Simon Hampton-Matthews of the Cruising Association’s Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) Group discusses boat VAT in Europe
Gear
Your best biocide-free antifouling options
Can you protect your boat in UK waters using foul-release coatings, ultrasonic or biomimetic technology? Rob Melotti investigates the antifouling options on the market.
Reversing a boat trailer: a quick guide
Reversing your trailer is daunting, but with practice can be satisfying. David Pugh explains the knack
Industry insight: lithium marine batteries and other power options
A lot of people are wondering whether to switch to lithium marine batteries, but don’t actually know what they should be looking for when buying batteries to power their life…
Dezincification resistant (DZR) skin fittings explained
Vyv Cox busts the myths surrounding the use of dezincification resistant (DZR) seacock materials.
The Garmin chartplotter + 7 other options
Ali Wood weighs in on the Garmin chartplotter and other electronic navigation options from Furuno, Raymarine, B&G, Lowrance, Simrad, and Orca. Furuno Furuno’s NAVNet TZtouch 3 range is available in…
Skin fittings and seacocks explained
Surveyor Nick Vass examines the different types of skin fittings and seacocks on the market and shares advice on how to maintain them.
A beginner’s guide to the chartplotter
Whether you’re new to boating or looking to enhance your navigation with a phone, tablet or MFD, Ali Wood runs through the different chartplotter options
Best marine sealants and adhesives for boat jobs
With help from adhesive and sealant expert Laurie Brebner, PBO’s Ali Wood explains which works best for different jobs on a boat
How I switched to electronic charts
Ali Wood recalls her first sailing passage using electronic charts
How to install a Halyard Aquadrive in a Contessa 32
A boat owner installs a Halyard Aquadrive antivibration system for smoother, quieter cruising and reduced wear on his marine engine and gearbox
How to replace polarising film on your instrument screen
Andy Pag tries to fix the display screen on his Raymarine ST6001 autopilot control unit
I’m a commercial skipper and this is my onboard essentials list for a Mediterranean Yacht Charter
After several seasons working as a commercial skipper, most recently in Lampedusa, I’ve got my onboard essentials locked in. Whether you’re a sailor or a guest, the key to packing…
Can VHF and AIS run on the same aerial?
Boat owner Robert Campbell is considering fitting a splitter so his AIS transceiver can share the same aerial as his VHF radio. Is it a good idea?
‘I smelled burning plastic and realised my plug was melting!’
Electrical and faulty appliances – 52% risk factor in boat fires Electrical fires make up over half of all boat fires according to insurance information obtained by Boatus.com I’m no…
Propeller care: everything you need to know
Stu Davies has valuable tips on how to maintain your prop – and explains how this vital bit of kit works, and why propeller care is needed
Can I trust this boat mooring?
Most sailors use traditional moorings without knowing about their condition or how they are made. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies explains
Where to recycle old sails and end of life kit – drop off points across the UK and Europe
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…
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.