News by Strong's Marine

Buying a boat is an exciting investment, and there is no better way to make a confident decision than by experiencing it on the water. While you can tour boats year round, a sea trial during the summer gives you the most accurate feel for how a boat will perform in real boating conditions.

At Strong's Marine, many of our new and preowned boats are available for sea trials throughout the season, giving you the opportunity to experience handling, comfort, performance, and onboard features before making your purchase.

Planning a day on the water is part of the fun, but making sure you have everything you need can make the difference between a good day and a great one. Whether you're cruising Peconic Bay, heading to Greenport, anchoring at a local sandbar, or spending the afternoon fishing, packing the right essentials helps you stay comfortable, safe, and prepared.

Here's a complete boating checklist for your next Long Island adventure.

Buying your first boat is an exciting milestone, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you're planning family cruises on Peconic Bay, fishing trips off the North Fork, or weekend adventures around Long Island, choosing the right boat begins with understanding how you plan to use it.

If you're considering buying your first boat on Long Island, here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind. 

One of the best parts of boating on Long Island is the freedom to explore new destinations. Whether you're heading to Greenport, Shelter Island, Newport, Fire Island, or another waterfront destination, transient dockage makes it easy to extend your adventure beyond a day trip.

If you've ever wondered what transient dockage is or how it works, this guide will help you understand the basics before planning your next boating getaway.  

Summer boating season on Long Island is finally here, and there is no better time to make the most of every day on the water. Whether you own a center console, dual console, cruiser, or yacht, a little planning can help you enjoy more memorable experiences with family and friends throughout the season.

Here are a few simple ways to get more out of your boat this summer.

The all new Pursuit S 388 has officially earned a 2026 Top Product Award from Boating Industry, further solidifying its position as one of the most exciting luxury center console boats on the market today.

Recognized for its combination of innovation, versatility, premium craftsmanship, and offshore capability, the Pursuit S 388 continues the brand's reputation for building boats that excel whether you are entertaining, cruising, fishing, or exploring new destinations.

For boaters searching for a premium center console that delivers both luxury and performance, theS 388 is quickly becoming one of the most talked about models in the Pursuit lineup.

Choosing the right family boat is about more than horsepower and performance. The best family boats combine comfort, versatility, safety, and fun, making it easy for everyone on board to enjoy a day on the water.

Whether you're cruising Peconic Bay, exploring Shelter Island, spending the day on the Great South Bay, or enjoying watersports with friends and family, here are a few features that make a great family boat. 

Launching your boat should be the start of a great day on the water, not a stressful experience at the ramp. Whether you are a first time boat owner or a seasoned boater preparing for another Long Island summer, understanding proper boat launching procedures can help make every trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

With hundreds of public and private boat ramps throughout Long Island, including access points on the North Fork, South Shore, Peconic Bay, and Long Island Sound, knowing how to prepare before arriving at the launch can save time and prevent costly mistakes.

For many boaters, June is the sweet spot of the boating season on Long Island. The weather is warm, waterfront destinations are coming to life, and the busiest crowds of summer have not yet arrived. Whether you enjoy cruising the North Fork, exploring the South Shore, fishing offshore, or spending weekends with family on the water, June offers some of the best boating opportunities of the year.

If you are looking for the perfect time to enjoy boating on Long Island, here are a few reasons June stands out.

Dreaming of spending summer days on Peconic Bay, exploring Greenport, or cruising to Shelter Island? The good news is you do not need to own a boat to enjoy the best of the North Fork boating lifestyle. From boat share memberships and private charters to day rentals and waterfront destinations, there are more ways than ever to get out on the water without the responsibilities of ownership.