‘Lost at Sea’ might be a great name for a video game, but in real life the prospect of losing one’s bearings on the ocean can be pretty scary indeed.…
Expert boat advice
Best boat fenders: 7 of the best options for protecting your topsides
If ever there was an unsung hero in the world of boating, it surely has to be the humble fender. Ubiquitous and largely maintenance-free, fenders dangle fearlessly in the face…
Best drones for sailing: Take your boating videos to the next level
It’s no understatement to say that drones have changed the moving image landscape in a more dramatic way than any other product since the video camera was invented more than…
Best marine speakers: From portable waterproof speakers to high end systems
When planning to fit speakers they need to be located at a safe distance from compasses and from any sensitive on board electronics. A distance of at least 1.1m (3ft…
Best gopros for boating: 7 action cameras for capturing your adventures afloat
GoPro’s meteoric rise to success was powered by its ability to capture stunning point-of-view action sequences, the like of which the world had never been seen before. Unsurprisingly, the brand…
Best waterproof boat shoes: 8 of the best options to keep your feet warm and dry
We’re not suggesting for a moment that boating in the wet will result in trench foot, but anyone who’s been on the receiving end of a good soaking at sea…
Best boat cover: 6 of the best options for protecting your cockpit
Every marina has one – that sad and sorry looking, covered-in-algae-and-seagull-poo boat tied up forlornly at the end of the pontoon. It doesn’t necessarily mean the vessel is unloved, but…
Best kids lifejackets and buoyancy aids for keeping your children safe
But happily even the most irresponsible grown-up always seems to insist on any kids in their charge being fitted with a personal floatation device of one kind or another. And…
Motor boats for beginners: Everything you need to know
Looking to get into motor boats? Discover the options available that’ll see you out on the water in no time
Best anchors: 8 new generation designs suitable for every type of boat
Good ground tackle opens up the option to stay overnight in stunning bays and creeks, away from costly marinas and expensive harbour moorings. A decent anchor is also an essential…
Best hull cleaners buying guide: how to add sparkle above and below the water
It’s no secret, of course, that maintaining a beautifully clean hull is the result of both regular work and use of the right tools. Yet it’s all too easy to…
Best boating apps: 9 essential downloads for iPhone and Android
It’s now physically possible and affordable to carry detailed charts of almost the whole globe in your pocket thanks to the dizzying array of boating apps out there. There’s no…
Best EPIRB: 4 emergency beacons to keep you safe at sea
When to choose an EPIRB? Emergency Personal Indicating Radio Beacons (or EPIRBs for short) are probably the best-known emergency beacons thanks to their long history and use in high profile…
Best satellite phone: 6 models to help you keep in touch at sea
There are numerous companies out there offering connectivity at varying cost and global coverage. Buying a satellite phone is, of course, just the start – you’ll also need a SIM…
Best sailing gloves: 8 top pairs to protect your hands and keep them warm
For much of the year thermal insulation is an important attribute for sailing gloves, and is especially true for those on faster boats such as RIBs, where windchill can be…
Best boat dehumidifier: 10 powerful models to keep your boat dry
It sounds obvious, but boats tend to live in a damp environment. Even if you keep yours ashore or in your driveway, damp can still present a problem – just…
Best lifejacket: 13 top choices that could save your life
Whatever else you might find on a boat, you will usually find lifejackets. In the context of this feature we’re talking specifically about the best lifejacket options as opposed to…
Best personal locator beacons and AIS units: 7 top options for boating
Not so long ago simply locating a crew member who had fallen overboard in anything other than the most benign of conditions was a massive challenge, thanks to personal locator…
Best dog lifejackets: 6 top buoyancy aids for your canine crewmate
Not only does a dog lifejacket provide extra floatation, but they are also fluorescent, to aid location in low light, and also have grab handles to make it easy to…
Best boat wax: 5 top products to make your topsides shine
Many boat owners simply apply boat wax to the topsides once a year, and while this will look good for a short time, to get a really good result it’s…