On the verge of throwing away those stiff, algae-covered warps? Jake Kavanagh tests the new Renovo Marine Rope Cleaner to see if the rope can be saved
Jake Kavanagh
Tips for first time offshore in a small yacht
How do you equip a small yacht for your first ocean voyage, especially with few crew or sailing single-handed? Jake Kavanagh gets some tips from the Jester Challenge skippers
10 low-cost solutions for non-slip decks on boats
Anti-slip decks are vital for safe sailing, with a wide range of attractive, long-lived, and sustainable coverings available. Jake Kavanagh examines some old favourites and latest innovations
Smoothing the cruising – a buyers guide to ‘shock-absorbing’ boat gear and more!
The ability to soften that slamming motion of a fast boat at sea has been greatly helped with more advanced and compact designs of shock-absorbing seating, self-adjusting trim tabs and…
5 top causes of boat engine failure – and how to avoid them
Jake Kavanagh talks to Sea Start marine engineer Nick Eales about how to avoid the five major causes of an engine breakdown at sea
How marine fabrics are changing
Marine fabrics are increasingly being made using natural fibres, less harmful chemicals and longer-lasting colours. Jake Kavanagh looks at the cut of the cloth
ePropulsion X Series electric outboards: first look
Jake Kavanagh reports on easy DIY ‘plug and play’ electric motors
How to find the best boat insurance
Boat insurance costs are rising but you can still get the right cover for your kind of cruising if you do some homework, says Jake Kavanagh
Marine hybrid drive systems: 6 options
Retrofitting a marine hybrid propulsion system can offer quiet motoring, precision docking and regeneration under sail. Jake Kavanagh explains
Boat fuel economy: how to save petrol
Modern outboard engines are fuel efficient, but there are still ways you can get more miles per litre from your boat, says Jake Kavanagh
Cruising in powerboats long distance: a quick guide
When cruising in powerboats, especially small open boats, safety is paramount. Jake Kavanagh shares his advice for relaxed high-speed adventures around the coast and at sea
How to prepare a small boat for a big offshore sailing adventure: Top tips from Jester Challenge sailors
The art of sailing a small boat single-handed for long periods has been perfected by Jester Challenge sailors. Jake Kavanagh picks up some tips for keeping skipper and boat safe…
How to choose the right electric boat engine
Electric propulsion is clean, near silent and can even be self-refuelling, but is it worth the investment? Jake Kavanagh considers the options
Electric inboard boat motors: 3 yacht owners explain why they made the switch
Just a few years ago there were perhaps half-a-dozen manufacturers making electric outboards. Now there are nearly 40. We covered electric outboard engines in detail last month; here we look…
Best electric outboard motors: 9 of the best options on the market
The electric motor is either sealed in an underwater casing, or housed above the waterline under a cowling, as in a standard petrol outboard. Keeping the motor below the water…
How to replace your sprayhood windows
Do you have a foggy view? Don’t throw away your expensive sprayhood or awning – you can replace the windows for just a few pounds, says Jake Kavanagh
Replacing headlinings: How to cure the droop
It happens to us all eventually – things start to sag, and it’s particularly true of foam-backed vinyls. For boatbuilders, vinyl is comparatively cheap and easy to install, so it’s…
Osmosis – the professional treatment
Even the worst cases of osmosis can be professionally treated, and while the process is expensive and time consuming, it will revive the boat and restore its value. Jake Kavanagh…
DIY Osmosis Repair
If you’ve found a few blisters on your gel coat, don’t despair. You may not need to do a full gel coat strip – which on cheaper boats may not…