Starting a diesel engine from cold can be a tricky business. Many direct-injection engines use extra fuel for cold starting. On some, such as small Yanmars, this extra fuel is…
Gear
Best boat shoes for sailing: From classic leather deck shoes to more modern alternatives
When buying boat shoes, you face a choice between traditional moccasins that look the part but lack support and cushioning, or modern deck trainers that cover the sporty angle but…
Best sailing socks: 6 warm and waterproof options
Having warm, dry feet when you’re on night watch in rough conditions can make it a much more pleasant experience. Here we’ve chosen six of the best sailing socks to…
5 of the best watermakers: From ERD to high pressure units
Watermakers – technically known as desalination units – use a process called reverse osmosis (RO) to make drinking water. By forcing salty water at a high pressure against one side…
Everything you need to know about watermakers
The feeling of autonomy that a watermaker gives a yacht is unique. It transforms that weekend-only cruiser into a go-anywhere, life-on-the-hook, adventure craft, breaking the tether to marinas. Filling your…
Boat intercom system tested: Crew-Talk Plus
A boat intercom system has a place on a racing yacht but how useful is it for cruisers? Toby Heppell tests the Crew-Talk Plus to find out
Rebuilding a yacht’s navigation system using Raspberry Pi
Back in May 2021, my wife Lydia and I purchased our first boat, a 1994 Dehler 34 called Troppo Bella, and spent the summer exploring the beautiful waters around Conwy.…
When to replace yacht sails and how to make old sails last longer
Having owned my 1984 Sadler 29, Pasque, for four years, and cruising with family and, more recently, small children on board, we began to get to know her foibles. She…
Yacht rigging: your essential pre-season rig check guide
During the spring fit-out we often appear to lavish far more attention on the engine and electrical systems than we do on the rig, despite the latter presenting a much…
Best diesel heaters for boats – An expert buyer’s guide
Planning on extending your sailing season? Duncan Kent investigates diesel forced air heaters and finds out what is available on the market