Got old sails and old rope that you don't want to put into landfill? The ReSail platform allows sailors to find free drop-off points to give new life to end-of-life…
Gear
Overhauling the DC boat electrics on a 38ft boat
Richard Thomson explains how he gave his 1983 Trident Marine Voyager 38’s electrical system a complete and cost effective overhaul.
New AIS MOB device rule affecting sailors
Big changes to marine radio device rules are planned to be brought into the UK. The only MOB AIS devices allowed will be those that incorporate DSC on Ch70.
Boat battery care: the do’s and the don’ts
Stuart James of Predator Batteries shares his expert tips for achieving optimum battery performance on board your boat
Do you really need an active radar reflector on your boat?
Simon Hampton-Matthews, chair of the Cruising Association’s RATS committee, discusses radar reflectors and whether they’re still the best way to be seen on the water
Is foiling really the future of cruising?
Foiling technology has revolutionised the world of sailboat racing, but can it make its way to cruising yachts too? Saša Fegić reports
French canal boating: the essential kit
Julian and Vanessa Dussek took their Southerly 115 down through France to the Med, about 1,000 miles. Listed here are items they found essential or desirable
A sustainable alternative to marine ply?
Even the best marine ply is not totally moisture resistant and will eventually succumb to rot after extended periods of raised moisture levels. Supersede Marine Board is said to be…
11 Practical Gift Ideas That Sailors Actually Want!
Finding decent gifts for boat owners is an unenviably tricky task, but luckily Practical Boat Owner is here to help! These might not all look to be the most exciting…
Satellite communication at sea: staying connected from your boat
With Starlink’s high-speed internet, do sailors still need satellite phones on board while at sea? Ali Wood looks at the pros and cons of the different systems available to cruisers…
Installing a Wavestream 1 bilge filter
Dirty, oily bilge water from your boat’s hull can be filtered to protect marine life. We talk to sailors who have retrofitted the Wavestream 1 kit...
Why you should consider the weight of boat tools
Minimise the need for weighty tools on board by swapping metal parts with wood and rope, and muffling those you can’t with leather, says Clive Marsh
Boat propeller: How to choose the right one for your boat
The correct prop can have a dramatic effect on your boat's performance. Ali Wood learns how you can save fuel, reduce drag and go faster
Is it time to switch to an all-electric boat?
Rupert Holmes takes an in-depth look at the practicalities and pitfalls of choosing electric propulsion, or even an all-electric boat
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
How to choose the right roller furling system for your boat
With a plethora of furlers on the market, Stan Cockeram weighs up a number of factors to help you decide which is best for your boat
Smart boat: how to control your yacht remotely for under £400
Rob Ferenczi shows how you can have remote and onboard systems monitoring on your yacht for under £400
Windvane self-steering: a complete guide for sailors
Ali Wood explains how you can harness the power of the wind and sea to steer efficiently
How to choose a watermaker
Rupert Holmes explains why a basic watermaker may make sense onboard your boat
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