This year, Southern Boating enters our fourth decade of publishing. It’s hard to believe and it’s truly been a fun ride.

Over those 40 years this magazine has evolved in many ways. We’ve tried to determine just what you, our readers, want and expect from our pages, so some things have been tried and then discontinued while others have become editorial mainstays. But it’s not only the individual articles we’ve evaluated. Each year we develop what’s known as an Editorial Calendar which is a roadmap of sorts detailing what each issue will feature. The content of some issues is carved in stonesuch as our boat show preview issues, our swimsuit and sportfishing issues and our haul-out issuewhile other months we have more flexibility built in. And that’s where you, our readers, may play a part.

There are many issues to consider on both sides of the argument and if enacted, such a law could have far-reaching implications.

Are there subjects we have not addressed that you would like to see covered? How about destinations: is there some area you’ve been thinking of cruising to, but would like to know a little more about first? Is there a boat or yacht out there you’ve been thinking of buying but haven’t had the time to get aboard? Any DIY project you’ve been hesitant to tackle until you learn some more about how to go about it? We’d like to hear from you on any of those subjects, or anything else that may be on your watery mind. Send your questions and comments to our editorial department: sbletters@ southernboating.com.

In the Mail from Readers section you’ll read a very interesting letter from one of our readers. The writer is a retired member of the U.S. Coast Guard and his letter is regarding the proposed legislation that would make it mandatory to wear PFDs (Personal Flotation Devices, or life jackets) for any/ all people on recreational vessels underway. This matter has been swirling around Capitol Hill for several years now with politicians, lobbyists, USCG personnel and the general public weighing in on both sides of the debate. There are many issues to consider on both sides of the argument and if enacted, such a law could have far-reaching implications.

We’d like to know your thoughts on this matter as well. You can also write to your government representatives (house.gov).