On sailing boats the exhaust pipe is swept up into a ‘swan neck’ to stop following waves flooding the exhaust when the engine isn’t running. Exhaust gas normally drives water…
Gear
How to clean and remove a boat’s propeller
Propeller fouling causes a marked drop in performance, while electrolytic corrosion can cause serious propeller damage. Propellers should, therefore, be cleaned annually – but a quick clean of the prop…
The Best Gifts for Boaters and outdoor enthusiasts in 2025
Stuck for a Christmas gift idea for the sailor in your life? We choose the best Christmas gifts for sailors which are guaranteed to put a smile on their face…
Diesel bug: How to get rid of it and why it’s getting worse
Problems related to ‘diesel bug’ in yachts are becoming increasingly common. This is almost certainly due to the higher percentage of biodiesel in the fuel we now buy – good…
How a seawater pump works
The water and oil seals on a water pump shaft will eventually wear with time, leading to pump-shaft corrosion or loss of engine oil. A daily check of the water…
How a cutless bearing works
Most boats have a bearing at the outboard end of the propeller shaft that supports the propshaft. Generally this ‘cutless’ bearing will be made of rubber which will, over time,…
How to check the structural integrity of a GRP yacht hull
A GRP yacht hull may be strong and durable, but it’s also, unfortunately, relatively heavy. To overcome this problem, naval architects and yards will laminate much lighter core materials between…
2024 DAME Award winners: Success For Best New Sailing Products
Sailing equipment has featured strongly in the list of 2024 DAME Award winners, presented in the morning of Tuesday 19 November 2024 at a spectacular opening ceremony to mark the…
Everything you need to know about marine AI technology
Innovative technology has always created fresh new chapters in how we approach sailing. You only have to look back at the most advanced and sophisticated navigation systems of the mid-twentieth…
How do you know if you have enough purchase in a rigging system?
What does lifting a sodden man overboard out of the drink and tensioning the backstay have in common? Well, unless you’re sailing a very small dinghy, they both make use…