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
Gear
“Why changing to an electric motor was a disaster”
Felix Marks attempts to embrace a green future for his Tofinou 7, but his experiment with an electric motor proves costly when damp conditions prevail
Evolution of the electric winch handle
Electric winch handles can help crew perform any task on board a yacht, regardless of their strength, size or physical abilities. Roger Hughes looks at how they developed
The best boat anchor types for different types of cruising & their pros and cons
Rupert Holmes looks at the different anchor designs and how to choose the right one for your type of cruising
Lithium iron phosphate batteries: myths BUSTED!
Duncan Kent looks into the latest developments, regulations and myths that have arisen since lithium-ion batteries were introduced
Mediterranean sailing: the essential kit you need
Rupert Holmes explains the most useful equipment he carries on board for low-hassle, reliable and self-sufficient Mediterranean cruising on a budget
Two years of owning my electric outboard: long term test of the Torqeedo 603
Hamish Southby-Tailyour explains the modifications he’s made to make his Torqeedo 603 electric outboard work better for him
Buying a new or used outboard motor? Professionals share their tips to make sure you avoid the pitfalls
From horsepower to shaft length and tilt-angle to 2- or 4-stroke, Ali Wood highlights the different features you should consider when buying a new or used outboard motor
ePropulsion X Series electric outboards: first look
Jake Kavanagh reports on easy DIY ‘plug and play’ electric motors
What sailing boat kit do you need for an Atlantic crossing? Cruisers share the gear that really worked for them
From Starlink to tradewind sails, first aid and cooking, Ali Wood reports on new and traditional gear for transatlantic sailors
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
How to make a low friction ring with soft shackle
Remy Laine shows how he made a low friction ring with integrated soft shackle
Managing E5 and E10 petrol problems
E5 and especially E10 petrol requires much more ‘fuel husbandry’ than older, ethanol-free petrol blends, as Jake Frith has discovered
Seldén S-series and E-series winches
The 'game changing' advantages of Seldén's new line of manual and electric winches include clever features to speed up tacking and make it safer when sailing with inexperienced crew.
Offshore sails: what you need to cross the Atlantic
Sailmaker Daryl Morgan gives some expert advice on ocean sails, while Neil Smith explains how his family coped with delaminating sails
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
Beware using non-marine gas regulators
"This warning has become even more valid after the Calor Gas U-turn as some owners will be swapping back again and buying yet another regulator."
What is the best hat for sailing?
Prolific boat owner Clive Marsh argues in favour of the Breton cap as the one-size-fits-all-conditions superior sailing headwear
Induction Cooking Onboard – The Essential Information
So you're thinking of ditching that old gas cooker and trying some induction cooking? Here's what you need to know on power consumption and how to run one onboard your…
TEMO 1000 electric outboard: first look and test
Ali Wood meets the French team behind the new TEMO 1000, and tests the electric outboard on Southampton Water