From car-crash viewings to wasted journeys of hundreds of miles, Wayne Palmer shares the steep learning curve of buying his first boat
Gear
Collisions at sea: The best tech to help you stay safe
Keeping a good lookout may still be the best way of avoiding collisions at sea, but there is a battery of technology to make the task easier. Computing power that…
Outboard engine troubleshooting video – How to check fuel, carburettor, spark, cooling, oil & more
Small four-stroke outboard engines are pretty simple. Max McHugh of Marine Matters explains how to fix the most common problems, from gummed-up carburettors to broken thermostats. IN ASSOCIATION WITH GJW…
Best canvas cleaners: We test 12 options for getting your sprayhood clean
We test 12 canvas cleaners and find the best to get your sprayhood and sail covers back to their best
Brexit: Can I sail to the EU with red diesel in my tanks?
Following confirmation that recreational sailors in England, Wales and Scotland can still use red diesel, what impact will that have on UK cruisers visiting the EU?
How to choose the right digital charts for your sailing
There are big changes underway in the world of digital cartography, finds Sam Fortescue. We review the latest digital charts
How to check your rigging – video guide
A screwdriver, a straight edge and a good set of eyes are all that’s required for a basic rig check. Gordon Bonney, of Performance Rigging, explains **IN ASSOCIATION WITH GJW…
How a jubilee clip could save your boat
It is easy to ignore the fittings that clamp a hose onto an engine or seacock, but jubilee clips are all that stand between you and sinking, says Dag Pike
How to modernise your boat on a budget
Updating your instruments, and the data you can see on them, needn't cost the earth. Sam Fortescue investigates how to upgrade your boat's tech without spending a fortune
How to repair gel coat – video guide
How to deal with gelcoat chips and achieve a perfect colour matched surface. Bruce Jacobs finds out from Mark Buckett of Solent Repairs. IN ASSOCIATION WITH GJW DIRECT