Modern marine diesel engines may look very similar to the large, noisy, oily chunks of iron of yesteryear, but a lot has changed under the bonnet, says Sam Fortescue
Technology
Internet at sea: The future of getting online
Mark Hawkins explores the options for guaranteed internet at sea and the new technologies for bluewater sailors
Boat rigging: a guide to going composite
‘Like the shift from wooden spars to alloy spars after the Second World War, we are moving to carbon spars and composite boat rigging for cruising boats,’ says well-known surveyor…
Tested: Spot X Bluetooth Satellite tracking & messaging
The Spot X Bluetooth promises cheaper two-way satellite communication. We test the satellite tracking and messaging device to see if it is a cost effective option for cruising sailors
Satellite messenger tested: Spot Gen4
We test the Spot Gen4 satellite messenger which can send check in and customised messages or distress signals at the touch of a button
Autonomous vessel trials are ‘tightly controlled’
With the publication of new voluntary guidance on the use of autonomous ships in UK waters, we speak to the UK Harbour Masters’ Association about the implications for recreational sailors
Tech focus: The future of the chartplotter
A new generation of chartplotters offers sailors more processing power than ever before. Sam Fortescue examines what you get when you upgrade
Renewable energy afloat: the latest tech
Sam Fortescue examines how renewable energy afloat is benefitting from technical developments in other sectors
How to get the latest boat electronics – on a budget
Keeping up to date with the latest navigation technology can be prohibitive. Mike Reynolds shares how to get the latest electronics for your boat for a fraction of the cost
Would you switch to electric propulsion?
Would you make the switch? We ask two sailors who have looked at how the real-world numbers stack up on electric propulsion but have reached different conclusions