If ever a publication catered for the wide-ranging interests of boating enthusiasts it’s the June-July 40.3 edition of Club Marine Magazine, which reveals great places to take your vessel, evaluates new boats to go in, guides you on what to wear, looks at what to cook, and advises on how to get among the fish and how to be safer and smarter on the water.
Club Marine Magazine Preview
Preview of the June - July 2025 Club Marine Magazine
Boating destinations in Australia
Celebrating the magazine’s 40th year, our ‘Top 40’ series looks at the best boating destinations in every Australian state through the eyes of our regular travel contributors.
In many cases, it benefits from local knowledge, with some lesser-known locations making the list – examples being Lake Tinaroo in Queensland, Wallis Lake on the NSW mid-north coast, Popes Eye on Victoria’s Port Phillip Bay, Dirk Hartog Island in WA and the NT’s Corrobboree Billabong.
Aboard an INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster ute, we explore the bountiful inland dams of the NSW New England region that rival England’s famed Lake District. The impoundments are brimming with freshwater fish and your outboard’s going to love it too.
New boat tests
There’s something for every taste and budget among our bevy of boat tests, beginning with the barra- and bream-busting 520 X-fisher Pro and 386 cartopper tinnies from Makocraft.
For next-level wake sports, check out Mastercraft’s new-wave NXT23, which has seating for 16 and generates an equally big wake. And staying with outboard power, Sea Fox’s 368 Commander turns heads with its lively performance, born from having triple 400hp Mercury motors on its transom.
Few wouldn’t admire the solid, soldierly temperament of the Selene 66 Classic Explorer trawler, which will take you anywhere in comfort and safety. As will our cover boat, the Beneteau Oceanis 37.1, that cleverly juggles the conflicting needs of space and performance.
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How and where to catch fish
Winter is a good time to be targeting tuna, and our resident guru Al McGlashan has some great tips. At the same time, Chris Errity treks deep into a North Queensland rainforest to lure an elusive Jungle Perch.
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Boating safety advice
River boating often involves a busy blend of craft, a confined width and lots of obstructions, bringing a unique set of challenges for skippers. Our safety article ‘Sharing the river’ will help you navigate them.
Marine engines
Twenty years after Volvo Penta launched IPS pods, the battle with shaft configurations continues apace. Marine surveyor Scott Cumming looks at the positives and negatives of the two drive systems in this head-to-head comparo.
Outboards have also evolved considerably over that period, with petrol outboards no longer having everything their own way as diesel and electric alternatives make a power play.
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Latest on marine electronics
In more good news, you no longer have to pay a fortune to buy a fishfinder packed with premium features – Jono Bleakly test drives the Lowrance Elite FS. And if you’ve ever wondering what happens when you deploy an EPIRB, Chris Bell reveals the space-age technology that goes above and beyond to pinpoint your location.
Special interest
‘Southern Sojourn’ is Part 2 of our Wooden Boat Shop circumnavigation series, following the fleet from Hobart to Perth.
Marine ‘athleisure’ wear has never looked so good, while keeping you comfortable and protected, so check out the comprehensive buyers guide to the major nautical clothing brands.
Regular columns
Culinary Cruising gets cooking with former River to Reef host and boating identity Theo Rozakis, proving once again that fresh is best, while Road Revue gets revved up about luxury European SUVs that can haul 3.5 tonnes in more style than a humble ute.
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