But lithium batteries do have downsides, writes Emrhys Barrell . The first is cost, at up to four times the price of an equivalent output lead acid battery, and the…
Gear
Best lithium batteries: 12 powerful options for your boat tested
Boat owners have long relied upon the lead-acid battery to start their engines, run electric lights and, these days, to power inverters to run household items such as kettles, microwaves…
Best electric outboard motors: 9 of the best options on the market
The electric motor is either sealed in an underwater casing, or housed above the waterline under a cowling, as in a standard petrol outboard. Keeping the motor below the water…
Electric outboard motors: How new tech is weaning boat owners off fossil fuels
The market for electric outboard motors has been growing fast over the past few years. Boat owners love the idea of silent, fume-free cruising using lightweight motors that will have…
Wild swimming gear: Everything you need to take the plunge all year round
If, like me, you’re missing your sailing club and are desperate to be on the water, why not try wild swimming instead? Is there a lake or beach nearby? If…
Luff slides and fittings: how to pick the best
On some boats the supposedly simple task of hoisting the mainsail can be a real struggle thanks to unnecessary friction. Often a stiff sheave at the masthead is assumed to…
What chartplotters can do that your smartphone can’t
A few years ago I felt there was a risk that marine electronics manufacturers would find it impossible to compete in a changing marketplace. Apps for smartphones and tablets had…
Paddleboarding with kids – 6 SUPs on test in Poole and Christchurch harbour
Paddleboarding has been one of the lockdown success stories of 20/21, and with the easing of restrictions, you can now paddle outdoors in groups of six (the rule of 6)…
Which inflatable paddleboard? What to look for when buying a SUP
With summer on its way and lockdown restrictions easing, paddleboarding is a great way to find adventure close to home, but there’s a bewildering array of boards out there to…
10 tips for family paddleboarding – stay warm and make it an adventure
Paddleboarding with the whole family is great fun, but as every parent knows, nothing spoils a day out quicker than cold, wet, hungry kids. Here are some of the things…
Paddleboarding gear – what to wear and what to pack for a day on the SUP with kids
I take my three kids paddleboarding and wild swimming in winter, but it does take a mammoth effort to pack the right gear for during and after the water. However,…
Dog lifejacket test – Paddleboard with your dog!
Dog lifejackets are designed to allow dogs to swim comfortably, and are made of foam to support key areas of their body so they can conserve energy in the water.…
How to check your rigging – video guide
There are plenty of ways that a mast or its rigging can fail, but there are often key telltale signs that a problem is about to develop. Fatigue is one…
Choosing a boat dinghy – top tips for buying and maintaining tenders
From getting on and off the yacht to collecting supplies, visiting friends or simply going fishing, tenders play an important role in a boat owner’s life. Here are some of…
Best boat rope – the right rope for mooring lines, halyards and sheets
At this time of year we often start to put into place plans for upgrading our boats for the new season. In many cases this will involve at least some…
Best boat toilet roll and other practical ideas for the heads
A blocked toilet onboard your boat is to be avoided at all costs and one of the worst culprits is the use of standard toilet paper that contains glue (even…
Best boat varnish – choose the right varnish for your woodwork
Varnishing often appears to be a simple task, but there’s a bewildering choice of boat varnishes on the market. An understanding of the qualities of different types of varnish is…
Dogs on boats – essential sailing gear for your seadog
Having the right dog sailing gear is an important part of keeping your four-legged friend happy. Any dog can be taken sailing, at least once, but some are better suited…
Best bilge pumps: electric pumps, emergency pumps and alarms
We all know that effective bilge pumping arrangements are essential for safety at sea, yet a surprising number of boats are lacking in this respect. Automatic electric pumps often sound…
Make your own bilge pump alarm
A bilge alarm is an essential piece of kit on any boat. You can buy a bilge alarm on Amazon or at any chandlery or make your own using a…