There are multiple points to consider when shopping for a used boat. Courtesy Steve Ball/ Adobe Stock Special delivery: Sign up for the free Boating email newsletter. Subscribe to Boating magazine for $14 for 1 year and receive 4 bonus digital issues. Editor’s note: Capt. John N. Raguso is a charter captain with more than 50 years experience. While […]
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The choice of sailing gloves can be bewildering. Do you most need to protect your hands from physical damage and rope burn, keep them dry, or keep them warm? The answer will depend on the season, the weather and the boat you’re sailing, writes Rupert Holmes. For much of the year thermal insulation is […]
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The emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) seems like an expensive little gadget to have clipped to a bulkhead in the hope it never gets used, but if you do intend to, or regularly do head out of sight of land then you really should have at least one on board. But, what’s the best […]
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We’re required by racing regs to carry them but any sensible person would have an emergency VHF antenna tucked away inside for just in case. Carrying an emergency VHF antenna is a sensible thing to do. We may get a loss of signal to our mast head unit for any number of reasons, from chafe […]
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Satellite phones and satellite trackers have transformed long-distance sailing, with the ability to download accurate weather forecasts, call anyone in the world and track positions across an ocean hour by hour. We guide you to find the best satellite phone or tracker for communication at sea. The best satellite phone for you is the one […]
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Yellowfin tuna are a main attraction at Venice Marina. And the biggest fish don’t always get caught at the rigs. Courtesy Relentless Sportfishing The most reliable place on the planet to catch yellowfin and blackfin tunas is offshore Venice, Louisiana. Venice is located advantageously at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi River. And as fall […]
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We sailors know a thing or two about soft luggage. The best duffel bag though is really a matter of functional practicality fused with personal taste. I’ve picked out a range of the best duffel bags for sailors from 30L to 130L in this sailing luggage buyers guide. Packing our bags to go sailing requires […]
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No stranger to the perils of saltwater on phones, Fox Morgan looks at 12 of the best waterproof phone cases, suitable for iPhone and Android models. There’s a moment I’m sure we can all identify, when we first googled “best waterproof phone case” which was roughly 60 seconds after our phone was dunked without one. […]
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We pick out 7 of the best boating flashlights and explain why you should always have a torch onboard in case of an emergency. Photo: Jeremie Lecaudey / Volvo Ocean Race A good boating flashlight a true essential item. Every boat should carry at least one, and every crew member should consider packing their own […]
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We pick out 8 of the best drones for sailing, from budget-friendly options right the way through to advanced 4K models, by Phil Sampson Drones are now must-have items for many cruising sailors. Sailing Instagram feeds and YouTube vlogs are full of stunning overhead anchorage shots – and, for the brave, footage taken underway. Meanwhile […]
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When Richard Churchill decided to bring an old Sunseeker Superhawk 34 back to life, he wanted it to look and feel like a brand new boat, including the colour scheme! Brand new Volvo D4 engines ensure RED performs just as well as it now looks. Photos: Tye Kellett Boats have always been in my blood. […]
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Often taken for granted, a yacht’s VHF radio is extremely important as both a transmitter and receiver. Even in our globally-connected world, VHF is often our only means of connection whilst at sea, and units are only as good as their VHF antenna… Aside from the safety aspect, navigation alerts and weather updates, the non-essential […]
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Looking to save money on a fixed or handheld marine VHF radio? We hunt down six of the best Black Friday marine radio deals… Your search for a Black Friday marine radio doesn’t have to involve compromising on features or quality. On the contrary, any of these portable handheld VHF radios would do a great […]
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Bored of socks and scented candles? Up the ante this Christmas with a gift you would be thrilled to receive from our guide to the best Christmas gifts for boaters. Buying Christmas gifts for boaters can be very tricky – after all, what can you buy someone who’s lucky enough to spend a decent chunk […]
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Carrying a good, reliable VHF radio could save your life – they’re affordable, lightweight, small and easy to pack, so there’s no excuse not to take one out every time you go sea kayaking In an emergency, having a handheld VHF radio could save your life Whenever you set off on a sea kayaking […]
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Save your boat from the ravages of nature with a well-fitting boat cover. Phil Sampson picks out 6 of the best options on the market right now A good boat cover can make all the difference to the state of your cockpit come spring. Photo: Alamy Every marina has one – that sad and […]
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Depth sounders are pretty crucial bits of kit for all of us. If you want to have an idea of how much water is beneath your keel then you will need a depth sounder of some sort – unless you want to go old school and send someone to the bow with a longline […]
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There are few jobs more satisfying on a boat than applying boat wax to tired, chalky gelcoat. Turning a faded, stained and dull fibreglass hull into a shining thing of beauty is surprisingly easy with the right techniques and products Just the antifouling to go Many boat owners simply apply boat wax to the […]
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Decent marine speakers can add a great deal of pleasure to life afloat, whether you’re on a day out with friends on a fast open boat, or mid Atlantic on the adventure of a lifetime When planning to fit marine speakers they need to be located at a safe distance from compasses and from […]
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We explain what to look for in a good set of dock lines and pick out some of the best options currently available Mooring lines Yachties, especially the racing types, might get a bit excited by cordage, but for us motorboaters that are limited to hopping about with a few mooring lines, it can […]
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