There are hundreds, if not thousands of yachts still sailing with 40-year-old diesel engines emitting smoke and pollutants, so is now the time to replace them with a clean, low…
Duncan Kent
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Keeping your boat afloat: how to find and fix hull moisture
No matter how hard you try, a completely dry boat without hull moisture is a rarity. The older a boat gets the more likely seals will start shrinking, sealant around…
How to prevent corrosion on your yacht
One of the most worrying things that can happen to a boat owner is to discover vital and expensive metallic underwater items such as propellers, prop shafts and saildrive legs…
How to install shore power on a yacht
Not long ago, having any form of mains AC (alternating current) on board a small to medium sized leisure boat was rare. But now, having shore power in a yacht…
Best diesel heaters for boats – An expert buyer’s guide
Planning on extending your sailing season? Duncan Kent investigates diesel forced air heaters and finds out what is available on the market
How to buy a boat: your guide to buying a yacht
The process of buying a sailing yacht can sometimes be long-winded and stressful, especially if it’s your first time considering boat ownership. To avoid it being too daunting the first…
Everything you need to know about a yacht’s gas system
Earlier this year, the UK’s largest supplier of portable LPG cylinders, Calor, expressed its intention to discontinue its very popular 3.9kg propane and 4.5kg butane cylinders. However, after much pleading…
How to repair yacht hatches and windows
Every boat I have ever owned has had at least one leaking window or hatch at some point and, from experience, no amount of temporary bodging has ever succeeded in…
Best sailing socks: 6 warm and waterproof options
Having warm, dry feet when you’re on night watch in rough conditions can make it a much more pleasant experience. Here we’ve chosen six of the best sailing socks to…
Yacht rigging: your essential pre-season rig check guide
During the spring fit-out we often appear to lavish far more attention on the engine and electrical systems than we do on the rig, despite the latter presenting a much…