Boat electrics and essential checklist
Essential boat electrics Small yachts and power boats have 12-volt DC (direct current) systems, although larger vessels will have 24-volt electrics. In most cases the system is split into two parts, one for starting the engine, the other for running all the other...
Boat ownership
Owning a boat is a big commitment that should bring no end of satisfaction for the owner as well as the owner’s family and friends. In return for bringing all that joy, a boat deserves and needs a good deal of care and attention. Caring for your boat is not just...
How to tackle osmosis
Many owners of old GRP boats live in fear of osmosis, but what exactly is osmosis and what can be done about it? Osmosis comes about when water molecules make their way into the laminate of a GRP hull. Water molecules can pass through gelcoat and into the laminate,...
Winch Servicing
It is not essential to service the winches when a boat is ashore, but if time allows I prefer to do this maintenance job when the boat is on dry land, mainly because the retaining clips, pawls and pawl springs can easily go flying overboard as a winch is dismantled,...
Repairing a leaking hull-to-deck joint
If you suspect a hull-to-deck joint has failed, then being absolutely sure where the actual leak is occurring is of prime importance. Areas to check are near the deck fittings, where the decks may be put under considerable stress by the rigging and the continued...
A five day sailing cruise of the Solent, UK
Welcome to our virtual Solent sailing cruise – a five day sail in the south of England from Bosham Quay in Chichester Harbour at the east end of the Solent to Lymington in the west. On our five day sailing cruise of the Solent we will be sailing more than 65 nautical...
Light characteristics – how do navigators identify lights at night?
How do navigators identify the different types of light around our coasts at night and what are their characteristics?Navigating at night is made possible through an assortment of navigation aids, both ancient and modern. Lights are arguably the most important of...
Sector lights, directional lights, leading lights – how do they differ?
Sector lights, directional lights and leading lights guide vessels safely through hazardous waters or narrow channels at night. These lights are used when approaching or leaving harbours and are marked on charts and in nautical almanacs. How do they differ from one...
The give-way hierarchy at sea – who gives way to whom?
Whatever their size or type, all skippers have a responsibility to avoid collisions with other boats at sea. It is important for all boat skippers to know the give-way hierarchy at sea to help avoid accidents. But how similar are the rules of the road on land and at...
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Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
Download from iTunes Download from Google Play
