEATURES
JOE EVANS
Bandy’s sportfisherman at speed. Page 20.
20 The Carbon Minimalist
by Joe Evans
Reid Bandy designs and builds a stripped-down superefficient carbon fiber sportfisherman.
DIETER LOIBNER
The test fleet at HSBO. Page 32.
32 The High-Speed Boat Operations
Forum Turns 20
by Dieter Loibner
An editor’s report from the invite-only symposium and on-water event in Gothenburg, Sweden.
STEVE D’ANTONIO
Stuffing box done right. Page 46.
46 Guide to Stuffing Boxes and Shaft Seals
by Steve D’Antonio
The hardware and installation options for reliable prop-shaft operation.
AARON PORTER
Tidy electrical panel wiring. Page 56.
56 New Spark for an Old Schooner
by Don Eley
Designing a robust 21st-century electrical system for a 130-year-old Grand Banks fishing schooner.
DEPARTMENTS
4 Letters, Etc.
Readers comment on systems on Sobe Sunset, insurance for boats with lithium-ion batteries, and some dangers and unintended consequences of excessive horsepower.
8 Rovings
compiled by Dieter Loibner
The Northwest Steam Society gathering draws multiple examples of historical steamboats still in operation; revisiting a legendary proa in Project Cheers; apprentices learn skills building traditional skin-on-frame Unangax kayaks and canoes in Ferndale, California; and System Three fast-curing wood putty.
44 Review: Passage in Print
by Chris Caswell
A hardcover tribute to a legendary Alan Gurney–designed maxi yacht.
72 Parting Shot
by Sarah Devlin
The ABYC Foundation’s accreditation director calls for boat builders and yards to support local technical schools and SkillsUSA to expand the Gen Z workforce.
READER SERVICES
65 Innovative Product Showcase
68 Connections
69 Classified Advertising