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…
Gear
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…
Seadogs: 10 top tips for sailing with dogs
Sailing round the world with dogs requires months of preparation and research, stacks of paperwork, extra supplies and provisions, regular vaccinations, expensive updates for your vessel, and many hours of…
Best boat heaters – diesel, solid fuel or warm air central heating?
Diesel fuelled heating systems Having a warm boat can significantly lengthen the sailing season, but the best boat heater for you depends on budget, the size of your boat, and…
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…
9 of the best Christmas gift ideas for boat owners
Zhik drybags You can never have enough drybags and Zhik’s high quality kit always makes good gifts at Christmas or any other time. The new 30lt dry backpack is made…
How to climb your mast and work aloft safely
As much as I love sailing, there is one thing (besides rebuilding the head) that I really have a problem with, and that is the height of the mast. No,…
What is AIS Class B+ and do I need it for my boat?
I ’d been thinking about buying an AIS transceiver for my Merry Fisher 855 for some time. I use my boat mainly in the Solent, where avoiding other vessels is…