Rupert Holmes says less well-known designs can often be a perfect second-hand choice and explains his own thought processes when choosing
boats
The beauty of the Thames barge, Greta
Small-boat fanatic Clive has a day off his usual trailer-sailers to savour the wonderful and much bigger world of the Thames barge
How much does a free boat really cost?
Richard Rogers reveals the true cost of how much he spent rebuilding his ‘free’ yacht, and asks if it has been worth all the effort
Best used Beneteau sailboats to buy right now!
Stylish and built in quantity, Beneteau yachts can make great second-hand buys. Peter Poland checks out some of the most desirable models
Small boats: How leisure sailing began
The pioneers of small-boat leisure sailing had to start from scratch when designing and building early yachts – but some of those vessels are still around to offer inspiration today.
Best pilothouse boats and deck saloons
Yachts with a raised saloon can offer very comfortable onboard living. Duncan Kent looks at some of the best you can buy under 40ft
11 boats you can buy (and restore) right now under for £20,000
Duncan Kent picks the best sub-35ft sail and power boats to look for when aiming to undertake a restoration on a budget
Boaters warned to mitigate against ‘shocks and impact’ in small vessels
Accumulative effects of shocks and impacts to boaters using small vessels at high speed or in rough water have been highlighted in an updated Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) marine…
Seaworthy, cheap dinghies for less than £500
For low cost traditionally-styled GRP trailer-sailers, consider the Foreland and the Otter available at bargain basement prices
Best second-hand sub-40ft liveaboard boats: sail and power
Seasoned boat tester Duncan Kent chooses the sub-40ft power and sailing boats most suitable for long-term living aboard
Baltic Sea sailing: the best boats under 40ft for cruising adventure
Duncan Kent picks the best second-hand sub-40ft sail and power boats for crossing the North Sea and exploring a Baltic summer
100 years of the Deben Cherub
It is a century since the first Deben Cherub was launched. Julia Jones looks back at the history of this 21ft river racing class
Mediterranean boats: the best second hand yachts for exploring the south of Europe
Seasoned boat tester Duncan Kent chooses the sub-40ft power and sail boats for cruising the sunny - and sometimes fickle - Med
Hastings Boats: stable and seaworthy dinghies
The smaller Hastings luggers (22ft or less) are called punts – and Clive Marsh has converted several 16ft versions back to sail
Offshore boats: the best power and sailing yachts to take you further afield
Want to go further afield? Duncan Kent looks at some of the most suitable second-hand sail and motor boats for cruising offshore
Want to cruise the waterways of France? Here are the best sail and power boats for a memorable trip
The French inland waterways are an attractive route to the Med. Duncan Kent shares his pick of sub-40ft sail and power boats
Scow boats: sturdy little sea-going vessels
Clive shares his love of the South Coast variety Avon Scow: 11ft lug-sailed boats with a heavy galvanised steel centreplate
Westerly Cirrus and Tiger: two excellent fast cruisers that can now be bought for the price of a decent sofa!
Clive Marsh shares why those looking for a smaller boat should consider the Westerly Cirrus and Tiger
Best boats for a family: sail and power
Duncan Kent chooses a selection of sail and power boats that are ideally suited to cruising with your children and grandchildren
English Channel boats: the best power and sail vessels under 40ft
You don't need a big boat to cross the English Channel, just the right boat. Duncan Kent recommends some suitable 20-to-40 footers, both sail and power