Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, this is sailing vessel Lucky 2, Lucky 2, Lucky 2…
If you find yourself in a situation of grave and imminent danger and are out of VHF range of a coast guard, then that best buy EPIRB you bought, registered and hoped you’d never have to use will suddenly feel like you have the last truffle in a box of toffees.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) have been available to seafarers since the late 1970s, but they have changed considerably in the past 5 decades.

The early beacons used a radio frequency of 121.500-MHz , which was initially intended for downed aircraft. We have since moved over to 406MHz which is a radio signal readily detectable by satellites.

When activated, the EPIRB transmits a radio signal, this is picked up by one of many low earth orbit satellites. The Satellite pings the signal to a local earth station which then transmits it to a mission control centre. From here the rescue coordination centre are notified and they spring into action. With the latest EPIRBS, all of this can take just a few minutes. The search and rescue team follow the GPS track and Doppler signal from the beacon to locate you, to within an accuracy of around 100m. Older EPIRBS without GPS work to an accuracy of about 12.5km, so if you do have an older model, it’s certainly worth considering adding a newer GPS equipped model to your vessel.

Which model you have on your boat depends on your intended activity. Do you need a Cat 2 manually deployed or a Cat 1 hydrostatic release EPIRB?

Ocean Safety RescueMe EPIRB1 Cat 2 | YBW.com

Ocean Signal RescueME EPIRB1

Ocean Signal make a well-regarded range of safety beacons, and their EPIRB1 is probably the smallest on the market. It has a 10-year battery life, and 48+ hours operational life. Being such a compact model as Cat 2 version, this will fit to some small bulkhead spaces and will slip easily into a grab bag.

It also has a 66-channel internal GPS and a retractable antenna which you must remember to pull out when activating manually. The Pro version of the EPIRB1 offers an an automatic release housing.

Ocean Safety RescueMe EPIRB1 Cat 1 | YBW.com

• Operational life – 48+ hours
• User replaceable battery – yes
• Battery life – 10 years
• Auto activation – No
• AIS – No
• GPS – Yes
• 121MHz – Yes

Price From £380 / $447

Buy Ocean Signal RescueMe Epirb1 on Amazon (UK)

Buy Ocean Signal RescueMe Epirb1 on Amazon (US)

Buy Ocean Signal RescueMe Epirb1 on eBay

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

ACR GlobalFix V4 406 GPS EPIRB

This EPIRB has an internal 66-channel GPS, and a user-replaceable battery pack. It has a high-visibility LED strobe light, floats, and can be automatically activated via cat 1 hydrostatic release in housing or manually activated by cat 2 manual mount.

It claims 48+ hours run time, and comes with a 5-year warranty. The antenna is held by the bracket but deploys instantly on release.

• Operational life – 48+ hours
• User replaceable battery – yes
• Battery life – 10 years
• Auto activation – Yes
• AIS – No
• GPS – Yes
• 121MHz – No

Price £375 / $579.95

Buy ACR GlobalFix V4 EPIRB on Amazon (UK)

Buy ACR Globalfix V4 EPIRB on Amazon (US)

Buy ACR GlobalFix V4 EPIRB on eBay

McMurdo SmartFind G8 AIS EPIRB

As well as 406MHz and 121.5MHz transmitters, this EPIRB also includes an AIS transmitter to give local vessels location information and thus increase the chance of rescue by nearby craft.

It has a 77-channel multi-constellation GNSS receiver, manual/automatic activation, strobe light and 48 hours operating time thanks to a Lithium Ion battery that is good for 10 years before it needs replacing.

• Operational life – 48+ hours
• User replaceable battery – No
• Battery life – 10 years
• Auto activation – Yes (Cat 1) No (Cat 2)
• AIS – Yes
• GPS – Yes
• 121MHz – Yes

Price £721 / $625

Buy McMurdo Smartfind G8 AIS EPIRB on Amazon (UK)

Buy McMurdo Smartfind G8 AIS EPIRB  on Amazon (US)

Buy McMurdo Smartfind G8 AIS EPIRB on eBay

GME MT600G GPS EPIRB

The MT403 EPIRB has a 16-channel GPS receiver, a high visibility strobe light and can be automatically or manually activated. I and has a 10-year battery life and 6-year warranty included.

Operational battery life is 48 hours, and a mounting bracket is included.

• Operational life – 48+ hours
• User replaceable battery – No
• Battery life – 10 years
• Auto activation – Yes (Cat 1) No (Cat 2)
• AIS – No
• GPS – Yes
• 121MHz – No

Price From £554

Buy GME MT603G from Amazon.co.uk

Buy GME MT603G from Sartech.com

What we look for in an EPIRB?

• Internal GPS: Nearly all of the best EPIRBs available on the market today will have an integrated GPS, but if you have an older model, some of these don’t, which can mean they are much slower and less accurate at pinpointing your location
• User serviceable battery: You might like to consider a model which allows you to change the battery yourself.  Service centres can be costly but do offer peace of mind in return for an increased cost.
• Auto activation: Some of the best EPIRBS can be automatically activated upon immersion, and some housings will automatically release the EPIRB to float free should it become submerged, this is mandatory for SOLAS vessels.
• Retractable Antenna: These prevent damage when stowed, but must be deployed to allow the beacon to reach its full range potential.
• Dual-Frequency: Whilst all will transmit initially on 406MHz, some offer additional 121.5 MHz for accurate search and rescue homing. Some models have an AIS transmitter for local position pinpointing instead.
• Registration: Each EPIRB comes pre-programmed with a country code, so beware of buying EPIRBs online from other regions. You must register your EPIRB with the MCA in the UK. or the NOAA if you are based in USA

For past adventures and tales of rescue at sea you can read more at Yachting World and the 2020/21 Vendee Glove recue of Kevin Escoffier

Read how a PLB saved Solo Yachtsman, Nigel Fox’s life at Yachting Monthly

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best EPIRB: 4 emergency beacons for leisure sailors appeared first on YBW.

Few accessories are as necessary for boating and the activity of boat ownership than a good boating flashlight. Principally, there are two types of flashlights that boaters will want to take note of: namely spotlights and flood lights.

While the former type of light typically directs a focused beam of light towards a singular focal point, the latter lights an entire area – albeit to a lesser degree than a good spotlight. Both types of lights are useful for different tasks onboard and boaters will want one of each and likely backup as well.

Typically, handheld spotlights of sufficient power (>1,000 lumens or more) excel at night operations and are useful for locating channel markers, floating debris – and can even aid in a nighttime search and rescue (within reason) if the need arises.

Flood lights on the other hand, thrive as deck lights while moored or docked and are also especially useful for lighting recessed engine bays or other dark and enclosed compartments at night if the need for expedient repair or maintenance arises.

There are two types of onboard lights that boaters will have to decide between while shopping for boating flashlights: headlamps and handheld flashlights.

Personally, I would never use a handheld boating flashlight except in the case of a headlamp failure. While working on an engine in the bilge, or even working on deck, having both hands free to work while being able to have light in the direction one is looking is invaluable.

Therefore, the best course of action is to have one rechargeable head lamp for all crew members, a powerful handheld spotlight for underway night operations, and a floating waterproof flashlight as a contingency plan if all else fails.

7 of the best boating flashlights

Bushnell PRO Rechargeable 400L Multi-Color Headlamp

This Bushnell headlamp is an example of a quality rechargeable headlamp that boaters should consider having onboard. I recommend rechargeable headlamps as the ones that use normal disposable batteries go through them so quickly that one will spend a small fortune on batteries (not to mention run out of them at the most inopportune time).

While a waterproof headlamp would be better, this Bushnell unit is weather resistant and at 400 lumens with various flood and spotlight modes, packs enough punch and variation in features to be a boater’s primary portable light.

Buy it now on Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Coast HL8R 800 lm Rechargeable Pure Beam Focusing LED Headlamp

This headlamp made by Coast is king of all head-mounted lamps and is extremely powerful at 800 lumens with a focused beam that can penetrate the darkness at up to 700 feet.

If you are looking for a one-size-fits-all boating flashlight, this lamp may be a good option for you as it also features a flood light setting.

Its drawbacks are its fairly large size profile and lack of weatherproofing. In a pinch, the headlamp can also be run off 4xAAA batteries, in addition to the included rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

Buy it now on Amazon

Browning High Noon Handheld LED Spotlight

This Browning handheld spotlight is a great all-around handheld spotlight for boating because it is adequately bright for all but the darkest of nights at 1,000 lumens.

It is also waterproof, which is always a plus for boating flashlights, especially those that are smaller where boaters are more in tune with the elements.

A downside of this light is the price: buyers will pay a premium for a fully waterproof light and whether that is necessary and worth the added expense is up to the individual boater.

Buy it now on Cabelas

Stanley Fatmax SL10LEDS Rechargeable 2200 Lumen Lithium Ion Spotlight

This Stanley spotlight may be the best bang-for-the-buck boating flashlight as it can emit 2,200 lumens of light in a portable form factor, while being able to run on both DC battery and AC power.

As an added bonus, it can be used as a portable charging station for devices that are charged via USB in a pinch.

The battery life on this unit lasts up to 7 hours on low power which should be enough for most operations.

The only downside is that the unit is not fully waterproof, but it will stand up to light rain and spray from the sea, as long as it is not fully submerged under water.

Buy it now on Amazon

Lylting 90,000 Lumens ​​Rechargeable Spotlight

This behemoth of a handheld spotlight made Lylting is a bit of a niche product but is an excellent addition to a larger cruising vessel that carries multiple types of boating flashlights.

At 90,000 lumens, this spotlight is an excellent backup to a deck-mounted spotlight or searchlight as it is an excellent aid to navigation and search and rescue.

It is also IPX5 weatherproof, which means that it is not fazed by rain or spray from the sea—although it is still not guaranteed to survive a full submersion.

Buy it now on Amazon

Anhay 1200 Lumens Rechargeable LED Floodlight

This cordless and rechargeable outdoor work light made by Anhay is weather-resistant, impact-resistant, and features a profile that makes it ideal for hanging from an engine compartment latch or something similar.

All boaters and cruisers that do their own maintenance should consider a portable floodlight to use in unison with a rechargeable headlamp in order to light up the dark recesses of a cavernous engine compartment or bilge when doing maintenance after dark.

Buy it now on Amazon

Duracell Floating LED Flashlight

Every boater should own at least one of these handheld flashlights made by Duracell as a backup to the other lights mentioned above.

At 200 lumens, this light still packs a punch, while its sleek profile makes it easy to store in something like a Sunbrella pouch or winch-handle holder.

What’s more, this boating flashlight is fully waterproof, floats, and even lights up on its own when water is detected, making it the perfect light to carry in something like a ditch bag in case the unthinkable were to happen.

Buy it now on westmarine.com

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best boating flashlights: 7 LED torches for illuminating your boat appeared first on YBW.

As a general rule of thumb, man-made things don’t like being left out in the cold. Take roads, for example; exposed to the elements day-in, day-out, they end up full of potholes.

Similarly, boats suffer too, and while a cut and polish is all that’s needed to protect the hull and topsides, the interior of your pride and joy will also need some TLC if the ravages of winter – which typically manifest themselves in the form of damp, mould and mildew – are to be avoided.

While boat dehumidifiers go a long way to keeping matters in check, drying the air is only part of the solution and even the most efficient dehumidifier is likely to struggle to do the entire job of protecting a boat on its own.

The other part of the equation, which boat owners ignore at their peril, is maintaining the onboard temperature at a level sufficient to protect against the chill of the long, dark winter months ahead.

The best boat heaters come in a number of forms and types, and while permanently-installed, diesel-fuelled products such as those made by Webasto and Eberspächer do a brilliant job, it is simply not practicable to leave them running continuously throughout the winter.

Better then to install a temporary plug-in boat heater which can run off of shore power and be set to a low level to provide frost protection, similar to the overnight or ‘away from home’ setting of a domestic central heating system.

This approach effectively narrows the winter heater options for boat owners to two categories; thermostatically-controlled heaters or fixed, low power output heaters.

One final point to bear in mind is that while a single boat heater may be sufficient to warm the air in the cabins and saloon, a second boat heater strategically placed in the engine room can work wonders in terms of keeping the cold and condensation down there at bay.

7 of the best boat heaters available right now

Dimplex Electric Cold Watcher 500

One of the most respected names in the heating world, Dimplex’s heavy duty Cold Watcher 500 boat heater is compact and robust and can be depended upon to provide protection against the cold and frost.

The unit’s powerful 500 Watts element is controlled by a rotary switch enabling the output to be maintained at a constant, steady level.

This is a freestanding boat heater which measures just 25.5 x 33 x 15 cm. For added protection, the unit has a water resistance rating of IPX4 and has been tested against the British Standard for frost protection.

Buy it now from eBay

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Stor-Dry Air Heater and Circulator

The Canadians know a thing or two about the cold, so the Stor-Dry air boat heater and circulator from Ontario-based heater and fan specialist Caframo should be more than up to the job of keeping your boat protected over the winter.

Available from Force 4 Chandlery, the Stor-Dry is a low wattage warm air circulator designed to combat mould, mildew and musty odours.

The unit draws less than 75 Watts and is rust and corrosion proof. As a dual action air dryer, the Stor-Dry features both a heating element and a fan in a single unit. With no reservoir to empty, the unit can be left running continuously.

Buy it now from Force 4 Chandlery

PureMate Digital Convection Radiator

As a 2,000 Watt convector radiator, the PureMate portable electric boat heater provides a high output should it be needed. For those needing less power the unit has four settings, the lowest of which reduces the output to 667 Watts.

There’s also a 24-hour timer, an adjustable thermostat dial, temperature control and an ECO mode for added control. Supplied with a remote controller and featuring a thermal safety cut-out, the PureMate is an oil-free radiator.

Designed to look good as well as being versatile, the unit features a sleek design and measures 55.3 x 25.5 x 64.5 cm.

Buy it now from Amazon

Dimplex OFRB7N Eco Chico oil free radiator

Neatly packaged in a compact, if somewhat bulbous design, measuring just 44.6 x 29.6 x 19.4 cm, the Dimplex OFRB7N is a high performance, free-standing, mini radiator delivering 700 Watts of heating power.

Weighing in at just 5.4 kg, the unit can be easily moved around if required. As a state-of-the-art product, the Eco Chico uses Dimplex’s patented oil-free technology, which in addition to giving what Dimplex describes as an ultra-rapid heat-up time, is eco-friendly compared to its oil-filled counterparts.

This attractive little radiator is also BEAB (British Electrotechnical Approvals Board) approved and comes complete with a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Buy it now from eBay

VonHaus Mini Oil Filled Radiator

As a budget priced electric radiator, the 800 Watt VonHaus Mini offers good power and excellent value for money. While this radiator is oil-filled, the unit does incorporate an automatic tip-over switch – which is obviously a key point to note for any product being used in a marine environment.

There’s also a thermal safety cut-out to protect against overheating and an integrated rotary thermostat which is fully adjustable. The lightweight 3 kg design measures just 38 x 28 x 14 cm, making the product convenient to use and easily transportable. Rounding off the spec, the VonHaus Mini is supplied with a full two-year warranty.

Buy it now from Amazon

Dimplex ECOT2FT Tubular boat heater

Designed to be left running continuously, the Dimplex ECOT2FT is a compact tubular boat heater measuring just 71.3 x 8.1 cm. The unit’s low power 80 Watts rating means that it perhaps best described as a trickle heater; it won’t keep your boat warm but it will provide sufficient output to ward off the chill.

Popular amongst the owners of smaller vessels, boat heaters such as the Dimplex ECO2FT are noted for their durability, dependability and economy.

Their reliability is doubtlessly enhanced by the fact that there is very little to go wrong – for inside the tubular metal casing there is just the heating element, a thermostatic control and precious little else.

Buy it now from Screwfix

Buy it now from Amazon

Dimplex ECOT1FT tubular boat heater

The smallest of the boat heaters covered here is also unsurprisingly the least powerful, for the Dimplex ECOT1FT tube heater delivers just 40 Watts of warmth. It’s also an unashamedly basic product with no programmable features or timer functions.

But what this little boat heater is good at is delivering a low amount of heat continuously. All of these attributes, or lack of them, is what make this 40.8 x 8.1 cm product ideally suited to being situated in an engine room over the winter months.

Essentially, it’s a fit and forget product that will take the edge off the chill and help protect your engines against the cold all winter long.

Buy it now from Screwfix

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best boat heaters: 7 portable electric radiators to see you through the winter appeared first on YBW.

In the world of boating kit and clothing, Decathlon is still considered something of a new kid on the block, but the French giant has been creating sailing clothing, chandlery and boating equipment for many years now and their range is still expanding.

Decathlon has long produced good quality, inexpensive equipment for a wide variety of sports from skis and skiing wear, to archery equipment, or climbing kit.

Broadly Decathlon’s sailing range is branded under the ‘Tribord’ label (tribord being the French for Starboard). Initially, Decathlon mostly produced sailing and boating clothing, which usually performed extremely well in any of our testing and at a price point that makes it very competitive.

But in recent years the brand has branched out further still, now offering ropes, general chandlery, safety kit and much more.

Here, we’ve picked up what we consider to be some of the best Decathlon sailing kit in the Tribord range.

Best Decathlon sailing kit

Decathlon Women’s Waterproof Windproof Sailing Jacket 300

Read our full guide to the best women’s sailing jackets

Like all its performance sailing kit, Decathlon’s Sailing Jacket 300 has been produced in collaboration with sailors and designers to create exactly the sort of stylish, functional jacket required for coastal sailing.

This women’s jacket is waterproof, windproof and breathable, with special features which include a high fleece-lined collar, protective flaps and adjustable hem and cuffs to ensure a snug fit and to help stem water ingress.

In addition this women’s sailing jacket features a fully adjustable hood that can be zipped away in the collar. All plastic zips on this jacket are injection treated that Decathlon say helps stop salt oxidation.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Tribord Yacht Race boat shoes

These unisex race boat shoes have a bargain basement price, but they don’t skimp on quality.

Decathlon’s technical shoes are lightweight, with a mesh upper that benefits from a plasma coating that reduces water absorption by 40 per cent.

The sole is made of non-marking rubber, with deep drainage channels and an effective non-slip pattern.

Buy it now on Decathlon

Decathlon Cruise 100

If you’re not after something purely for onboard your boat – or something with slightly more traditional styling – and you happen to be female then you’d do well to consider Decathlon’s Cruise 100 Women’s Leather Boat Shoes.

These moccasin-style boat shoes are lightweight and offer comfort for active summer sailing. They have all the features expected of functional boat shoes including non-marking and non-slip micro-grooved natural rubber outsoles.

The uppers are made from a combination of split leather and thin lightweight mesh, which aids breathability. And the detachable cotton insoles help to keep things fresh!

Buy Decathlon Cruise 100 shoes from Decathlon

Decathlon Tribord LJ150N

This is one of the least expensive 150N lifejackets on the market which also includes automatic inflation, a crotch strap and a built-in harness.

Designed with technical input from French Vendée Globe sailor Tanguy De Lamotte, the LJ150N follows the current trend in having the outer cover secured with a zip that bursts when the bladder inflates, rather than the poppers and hook-and-loop fastener which was previously to go-to option for self inflating lifejackets and can still be widely found on older lifejackets.

This offering from Decathlon comes in black and the slim fit and good value make it a contender if you’re in the market for a basic lifejacket that’s functional and economical.

Buy it now from Decathlon

N.B. Decathlon has issued a recall for all Tribord LJ 150N lifejackets bought between 12 April 2021 and 27 August 2021. Customers are advised to not use it and return it to a store where a full refund will be given.

Decathlon Sailing robust Bermuda shorts 100

For those of us planning on sailing in warmer weather a pair of technical shorts is always a good addition to the sailing kit bag. These shorts were designed alongside a range of  sailors with a focus on inshore sailing.

These sailing Bermuda shorts provide great ease of movement thanks to the addition of elastane into the material and are very practical with their 6 pockets, including 2 secure zipped pockets. Perfect for keeping you comfortable onboard while allowing you to keep plenty of kit to hand.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Sailing elastic tether

There are some bits of safety kit that are simply vital and one of those is a safety tether, which attaches to a safety harness (sometimes incorporated into your lifejacket) and to your jackstays or other safety point onboard.

If you are planning on doing any ocean sailing, or indeed any sailing where you will be significantly off the coast, connecting your harness to a fixed point on the boat and preventing you from falling into the sea is vital.

Decathlon claims their tether is a quality tether developed, tried and tested in collaboration with the French sea rescue service (SNSM). It is compact (elastic), features a releasable harness snap hook and ‘one-handed’ main snap hook.

Buy it now from Decathlon

90 litre Waterproof bag

This very large 90 litre bag from Decathlon should be ideal for keeping all your sailing kit contained and, crucially, dry when out on the water. The backpack style design should make it easy to carry to and from the boat, while the waterpoofing makes it ideal for use from ship-to-shore.

Decathlon says this is a proper sailing bag designed with sailors’ needs in mind. It features multiple compartments to organise your things and keep them that way, to make life easier on board.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Men’s long john neoprene wetsuit

This sleeveless 2mm neoprene wetsuit offers great freedom of movement with its sleeveless design and thin material. It follows a move from many manufacturers to offer thinner wetsuits of the sleeveless style which allows the wearer greater flexibility than a full sleeved, or even short sleeved, option.

This men’s neoprene wetsuit should be ideal for regular dinghy/catamaran sailing in warm weather, or for other watersports activities like stand up paddleboarding. Without sleeves and at just 2mm thickness it is definitely a summer wetsuit, but will be suitable for much of the autumn and spring too, dependant on activity levels.

Extra features include a practical opening for easy urination and resistant patches for wear and chafing.

Buy it now from Decathlon

The post Best Decathlon sailing kit: 8 of the best products from the French giant appeared first on YBW.

It is sometimes said the word BOAT is an acronym for Bring Out Another Thousand. If that’s the case, then what could the word WATCH (which can cost up to $55 million according to luxe.digital) possibly stand for? Happily you won’t need to trade in a superyacht or two, as the products we’ve listed as our pick of the best sailing watches range from just under £1,700 all the way down to £29.99.

In addition to cost, watches have something else in common with boats – the huge variety of types, models and choices on the market today. And as with boating, it’s not always price that governs the best value for money – although that, of course, will depend upon how you define value for money, which in turn hinges upon what you are looking for from a sailing watch.

It’s a tricky question indeed, for some of the least expensive sailing watches like the Casio we showcase below can be packed with features and deliver phenomenal levels of accuracy for years and years. But perhaps watches at this end of the spectrum don’t make ideal adornments for the Commodore of the Yacht Club’s end of season black tie ball. So, as always, you pays your money and you takes your choice.

In making our selection of the best sailing watches, we’ve gone for some of the features we think matter to boaters. So while you will find sailing watches here capable of charting your course, monitoring race progress and reporting the state of the tide, we’ve left out timepieces such as the Graff Diamonds jewel-encrusted fifty-five million dollar baby we found online. Hopefully that will come as a relief, and presuming that to be the case, please read on.

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for boaters? Read our essential guide

The best sailing watches available right now

Garmin MARQ Captain

Our top priced pick comes from wearable techno-specialists, Garmin. As you’ve probably guessed by now, its MARQ Captain sailing watch comes packed with marine-relevant features.

Included here are the current weather and tides for your home port, a regatta timer which allows you to pinpoint starting times, tack assist to help keep you on the wind, and man overboard and GPS.

The full extent of its capabilities is governed by the onboard technology to which it is connected, but possibilities include streaming boat data direct to your wrist wherever you are on the boat and controlling products from the Garmin-owned Fusion range of audio systems.

RRP: £1,699.99 / $1,850

Buy it now from Garmin

Buy it now from Westmarine.com

Buy it now from Jura Watches

Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer

With wrist, hull, mast or boom mount options, the Swiss-made Ronstan ClearStart Race Timer is a maritime timepiece aimed squarely at the racing community.

It’s inventory of features include extra large, easy press silicon buttons, a highlighted start/stop button, oversized 16 mm digits set in a 65mm rotating face and a double line display simultaneously showing the race countdown and time of day.

In addition, the ClearStart Race Timer offers ISAF 5-4-1-0 and Match Racing programming, making it a great choice for competitive sailors. Ruggedly constructed and built to last, this sailing watch weighs in at 92 grammes and is water resistant to 50 metres.

RRP: $119.95 / £85

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now from West Marine

Optimum Time Series 14 Rechargeable sailing watch

Featuring a 36mm diameter liquid crystal display mounted within a bright red and black 68mm ABS case, Optimum Time’s Series 14 watch is a big, bold piece of horological engineering.

In fact it’s another timepiece so large that its maker suggests you can mount it on a mast or a boom rather than your wrist, which is not a bad idea while racing as it means the crew can see the same countdown timer as the skipper.

Waterproof to 5 ATM, (i.e. capable of withstanding a pressure of 5 bar), the sailing watch is packed with useful features and comes complete with a bespoke USB charger clamp for convenient charging.

RRP: £99 / $117

Buy it now on eBay

Buy it now on Amazon

Casio Tide Watch Orange

There’s no question that when it comes to affordable innovation, inspiring designs, versatility and verve, Casio is right up there with the best of them.

While some of the company’s prodigious output runs into the thousands of pounds, our choice here is very much at the thin end of the Casio price spectrum – but don’t be fooled, for this is no cheap bargain basement product.

The Casio Tide Watch Orange is, in fact, a highly sophisticated piece of kit which in addition to all the usual time, day and auto date functions displays the moon phase and a handy tide graph.

As we scrolled through the list of features, we were left wondering how anyone could pack so much into a 43mm diameter case. Then again, if anyone can, Casio can.

RRP: $29.99 / £35

Buy it now from Amazon

Garmin Quatix 6 sailing watch

Read MBY‘s Garmin Quatix 6 review

Garmin were kind enough to send me this watch to examine (and return afterwards, unfortunately).

This is very comprehensive, and clearly one of the best sailing watches out there, with functions for every type of pastime on the water – including diving. It is beautifully crafted and a quite extraordinary wrist computer.

Garmin is well known for superior boating instruments and they have now managed to squeeze all the data of a ten-inch chartplotter into a 1.3” inch round sailing watch.

Bluetooth functionality means you can connect it to a Garmin chartplotter using the free Garmin Connect app, and to other makes of plotter using the Garmin transceiver (a $150 extra).

This allows all the features of a chartplotter to be displayed on the watch, including charts and even autopilot control – provided it is also connected through the chartplotter.

Another amazing feature is the hundreds of different faces that can be downloaded to customise the watch, including a rather nice antique face and a copy of Big Ben’s face.

The Quatix 6 can also be switched between analogue and digital. The overall diameter is 51mm (2” in) with a 36mm (1 5/8” in) viewable face,  and it is 17mm (11/16”) thick.

The weight is 83g (3oz) with the plastic strap or 156g (5.5oz) with the stainless band, which is quite a bit heavier than a normal watch.

It receives e-mail and texts, can be used to control music on board, it is waterproof to 100 meters, sunlight readable and comes with night light. The Quatix 6 also monitors the user’s heart-rate.

The watch has a soft synthetic band, available in various colours. The battery version lasts 14 days with normal use, but there is also a solar-powered version, available at twice the price. But whatever you do, do not drop this sailing watch overboard, as it does not float!

RRP: £629 / $699

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Buy it now from Garmin

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Garmin Instinct outdoors watch

Read our Garmin Instinct review

Garmin also sent me this watch to examine. The Instinct is Garmin’s all-round watch, which they call their outdoors watch. Features which yachtsmen could use would be: GPS positioning on charts; barometric pressure and a compass.

It also has smartphone connectivity, receives e-mails and texts, and can control smartphone music. It has a thermometer and a heart-rate monitor.

The Garmin Instinct is available in an astonishing 20 different styles and colours. The actual diameter is 47mm (1 13/16” in) but the viewable face is 32mm (1 1/4”). The Instinct is 16mm (5/8” in) thick and weighs 53g (2 oz).

For the racing fraternity it has a multiple start sequence options. This outdoors watch is a good alternative for people who do not want to stump up the cost of a Quatix 6.

RRP: £269.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Buy it now from Garmin

Timex Intelligent Quartz Yacht Racer watch

This is a very striking larger than normal analogue watch, built specifically for racing sailors. It has all the necessary features, including race time from start to finish. It is 46 mm (1.81” in) diameter and 14mm (0.55” in) thick.

You would need to carry the instruction manual until you become familiar with this complicated watch. It has functions that require three buttons to be pressed in sequence. There are no cruising yachtsmen’s features though, not even GPS.

RRP: £132.99

Buy it now on the Watch Shop

Optimum Time Series 3 sailing watch

A lower priced, yet functional race watch, this is the biggest watch I have ever seen, and far too large for my wrist. It’s gigantic – 65mm (2.56” in) diameter and 16mm (0.62” in) thick – and bound to be heavy.

An advantage for racing is that this watch is easy to read at a distance, and a bracket is even supplied to fix it to a mast. It has a three-row display for easy viewing of the time and the timer at the same time. It also has a sync button if you miss the start gun.

This is a multi-function watch with tidal information, atmospheric temperature, and a compass. The Optimum Time Series 3 has a silicone strap that can be personalised, while the USB charging is unique.

RRP: £69

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Ronstan Clearstart RF4055 sailing watch

Another watch that comes from a reputable marine equipment manufacturer. This watch is essentially a specialist race watch. Race-mode features include multiple start sequence options, World Sailing 5-4-1-0 match racing timer and re-synchronization for an early or late start.

The Clearstart RF4055 is unusual in that it has a fiberglass case, which is available in three striking colours. It has a 50mm (2″) diameter face, which is larger than most watches, with a 13mm (0.5″ in) digital display, and the weight is 74gm (2.61oz). One function that makes it less appealing as a watch for yachtsmen is the absence of GPS.

RRP: £79.95

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Optimum Time Series 12 sailing watch

Another race-timer with countdown time and pre-programmed start and audible warnings. There is no GPS or interconnectivity, but you do get a countdown repeat option, World Sailing 5-4-1-0 start sequence pre-programmed with audible warning signals, and a sync button if the start gun is missed.

The Optimum Time Series 12 is available in many colours, but has a small 26mm (1.02” in) display, with 10mm (0.34” in) figures, which will make it hard to read in the middle of a hectic race start.

RRP: £95

Buy it now on eBay

Gill Race Watch Timer

This striking red and black Race Watch Timer is a sailing-specific watch developed exclusively for Gill. Water resistant to 30 metres, the timepiece unit is encased in a reinforced carbon ABS plastic housing with a stainless steel back.

As well as telling the time, the sailing watch’s functions include countdown with synchro, day, date and alarm. There’s a keyboard lock feature to ensure settings are not unwittingly altered and an electro-luminescent backlight allows the wearer to check the data day or night.

A neat sleep feature preserves and prolongs battery life in a ruggedly constructed unit designed for durability and years of trouble-free service.

RRP: $110 / £75

Buy it now from Amazon

Limit ProXR Countdown sailing watch

Limit has been producing watches for more than 110 years and specialises in offering a wide variety of styles at great value prices.

Our pick of the bunch is the Limit ProXR Countdown sailing watch which comes with a large, clear and easily readable display and is backed by a two year guarantee.

It also has a dual time display and stopwatch, countdown and pacer functionality. No fewer than five alarms can be set and there’s a night time illumination facility too.

Available in a choice of orange/black or blue/black, the looks of this chunky 50 mm case diameter sailing watch certainly belie its low price tag.

RRP: £29.99

Buy it now on Nauticalia.com

What makes a good sailing watch?

A watch used on the water is sometimes used in adverse conditions, especially when racing, or in heavy weather. Therefore it helps to have a digital readout with large numbers, instead of an analog face with many internal small dials. Some sailing watches have the ability to switch from digital to analogue readouts.

The wristband, (strap), is also important for a watch used on the water – if it fails an expensive sailing watch might fall overboard. Most watches have soft, rubber, synthetic wristbands, which are considered more sustainable than either leather or stainless steel in the sailing environment. Rubber straps are also lighter than stainless, easier to adjust and come in many different bright colours.

You can read more about other types of GPS enabled and waterproof fitness trackers and smart watches at YBW.com

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best sailing watches: 12 options that actually help on your boat appeared first on YBW.

What do you buy the boat owner who has everything? With so many potential Christmas gifts for sailors on the market, it can be easy to get lost, so we’ve cut out through the junk to bring you the best Christmas gift ideas to delight the sailor or boat owner in your life…

Decathlon Waterproof Windproof Sailing Jacket 300

Read our full guide to women’s sailing jackets

Decathlon’s Tribord range of sailing kit in general not only offers exceptional value for money but also delivers on performance, making their range, and this jacket in particular a great Christmas gift option.

Like all its performance sailing kit, Decathlon’s Sailing Jacket 300 has been produced in collaboration with sailors and designers to create exactly the sort of stylish, functional jacket required for coastal sailing.

According to Decathlon, it is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and special features include a high fleece-lined collar, protective flaps and adjustable hem and cuffs to ensure a snug fit and to help stem water ingress.

This jacket also features a fully adjustable hood that can be zipped away in the collar. All plastic zips on this jacket are injection treated that Decathlon say helps stop salt oxidation.

All in all, this is an excellent value for money, functional-looking jacket.

Buy the Decathlon Waterproof Windproof Sailing Jacket 300 from Decathlon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Tribit XSound Surf

Read our full guide to marine speakers

Our entry level choice is this IPX7 rated 12 Watt Bluetooth speaker from Tribit. Launched in 2017 Tribit is a relatively new player on the audio scene, but with a lead engineer who was previously with a leading US audio brand, they should know a thing or two about producing a great sound.

The company claims its own signature sound, with resonating bass, solid treble and balance all round are the hallmarks of its systems. And with a price point of less than £20, you’re unlikely to go too far wrong with this stylish, portable and waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

Buy the Tribit XSound Surf from Amazon

Gill harness rescue tool

Read our full guide to sailing knives

Fitting neatly into the category of life-saving sailing knives is this basic harness rescue tool from Gill. Its 420 stainless steel grade blade is titanium-coated for even greater resistance to corrosion. Just 127mm long, it’s a low-profile tool designed to be slipped into any convenient pocket on your sailing suit or buoyancy aid.

The tool’s shackle key will fit many small to medium size shackles and a protective nylon sheath is included. The G10 composite handle gives a good grip regardless of whether the tool is wet or dry, and the blade itself is serrated to provide an efficient cutting edge for emergency use.

Buy the Gill harness rescue tool from Amazon

Parrot Bebop

Read our full guide to drones for sailing

Simplicity in motion sums up the funkily named Parrot Bebop as this drone features an intelligent flight system which automatically keeps the Parrot aloft and under the user’s control at all times by way of its associated app.

The integrated onboard camera takes 14 mega pixel 180-degree fish eye photos and shoots 1080p high definition video, which can be monitored from the ground by way of a live feed direct to the pilot’s phone.

The Parrot Bebop can manage up to 12 minutes on a single charge, so investing in a spare battery might well be an option to consider here.

Buy the Parrot Bebop dron now on Amazon

Decathlon inflatable SUP

These are brilliant multi-purpose watersports tools, whether for exploring an anchorage, use as a second tender, or hassle free fun in its own right. It could hardly be a better Christmas gift for the sailor who has everything. 

Inflatable paddleboards can now be seen everywhere, including almost every anchorage in popular sailing destinations, beaches throughout Europe and on a whole host of lakes, rivers and canals.

This 335 litre, 11ft board from Decathlon is one of the most keenly priced, and has a generous beam, which makes it a forgiving beginner’s board, even for those who weigh more than 80kg, yet it’s large enough for two more experienced people.

The board is fairly light weight and fits in a back pack. It’s therefore very portable, easy to stow in the smallest of apartments, and light enough to travel with by train and by air.

Buy the Decathlon inflatable paddleboard from Decathlon

Bushnell Marine 7×50 Waterproof binoculars

Read our full guide to the best marine binoculars

These well-specced marine binoculars from US outdoors firm Bushnell are waterproof, non slip, rubber-covered and nitrogen filled. While relatively unknown in the marine market, they have long been associated with hunting and outdoor sports.

These operate as something of a middle ground they do have coated optics for increased light transmission and brightness. They also have a single eyepiece adjustment to suit your eyesight – unlike the Plastimo option above, but they are not quite as advanced or with as high quality optics as some of the options Bruce tested.

Buy the Bushnell Marine binoculars from Amazon

Wuzzo Branklet Deck Shoe

Read our full guide to waterproof boat shoes

Wuzzos is a new name in the leather boat shoe market. There is little that particularly stands out at first glance but personalisation options combined with the made-in-Europe build, hand stitching and sewing, and good quality leather gives them a luxury feel.

The leather is fantastically soft and the soles offer a great level of padding. On deck, the Wuzzo Branklets really impress with decent grip offered by the razor-cut soles. We tested a pair while sailing onboard a yacht with a missing foot rest at the helm.

Sailing upwind in around 20 knots, without any reefs and so had a significant amount of heel there was not a single moment in an entire afternoon’s sail that the shoes were anything other than secure. For the sailor on your life, these would make a very upmarket Christmas gift that is practical too. 

Buy Wuzzos Branklet Boat Shoe from Amazon

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The post Best Christmas gifts for sailors: What to buy the boat owner who has everything appeared first on YBW.

When it comes to selecting the best women’s sailing jacket, the first thing you will want to do is to weigh up the sort of sailing you are likely to be involved in. Women’s sailing jackets can vary greatly in terms depending on planned usage so it’s really important to invest in one that is fit for purpose.

This guide features what are commonly known as coastal jackets, which generally means they are suitable for just that – coastal sailing as opposed to offshore sailing where conditions are more likely to be extreme. Keeping dry, and therefore as warm as possible, are key when sailing, so a good women’s sailing jacket is vital.

Those involved with regular cruising or racing will know only too well that what could start out as a clement day’s sail round the coast can easily turn into a battle against the elements that will have you reaching for more appropriate clothing.

While a coastal jacket, particularly those with built in hoods, will keep the rain and spray off to a certain degree, if you are likely to sail regularly for longer periods in open water, long-term it is well worth considering investing in both the coastal and offshore options.

One of the many good things about a coastal jacket is that thanks to its lighter construction, it can double up as a casual jacket for onshore use. However you decide to use the coastal jacket though, it’s important to make sure it fits well.

Thankfully, with so many technical sailing clothing companies now recognising the importance of designing sailing apparel specifically for the female form, no longer do women have to make do with the ‘one size-fits-all’.

A women’s sailing jacket is generally designed without unnecessary bulk, so when trying one on make sure there is enough room for one or two layers underneath, even if it means going up a size from your normal fitting. The elegant shape will still be apparent but you will find it more comfortable when wearing multiple layers.

Remember there is no getting away from the fact that it’s inevitable you’ll get wet through spray or rain at some point, so choose a jacket that’s waterproof. It should also have taped seams and ideally should be constructed of breathable fabric. I would also recommend choosing a jacket with a foldaway hood, a high collar, and adjustable cuffs to help keep water ingress at bay.

If you’re looking for a full set of sailing clothes, make sure you read our guide to the best women’s sailing trousers.

7 of the best women’s sailing jackets available right now

Gill OS3 Women’s Coastal Jacket

Gill’s OS3 collection is one of the British brand’s best selling range and the women’s Coastal Jacket, that has been updated this year, not only has all the essential technical features but it is also particularly stylish.

The jacket features two layers of fabric and is mesh-lined with fully taped seams that Gill say makes it waterproof, windproof, highly breathable and light weight. All these features combine to make it a great women’s coastal sailing jacket.

You’ll also find the adjustable cuffs with PU inner seals, fleeced lined, high cut thermal collar, and fold-away hood will keep you snug and warm when it gets wet and windy.

Like most technical sailing clothing brands, Gill put safety first and has included subtle, yet effective, hi-vis trim in key areas of the jacket including the hood.

Gill has also designed the side entry pockets with Velcro closures, and which are deep enough for essentials such as gloves.

Buy the Gill OS3 Women’s Coastal Jacket now from Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Helly Hansen W Salt Coastal Jacket

Trusted by outdoor professionals and enthusiasts throughout the world, Helly-Hansen is definitely a brand to consider when choosing a coastal sailing jacket.

The latest W Salt Coastal Jacket, launched in early 2021 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the first Norwegian crew that raced the Whitbread Round the World Race (now The Ocean Race), has been designed with style and performance in mind.

Those averse to branding however, may find the Helly Hansen logo all the way down the front a font too large!

Constructed with 2-layer ‘Helly Tech’ Performance fabric, Helly says the jacket is sturdy and durable while remaining lightweight and offering full protection from water and wind. It has double cuffs, a total of six pockets, a hi-vis packable hood, SOLAS-approved reflectives, and a high fleece-lined collar that offers plenty of protection from the elements.

Overall, this is a really stylish, lightweight performance jacket that will serve you well. It is also available in a particularly attractive Caribbean blue as well as classic red.

Buy the Helly Hansen W Salt Coastal Jacket from Helly Hansen

Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket

Musto has really gone to town with the design and development of the Women’s BR2 Coastal Jacket, making it a stylish, yet practical addition to your sailing wardrobe.

Knowing a thing or two about heavy weather technology, Musto has produced the jacket using 3-layer fabric (same as 2 layer but with an additional durable scrim layer bonded to the membrane).

Like most coastal-style jackets, it has a mesh lining making it light enough for layering up underneath. Musto says its waterproof and breathable to meet Musto’s BR2 standard (10K/10K water column rating), which makes it a good piece of kit for prolonged torrential downpours.

A high-grade double storm flap over the zip, and double cuffs with adjustable outer cuffs should help stem the water flow, while the fluorescent hood and fleece lined hand warmer pockets are ideal for keeping your hands warm when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Buy the Musto BR2 Coastal Jacket from Musto 

Decathlon Waterproof Windproof Sailing Jacket 300

If budget is a major factor when choosing women’s sailing jacket, you can always rely on Decathlon to fit the reasonably priced bracket. In fact, Decathlon’s Tribord range of sailing kit in general not only offers exceptional value for money but also delivers on performance.

Like all its performance sailing kit, Decathlon’s Sailing Jacket 300 has been produced in collaboration with sailors and designers to create exactly the sort of stylish, functional jacket required for coastal sailing.

According to Decathlon, it is waterproof, windproof and breathable, and special features include a high fleece-lined collar, protective flaps and adjustable hem and cuffs to ensure a snug fit and to help stem water ingress.

This jacket also features a fully adjustable hood that can be zipped away in the collar. All plastic zips on this jacket are injection treated that Decathlon say helps stop salt oxidation.

All in all, this is an excellent value for money, functional-looking jacket.

Buy the Decathlon Waterproof Windproof Sailing Jacket 300 from Decathlon

Rooster Passage 3-layer jacket

Although not specifically designed for women, the Rooster Passage 3-layer unisex jacket is tailored sufficiently enough for a close fit to look good on women. It has a scooped back in the hip area to provide extra protection from wash when sitting on deck.

Constructed from 3-layer technical fabric with high quality Hipster Tape on the fully taped seams, and all the features you would expect from a quality coastal jacket, this is definitely one to consider.

There are also plenty of well-positioned deep pockets including useful chest pockets that have water repellent zips and plastic key loops inside. There is a reflective stow away hood with structured peak, fleece lined hand warmer pockets, and adjustable cuffs/hem.

Buy the Rooster Passage 3-layer jacket from Rooster

Zhik Women’s Platinum INS200 Jacket

Zhik has come up trumps with the INS200 Platinum jacket because it really is a good-looking, streamlined design that has all the features suitable for not only performance sailing but also for use as a lightweight jacket on shore.

This jacket is part of Zhik’s new INS200 range that features 3-layer, waterproof Vecta Fabric Technology, and has all the features required for high activity coastal and inshore sailing.

Zhik tell us the Vectra fabric is lightweight, waterproof with a breathable membrane suitable for moderate levels of activity and higher levels of waterproof durability than the industry average.

Inside, all seams are taped with further reinforcement on critical seam junctions. And the smooth hood design is fully adjustable for a customised fit and has a neat internal gusset made from Spandex. According to Zhik, this keeps the hood in contact with your forehead, preventing water ingress and wind and makes the hood move with your head.

Buy the Zhik Women’s Platinum INS200 Jacket from Zhik

Pelle P W Tactic Jacket

If you are searching for a chic looking, quality coastal jacket, the Pelle P Women’s Tactic Race jacket should be at the top of your list. Inspired by Pelle Petterson’s lifestyle and achievements as an Olympic athlete and yacht designer, this Swedish company never fails to design elegant yet extremely functional clothing.

The Women’s Tactic Race Jacket is, according to Pelle P, waterproof, windproof and highly breathable and incorporates Pelle P’s ‘Hi:Res 20T2L’ stretch membrane. It has taped seams and a fixed hood, which is adjusted with drawstrings. To ensure maximum mobility, it has articulated sleeves with Cordura reinforced elbows, and the cuffs are manufactured using elastic PU with Velcro fastening for a close fit to, importantly, keep water out.

The subtle yet effective Pelle P logo is placed in strategic areas to ensure the jacket is extra visible in low light including a reflective P logo at top of the fluorescent hood.

Buy the Pelle P W Tactic Jacket from Marine Superstore

The post Best women’s sailing jacket: 7 options to keep you warm and dry appeared first on YBW.

Jeans and waterproof trousers may be enough for summer daysails, with thermal leggings under your trousers for windier days, but for anything more you really do need to consider picking up a pair of the best women’s waterproof pants, trousers of salopettes to properly keep you warm and dry.

However, frequent hot drinks are important for crew warmth and morale, and I know from my own experience that often women refuse them because of the hassle of removing their lifejacket, oilskin jacket, and mid-layer jacket for every heads visit.

Furthermore (you’d maybe noticed) women are a different shape. Men’s salopettes that fit my hips would need a foot taken off the legs. I wanted sailing trousers designed for women.

What to look for in women’s waterproof pants 

I wanted the things almost all of them advertise: waterproof, windproof, breathable, with articulated knees for ease of movement, robustly constructed with reinforced knees, seat and back leg hems, and sealed seams.

I wanted adjustable straps and waist, and a pocket would be handy for the days I didn’t need my big jacket on top. I wanted a nice, bright colour, but absolutely not “womanly” pink or powder blue. Finally, I wanted an easy way of getting to the heads.

If you live near a chandler, do take the chance to go and try things on, particularly the bib/salopettes; you may find you have to compromise on fit in a way you wouldn’t even consider if you were buying a new pair of jeans.

One reviewer warned that the manufacturer’s warranty is cancelled if you do repairs yourself, like taking trouser legs up.

11 of the best women’s waterproof pants

Highlander Waterproof Packaway Trousers

Starting at the most basic of the budget end, Highlander makes waterproof packaway trousers. They’re advertised as windproof, waterproof and breathable, and are thin enough to pack into a small carrybag.

They have an adjustable elasticated waist and an ankle fastening. There are no pockets, just access slits, and one reviewer commented that these gape when you’re sitting, which would let water in.

RRP: £22.99

Buy it now from Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Regatta Women’s Highton Waterproof Overtrousers

Regatta also has a pair of basic women’s overtrousers, which are advertised as waterproof, windproof, breathable, stretch unlined over-trousers. The seams are taped, they have a zip front waist, part-elasticated waistband and a zip at the ankles.

There are two zipped pockets and they are available in two colours: navy and black. The buyer feedback is generally positive, though several people mention they found the trousers slightly long in the leg – however on the Regatta website they advertise three leg lengths.

The material is 100% polyester stretch fabric. For only £2 difference in price, these sound a more durable option than the Highlander ones.

RRP: £24.70

Buy it now from Amazon

Donhobo Women’s Walking Waterproof Trousers

Slightly more sophisticated are donhobo’s Women’s Walking Waterproof Trousers, thermal fleece lined. These are advertised as suitable for skiing, snow, hiking and fishing. They come in several colours, and are advertised as windproof, waterproof and breathable.

The general shape is like a slim-legged pair of jeans. They have a zip front waist and elasticated back waist. The knees are reinforced and there are several zipped pockets.

The inner fleece should make them warm; a picture warns that it’s flammable, so be careful near the cooker. Amazon reviews are generally enthusiastic, though a couple comment on the sizes being a neat fit (go for one larger) and one says that they’re not breathable, and so can get hot and sweaty.

RRP: £32.99

Buy it now from Amazon

Rohan’s Women’s Ventus Overtrousers

At the top end of the simple waterproof trousers market, I tried on Rohan’s Women’s Ventus Overtrousers. Their fabric means water should run off, and they’re windproof and breathable.

They have a two-way outer-leg zip, a comfortably soft elasticated waist with adjustable cord and – a clever touch – a cold-hands release button for the waist cord.

There’s an outer hang-up loop at the back waist, and a little clip at the foot to clip the trouser hem to shoelaces. The knees are reinforced, they don’t have pockets, and come only in Carbon colour.

I tried these on over jeans and found them a most wonderfully comfortable fit – but then at £150 they really should be.

RRP: £150

Buy it now on rohan.co.uk

Musto BR1 Hi-back Trousers

Moving on to gear designed for sailing, Musto’s BR1 Hi-back trousers are waterproof, windproof and breathable; there’s a zip front opening, an elasticated back waist with belt loops, and zipped pocket access sorts the gaping problem.

The seat and hems are reinforced, but not the knees. There’s a higher back, for warmth, which is a good idea.

The description says they are ‘made to deliver outstanding protection in torrential rain’, which may not be quite the same as keeping you dry when you catch a wave on the foredeck.

They come in black only, and though they’re advertised under ‘women’, they seem to be unisex, which generally means designed for men.

Several buyers commented on the excessive length of the legs, and one also found them baggily wide.

RRP: £125

Buy it now from musto.com

Helly Hansen HP Foil Pant

Helly Hansen also makes a pair of trousers similar to the Musto ones, with 2-ply fabric, sealed seams and a mesh lining. Both the seat and knees are reinforced, and the knees are articulated.

They have a front fly, adjustable waist and belt loops, but the waist is described as ‘low cut’ for freedom of movement – I suspect that may mean that your upper layers come untucked.

There are cargo hand pockets and the trousers come only in black. The sizes range up to XXL.

Otherwise, these trousers come as a “bib” or salopettes, generally with a long front zip access and differing heights of front and back.

RRP: £150

Buy it now at oceanleisure.co.uk

Gill Women’s Coastal Trousers OS3

I found only two pairs of waterproof trousers with a drop-seat facility, the Gill and Helly Hansen Offshore bibs.

Gill’s women’s coastal trousers are salopettes with 2-layer fabric protection. There’s a zip-front access, and they’re cut slightly lower than most pairs, so the adjustable straps are longer, and so may slide down your shoulder.

The knees and seat are reinforced, and there’s a fastening at the ankle. Graphite is the only colour available, they’re made in women’s sizes up to 20, but there’s no variation in leg length.

RRP: £155

Buy it now from Amazon

Helly Hansen Salt Coastal Bib for Women

Helly Hansen‘s Salt Coastal Bib for Women has a two-layer construction with a quick-drying inner mesh and sealed seams. It’s windproof, waterproof and breathable. The two-way front zip has a stormflap and inside gusset, and the seat and knees are reinforced.

The cargo pocket has a turnover top held by a piece of velcro. The waist, shoulder straps and hems are adjustable, but I felt, trying them on, that when you pulled the back waist in, you also flattened the front. The underarms are elasticated.

There’s a reflective panel on the front chest. The sizes go from XS to XL. Two colours are available: Ebony or Red.

RRP: £220

Buy it now on hellyhansen.com

Gill OS2 Offshore Women’s Trousers

Gill OS2 Offshore Women’s Trousers are higher-cut than their coastal trousers, and advertise an advanced waterproof and breathable finish, and fully taped seams.

They have a two-way zip, adjustable braces with a clip fastening (so that you don’t need to keep readjusting) and ankle fasteners. The back waist and underarms are elasticated for a snug fit.

There’s a cargo pocket on the front with a D-ring for tools and hand-warmer pockets. There’s a drop-seat facility, which got a special mention from one reviewer as a good thing: a covered zip along the top of the seat reinforcement with an internal waterproof gusset.

They come in black only and they’re made in women’s sizes up to 18, but there’s no variation in leg length.

RRP: £225

Buy it now on Amazon

Helly Hansen Skagen Offshore trousers

Helly Hansen’s Skagen Offshore Women’s Bib has a two-layer fabric with mesh lining and sealed seams. The seat and knees are articulated and fully reinforced. The waist, shoulder straps and hems are velcro-adjusted, and there’s a two-way front zipper.

There’s a zipped cargo pocket on one side, a mesh one on the other and two little under-bust pockets for keys. Like the Gill Offshore trousers, these have a drop-seat feature and a covered zip around the hips.

The only colour is ebony, and they come in XS, S, M and L, so up to a size 16/18.

RRP: £220

Buy it now on hellyhansen.com

Musto Women’s MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore Trousers

Musto’s Women’s MPX Gore-Tex Pro Offshore Trousers are for serious sailing. The three-layer fabric is waterproof , windproof and breathable. The knees and seat are reinforced and articulated for ease of movement, and the back hems of the legs are also reinforced.

The shoulders, back waist and ankles are adjustable. The underarms are elasticated for a snug fit. There are two fleece-lined hand-warmer pockets and a loop for attaching your multi-tool.

They come in red or black, sizes go only up to 16 (a neat 16, according to one buyer, who had to change hers for a men’s medium) with no variation in leg length.

As with the BR1 trousers, the photos and spec of these is very similar to the men’s offshore trousers, with no mention of women-specific features.

Reviews of these were generally good, but there were a couple of comments about trouser length and how long they remained waterproof.

RRP: £425

Buy it now on musto.com

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best women’s waterproof pants: 11 of the best options for sailing appeared first on YBW.

While most of us buy our boats for the enjoyment they provide out on the water, it’s an inescapable fact that virtually every leisure craft spends far more time on its berth than it does out at sea. It follows, therefore, that its dock lines – the ropes used to secure the vessel to its berth – need to be of the correct type and size to hold the boat fast whatever the conditions when their owners are far away, back home on dry land.

Whether your boat is moored shoreside, on a swinging mooring or a running anchorage, always consider the risks when leaving the vessel unattended.

While the size of the rope required will depend on the size of the boat (see here for a useful sizing chart) you will not regret upsizing to a larger rope than recommended whenever a major storm rolls in. It’s also worth considering doubling up on boat ropes, again to provide additional protection against the worst of the weather.

In terms of materials, the choice is principally between nylon and polyester, both of which are strong and durable and are offered in a vast array of colors and color combinations. Owners of classic craft may opt for a synthetic hemp-lookalike rope for an authentic look.

Finally, should you go for twisted or braided lines? In our view, braided lines tend to be the more attractive of the two, as well as having a better touch and feel due to their being the more flexible. Twisted rope, however, is less expensive, can be easily spliced and is slightly more stretchy than braided line.

Whichever type and size of rope you choose, it also goes without saying they need to be maintained in good order – so do check frequently for fraying, wear and tear.

6 of the best dock lines

Softline multifilament mooring rope

Handmade in the UK, Softline multifilament mooring ropes are available in no fewer than ten colors. There’s a great choice of diameters too – from 8 to 24 mm in 2 mm increments – and the length can be specified as anything from 4 metres upwards.

Add to that a 3″ to 20″ soft eye at one end and heat sealing, a second soft eye or a thimble at the other, and you’ve got one of the most flexible and versatile line offerings on the market today.

Key properties of Softline multifilament ropes include high strength, UV- and abrasion-resistance, and zero water absorption.

Price: From £15.00

Buy it now from ropeservicesuk.com

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Article continues below…

Best anchor ropes: 6 of the best lines to hold your boat steady

Anchoring – the act of holding something in place – is a simple of enough concept in itself. However, when…

Best boat rope: Twisted and braided options for docking your yacht

‘Give ’em enough rope…’ You know the rest; it’s an expression that’s been around for more than 350 years. But…

WYCY mooring rope bungee

Sold in packs of two, these bright yellow and green rippled WYCY docklines comprise a built-in hidden 10 mm shock-absorbing rubber band with a woven PE outer layer.

Suitable for a variety of applications – small boats, kayaks, personal water craft and so on – these ropes facilitate quick docking by virtue of their rust proof 316 stainless steel clip at one end and a spliced loop at the other.

The length of the bungee rope is 4 feet (124cm), extending to 5.5 feet (170cm) under load, making it easy to get on and off without having to pull the boat.

I own a pair of these lines and find them extremely useful and of good quality.

Price: £18.99

Buy it now from Amazon

Rainier Supply Co two pack nylon dock line

Another twin pack offer, Rainier Supply Co’s dock lines are available in two formats; 15 feet of 3/8″ rope or 25 feet of 1/2″ rope.

Made of soft, double braided black nylon, these lines are easy on the boat, comfortable to handle, strong and resistant to oil, mildew and rot.

A 12″ eye is include in the price and both ends are heat treated and wrapped to ensure the line does not unravel. If you are looking for a ready made mooring line solution, these Rainier Supply Co own-brand ropes might just be the answer.

Price: £23.16

Buy it now from Amazon

Greenever four pack double braided nylon mooring rope

With a breaking strength of up to 6,500 lbs these 1/2″ Greenever dock lines are suitable for boats from 20 to 30 feet.

Supplied in navy blue, the each rope features a 12″ eye loop at one end, with the bitter end being heat treated and whip locked. Made of marine grade nylon, their double-braided construction is durable and fray resistant.

Abrasion-resistant and with high levels of tolerance to UV, oil, rot and mildew, these packs of four lines provide a flexible mooring solution with each 15″ line coming in at a unit price of less than £15.00.

Price: £56.64

Buy it now from Amazon

Spliced set length LIROS braided polyester dock line

Jimmy Green Marine is a well-established and respected supplier of ropes of all kinds. This particular offer – 16 mm Liros braided dock line polyester mooring warps – is available in 10, 12 or 14 metre fixed lengths in a choice of either navy blue or black.

But if that doesn’t suit, the company will custom build ropes to your specific requirements.

Each rope in our featured offer has a 300 mm soft loop splice at one end and whipping at the other, with all ropes finished in house by the Jimmy Green rigging team.

Among the features and benefits of Liros braided polyester dock lines are high elasticity, high load capacity and excellent resistance to UV and abrasion.

Price: £87.00 – £112.00

Buy it now from jimmygreen.com

Hempex synthetic hemp mooring line

While the purists might sniff at the use of synthetic hemp, these strong, weatherproof Hempex mooring lines certainly do a job and do it well. In short, they are hard wearing polypropylene ropes which give a traditional look while offering all the advantages of a man-made fibre.

Our featured product is supplied by Dover-based ships chandler, Sharp & Enright via their eBay store, with synthetic ropes in 12 diameters from 3 mm to 28 mm on offer.

The minimum length of these beige color lines is 5 metres, with options all the way to 75 mm listed.

Price: £7.45 – £271.50

Buy it now from eBay

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best dock lines: 6 of the best options for a secure mooring appeared first on YBW.

Anchoring – the act of holding something in place – is a simple of enough concept in itself. However, when it comes to securing the position of a vessel bobbing around in the ocean in a variety of sea states ranging from millpond to hostile, the subject is worthy of deeper consideration.

Anyone who has spent a night at anchor with an angry sea slapping at the sides of their boat will testify to the importance of getting it right. And that means choosing the correct rope, or warp, to connect the boat to its anchor, is vital.

Not all forms of anchoring involve achieving a direct fix to the seabed. Fishermen, for example, may look to deploy a drift anchor (aka a sea anchor) to act as a drogue in order to slow the passage of their vessel in open water. Such anchors are often used by those fishing from kayaks and we’ve included an example in our selection below.

Article continues below…

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But for most of us, anchoring means holding fast on the seabed, and here a combination of boat rope and chain, known as a rode, is often the preferred solution. The purpose of the chain is to lay flat on the seabed and help set the anchor so that any pull on it will be more horizontal than vertical. The rope, cheaper than chain, then provides the link between the chain and the boat.

In summary, when it comes to choosing the best anchor ropes, the rule of thumb is the more weight the better. The two most commonly used anchor warp materials are nylon and polyester, which in addition to being durable are both relatively weighty.

An additional option is to go for a leaded warp. The diameter of the rope should be chosen with its breaking strain and the weight of the vessel taken into consideration. A useful guide to determining the size of your anchor warp can be found on JimmyGreen.com

6 of the best anchor ropes for boats

Docooler kayak drift anchor rope

Here’s our pick for a kayak drift anchor. Branded ‘Docooler’ this highly affordable piece of kit comprises a 9.1 metre long nylon rope, a bright yellow EVA floating foam ball and stainless steel clips at either end to secure the kayak to a drogue chute, which is not supplied and has to be purchased separately.

Available on Amazon, the Docooler is not restricted to acting as a drift anchor rope; users report it also comes in handy for joining two stand up paddleboards together in order to tow the kids home when they’ve had enough!

Price: £10.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Superlene anchor line

Superlene anchor lines carry the Talamex brand, which is the yachting division of respected Netherlands-based marine products supplier Lankhorst Taselaar/Hohorst. That means they should be good, so purchasers can expect to receive a quality product.

Available in multiple colours including blue, navy, black and white, these lines are offered in pre-cut lengths of 20 metres. Two diameters of line are listed, 10 mm and 12 mm, and each line is supplied with a spliced-in stainless steel thimble for easy attachment. The rope itself is of the twisted variety, so will be slightly more stretchy than an equivalent braided line.

Price: £27.22 – £44.84

Buy it now on Amazon

Force 4 leaded anchor rope30m

Leading chandlery Force 4 offers its own-branded anchor rope, which are available in diameters of 10 mm or 12 mm. Manufactured from a braided polyester material for strength and good handling, each rope features a lead core over the first 10 metres of its length.

This makes these lines ideal for dinghies, small RIBs and open boats. The advantage of a leaded line is that while they share many of the benefits of chain, the risk of damaging the boat is diminished. Also, leaded lines do not collect as much mud and weed as chain, and, of course, they won’t rust.

Supplied in lengths of 30 metres, the 10 mm line is intended for boats of up to 16 feet, while the 12 mm lines is recommended for craft up to 20 feet in length.

Price: £62.95 – £72.95

Buy it now on Force 4

Talamex polyester braided anchor rope

Another Talamex branded product, this time available on eBay, where the seller offers a quantity discount of up to 5 percent for a multi-buy – so if you run a fleet of small boats, this supplier could be the one for you!

These ready-to-use anchor ropes are made of braided polyester line with a lead core. A stainless steel thimble, spliced in and finished with whipping, completes the package which is sold in 20 metre lengths.

Just one size of line – 10 mm – is offered, which should prove strong enough for vessels of up to 16 feet in length.

Price: £63.89

Buy it now on eBay

Pindex nylon anchor rope

This nylon anchor rope from Pindex is supplied in pre-cut lengths. Buyers can choose from the following options:

• 10 mm line: 30 or 61 metres
• 12 mm line: 30, 61 or 91 metres
• 19 mm line: 45 metres

As such, there’s a Pindex anchor rope to suit many light and heavy duty applications. Each line is constructed from high quality, three stranded braided nylon and features a stainless steel thimble secured by a good joint and strong whipping.

Ensuring a quality job at both ends of the line, the bitter end of each rope is heat sealed to prevent unravelling.

Price: £23.99 – £69.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Liros leaded anchor rope

Regarded by many as the gold standard of rope, our featured Liros leaded anchor rope is offered by TCS Chandlery. Supplied in a sturdy anchor bag, this line has a lead core built into its first 10 metres of length enabling it to be used with our without chain, depending on the type of vessel and the conditions in which it is anchored.

A stainless steel thimble, spliced into the end and secured with whipping, is included. The line itself is made from a white with blue colour coding 100 percent polyester yarn, which is both chafe and UV resistant.

Price: £114.95

Buy it now on tcschandlery.co.uk

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best anchor ropes: 6 of the best lines to hold your boat steady appeared first on YBW.

In many ways, Bluetooth has been manna from Heaven for the boating community. No longer is it necessary to struggle routeing wires from the stereo to the speakers, Bluetooth does away with that at a stroke. Just stream from your smartphone, tablet or other device instead.

Depending on who you choose to believe, Bluetooth has a range of between 10 and 30 metres, although the actual distance it reaches can be shortened due to walls, partitions and other obstacles. But – and importantly – Bluetooth does not require line-of-sight to work, which makes it great for boating applications.

Lastly, Bluetooth doesn’t care unduly about the weather, so as long as the speakers themselves are waterproof, they’re good to go on a boat.

Article continues below…

Best marine speakers: From portable waterproof speakers to high end systems

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A word of advice here, the Ingress Protection code covers a range of water resistance from IPX1 (protection against condensation or vertical drips) to IPX8 (protection for more than 30 minutes against immersion under pressure).

So when checking just how ‘waterproof’ a marine speaker is, look for its IPX rating. A full explanation of the IP rating system is available on the RS Components website.

Today, there are numerous boating Bluetooth speakers on the market. Some are designed to be fixed, some are portable. Here’s our selection of seven of the best available today.

7 of the best boating Bluetooth speakers

Tribit XSound Surf

Our entry level choice is this IPX7 rated 12 Watt Bluetooth speaker from Tribit. Launched in 2017 Tribit is a relatively new player on the audio scene, but with a lead engineer who was previously with a leading US audio brand, they should know a thing or two about producing a great sound.

The company claims its own signature sound, with resonating bass, solid treble and balance all round are the hallmarks of its systems. And with a price point of less than £20, you’re unlikely to go too far wrong with this stylish, portable and waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

Price: £19.99

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Enacfire Bluetooth speaker

Another portable option is this Enacfire Bluetooth speaker. Available on eBay, it too is rated at IPX7, which is defined as providing protection against immersion at a depth of 15cm to 1 metre for 30 minutes. That means it should be eminently suitable for any marine application.

The Enacfire’s stereo active dual speakers have been optimised for dynamic range and clarity to provide an atmosphere-creating all-round sound. The 12 Watt speakers should be suitable for many applications, providing ambient noise levels (such as a boat engine, perhaps) are not excessive.

Another great feature of this inexpensive unit is its battery life, which is claimed to be more than 24-hours on a single charge.

Price: £25.99

Buy it now on eBay

Herdio surface-mounted speakers

4.0 Bluetooth connectivity, 100 Watts rated (peak power), a frequency response of 65Hz-20Khz and a built-in amplifier make these Herdio speakers well worth considering.

Given these speakers are designed to be surface mounted, it’s fair to assume that they are more likely to be doused with spray than integral speakers. But, with an IP rating of IP66, (protection against powerful jets of water), they should be up to the job.

To ensure these speakers not only sound good but look good too, their grilles are rust proof and their cabinets made from heavy duty plastic.

Inside the boxes, which are powered by the system’s independent Bluetooth amplifier, are 4″ two-way full range stereo speakers with a PEI Dome tweeter.

Price: £55.99

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Hi Rec Boom Brick

Here we have a product which does exactly what it says on the tin – the Decathlon’s Hi Rec offering is a brick of speaker packed with boom!

It’s also IPX7 rated and features two 4 Watt full range speakers to generate a sound to remember. Decathlon has a history of developing its own products and while the Boom Brick is listed as being ideal as a poolside companion, we reckon it would be great on a boat too.

The connectivity is Bluetooth 3.0, and recharging the battery, which runs for up to 15 hours, is effected via a USB charging point.

Price: £59.99

Buy it now on Decathlon

Marshall Emberton bluetooth speakers

Here’s one for the wannabe rockstars among us – a waterproof (IPX7) rated portable Bluetooth speaker that carries the famous Marshall name beloved by musicians and audiophiles the world over.

With up to 20 hours of music on a single charge, this is a sound system designed to go far. The unit utilises a system known as True Stereophonic, a form of multi-directional sound from Marshall designed to deliver the listener with 360° sound.

A great looking product guaranteed to get people talking – and listening – the speaker comes in a choice of three colourways.

And with its solid metal grille, brass-finish control knob and that iconic Marshall logo, you won’t find a cooler speaker anywhere.

Price: £129.00

Buy it now on johnlewis.com

Pyle Bluetooth Marine Grade speakers

Delivering a total of 240 Watts of peak power, these marine grade speakers from Pyle provide a full range stereo sound through a pair of 6.5″ high quality reinforced polypropylene cones.

Being flush mounted means they can be installed into walls, ceilings or any other convenient surface, such as a bulkhead or radar arch.

The speakers’ IPX5 rating means they are protected against low pressure jets of water from any angle, so they should be fine for all but the wettest boats.

The speakers themselves are operated by way of a simple digital touch button controller which incorporates connection-confirming LED lights.

Price: £136.00

Buy it now at directnine.uk

Velex Marine Audio System

Tipping the price scales at just below £150 is this marine audio stereo speaker package which comes complete with a Velex-branded MP3, DAB, FM/AM and USB player.

The Velex’s four 40 Watt (peak power) channels stream music into the system’s two 6.5 inch marine grade two-way, dual-cone, full range speakers which are rated at 180 Watts (peak power) per pair.

The whole system is IPX6 rated and marketed specifically as ‘marine environment friendly’. The Velex control unit has been designed to fit into a standard gauge tachograph aperture and should you wish for even more volume, an RCA output on the back of the unit can be connected to an external amplifier.

Price: £146.00

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best boating Bluetooth speakers: 7 of the best options for upgrading your system appeared first on YBW.

The knife. It’s one of the oldest and most valuable tools known to man, and for good reason. For, as our Bronze Age forebears discovered 4,000 years ago, with the right knife at your disposal a huge number of otherwise impossible tasks can be accomplished simply, quickly and efficiently.

The humble blade has come a long way since its invention, and even further in the last 130 years since the Swiss Army took delivery of its first consignment of the iconic knives which bear its name.

Today, the broad spectrum of knife design spans products ranging from simple single-bladed cutters to multi-function devices which effectively amount to all-in-one toolkits.

Looking for Christmas gift ideas for boaters? Read our essential guide

Translate all of that into the boating and sailing world, where a knife might come in handy for everything from peeling a potato to, literally, saving your life, and the worth of having the right sailing knife aboard becomes crystal clear – in short, every boat should have one and our advice is never put to sea without one.

But with so many options on the market, which sailing knife is right for you? Our guide is here to help steer you through a number of different types of sailing knives on the market.

A word of warning though: Whichever type of knife you decide upon, do make sure the one you choose is legal, otherwise you could face a fine of up to £5,000.

It’s also illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason, (such as transporting it to or from your boat), unless it has a folding blade with a cutting edge of 3″ or less. For full guidance on knives and the law, visit the relevant section of the gov.uk website.

7 of the best sailing knives available today

Gill harness rescue tool

Fitting neatly into the category of life-saving sailing knives is this basic harness rescue tool from Gill. Its 420 stainless steel grade blade is titanium-coated for even greater resistance to corrosion. Just 127mm long, it’s a low-profile tool designed to be slipped into any convenient pocket on your sailing suit or buoyancy aid.

The tool’s shackle key will fit many small to medium size shackles and a protective nylon sheath is included. The G10 composite handle gives a good grip regardless of whether the tool is wet or dry, and the blade itself is serrated to provide an efficient cutting edge for emergency use.

Price: £18.00

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Crewsaver ErgoFit safety knife

The ErgoFit safety knife carries the highly respected Crewsaver brand name, which means it has to be well worth considering. As an item of kit specifically made for mariners, the ErgoFit has been designed with safety as its top priority.

Intended to be carried at all times when you’re on the water, this sailing knife is small, unobtrusive but highly effective as a rope or webbing cutter should an emergency situation arise.

There’s no doubt it’s a neat design and as it’s constructed from durable nylon plastic, there’s no chance of it corroding over time. The blade itself is ergonomically-shaped for fast efficient cutting, and a smart carry pouch designed to attach to your lifejacket is included in the purchase price.

Price: £19.99

Buy it now on eBay

Gill personal rescue knife

Offered on Gill Marine’s eBay store is this personal rescue knife which we regard as a big brother to the Gill rescue tool described above.

Like the rescue tool, this product also has a serrated blade, enabling webbing and rope to be quickly cut in an emergency. When not in use, the blade folds away into the handle leaving you with a compact, safe knife to clip to your belt or buoyancy aid.

The handle has been designed to provide excellent grip in the dry and the wet and its bright orange colour ensures this knife will be easy to spot even in low visibility conditions.

Price: £24.00

Buy it now on eBay

Gate 14 multi-function sailing knife

With both the handle and each of its four blades made of stainless steel, this multi-function sailing knife from Gate 14 would make a useful addition to any onboard toolkit.

The 95x37mm body incorporates a ruler and a ring to which the included adjustable handstrap lanyard can be fitted.

The four blades comprise a 58mm long smooth blade, a bottle and can opener, a grinder to open shackles of various sizes and a marlin spike for ropework, including prising apart obstinate knots.

At a price point of less than £30, this sailing knife represents good value as a budget multi-function tool.

Price: £29.90

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

NRS Neko blunt knife

It might sound daft, but a blunt knife – blunt at the tip, that is – makes a lot of sense for a product primarily intended to be mounted onto a lifejacket’s accessory tab.

The Neko features a friction release sheath which is designed for single hand release – simply grip the handle, pull, and off it comes.

The hybrid blade includes a serrated section for quickly cutting webbing and rope, and there’s a sharp smooth section for finer cutting.

The blade’s contoured handle has a rubberised grip for maximum control and there’s an integrated bottle opener which is bound to come in handy!

Price: £46.95 / $39.95

Buy NRS rescue knife from Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on OutdoorPlay.com

Benchmade Bugout folding knife

The Benchmade Bugout 5350R-2103 folding knife, to give it its full name, features a versatile drop-point blade. This premium quality blade is constructed of 530V stainless steel, which is exceptionally hard, wear and chipping resistant while being relatively easy to sharpen.

The blaze orange Cerakote coating is there to provide visibility of the blade. The knife has dual thumb screws for one-hand opening and the blade won’t fold during use due to its Axis locking mechanism.

Textured Grivory grip panels provide strength and stability and a great hand grip. Rounding of this impressive sailing knife, which is exclusive to Cabelas, is a reversible tip-up pocket clip and oversize lanyard hole.

Price: $148.99

Buy it now on Cabelas.com

Victorinox Skipper Knife

A knife, a screwdriver, a spike, a shackle key, a pair of pliers, bottle opener, corkscrew, tweezers and a tooth pick. Seriously, this knife is the knife that keeps on giving!

A Swiss made multipurpose skippers tool, the Victorinox never disappoints and is exactly the kind of tool you’ll return to time and again for every little job around the boat and house. No tool will be left unused. It has a locking blade, which is easy to pull out and lock into position and easy to unlock with a simple sliding catch on the side of the main body. The other tools are similarly easy to use and have a reassuring solid build.

The lanyard that comes with it is in a high visility orange which makes is really easy to find in a pocket or on a busy chart table.

Price: £69.95 / $99.99

Buy Victorinox Skipper Knife from Force 4

Buy Victorinox Skipper Knife from Amazon.com

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The post Best sailing knives: 7 of the best multi-purpose blades for your boat appeared first on YBW.

‘Give ’em enough rope…’ You know the rest; it’s an expression that’s been around for more than 350 years. But there’s one place this time-honoured truism doesn’t hold true, and that’s on a boat, where not only do you need enough rope but also rope of the correct type and size to match the purpose for which it is intended.

So where to start? Broadly speaking, there’s four main types of ropes for boats, the most common of which are nylon and polyester. Both are super strong and salt water resistant, with nylon being the more elastic of the two. Polyester, on the other hand, has better UV resistance, so is likely to last a little longer.

Next comes polypropylene, which as a floating rope has specific uses, such as water-skiing or as a safety line marking the direction of current for swimmers. Then there’s the natural fibre ropes such as coir, cotton, hemp, sisal or jute often seen on classic yachts – although synthetic lookalikes are available too.

Article continues below…

Best anchor ropes: 6 of the best lines to hold your boat steady

Anchoring – the act of holding something in place – is a simple of enough concept in itself. However, when…

Best sailing knives: 7 of the best multi-purpose blades for your boat

The knife. It’s one of the oldest and most valuable tools known to man, and for good reason. For, as…

Next, there’s the question of twisted or braided. Twisted rope is generally less expensive and relatively easy to splice. While stiffer and less bendable than braided rope, it is actually the more stretchy of the two. It’s also worth remembering that twisted rope has a tendency to hockle, (twist against the lay), and/or kink. In addition to arguably being more attractive, braided ropes are the more pleasant to handle due to their being more flexible than twisted ropes

The third consideration is rope diameter. The strength of modern boat ropes means that tales of mooring lines snapping are few and far between in our experience. As a general guide, 10 mm rope is recommended for craft of 8 metres or less. Thereafter, increase the diameter by 2 mm for every 2 metres of boat length – so 16 mm rope would be the choice for a 14 metre boat.

Here’s our selection of the best boat ropes:

Best boat rope on the market right now

OROOTL premium nylon braided mooring line

While fishermen may associate OROOTL brand with spinners and lures, a range of premium quality boat ropes are also marketed under the name. These are high strength nylon lines which are double braided to prevent fraying and chafing.

Resistant to oils, moisture and abrasion, a choice of three lines are on offer, each of which comes with a 12″ eye spliced into one end. The 3/8″ diameter line is offered in lengths of 16.5 or 25 feet for 20 feet boats.

Middle of the range is the 1/2″ line, which is sold in 25 or 50 feet lengths for 20-30 feet boats. The thickest line, 5/8″, also comes in 25 or 50 feet lengths and is recommended for 20-40 feet boats.

Price: £14.99 – £33.99

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Direct 2 Boater reflective line

A product especially useful after dark is this high quality, double braided nylon line which reflects light from nearby sources thereby enhancing its visibility and safety.

Available in four colours – black, gold/white, blue and white – this boat rope is offered in three diameters – 3/8″, 1/2″ and 5/8″ – and lengths from 15 to 25 feet.

Its nylon construction is oil- and marine growth-repellent, offers a high level of UV protection and, the maker says, it won’t stain decks. Suitable for boats from 25-45 feet in length, each line comes complete with a professionally pre-spliced 12″ eye.

Price: 19.00 – £44.06

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Neptune’s Locker nylon mooring rope

This 1/2″ (12 mm) diameter nylon dock or mooring line is offered in a choice of five colours: white, red, blue, green or black. Each line is 20 feet (6.1 metres) long and has a 12″ (30 cm) eye professionally spliced at one end.

The double braid construction employed in these ropes is strong, flexible and easy on the hand. Being made of nylon means these lines will stretch to provide protection against sudden loads or wash from passing vessels, making them a good all round choice for use in a wide variety of situations.

Price: £10.19

Buy it now on eBay

Hi-vis polyester braid on braid

There’s no question that boat ropes can present a significant trip hazard, so why not consider opting for high visibility lines such as this double braided offer from eBay seller, Lion Trading Limited?

Prices begin at just £1.00 per metre for a 6 mm rope, rising to £2.00 per metre for the 12 mm version. Eight and 10 mm options are also available.

Made of 100 percent polyester, these ropes are low stretch, UV protected, abrasion and friction resistant and offers resistance to many common chemicals.

In terms of breaking strain, they’re tough too – the 6 mm option can take 770 kg and the 12 mm, 1,350 kg.

Price: From £1.00/metre

Buy it now on eBay

Double braid polyester mooring rope

This product from London-based Rota Marine, a well-known name in the boat rope world, is a 100 percent polyester rope with a 24 strand outer cover over a 12 strand inner core.

Sold in three diameters – 14 mm, 16 mm and 18 mm – these lines have a break load strength of 4,370 kg, 5,630 kg and 6,510 kg respectively.

Available in either navy blue or black and lengths of 6, 10, 15 and 20 metres, each line comes ready-to-go with one end spliced with a 35 cm (approx) eye and the other end hot sealed.

All splicing is carried out in the firm’s own warehouse and custom splicing is available on request.

Price: £25.00

Buy it now on eBay

Rota Marine polyester braid on braid

Our second boat rope from Rota Marine, this 10 mm braid on braid line, is typical of the company’s products. Made from 100 percent polyester and supplied in lengths from 5 to 25 metres, this is a rope designed not only to perform well but also to look good by virtue of its flecked pattern.

The options available are white with blue, green, red or yellow fleck, so should colour-coordinate with most boats. Featuring a high tensile strength, these ropes are designed to be long lasting and non-kinking.

Price: £9.36 – £44.88

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Pindex twisted docking rope

With a breaking strength of 5,850 pounds, this 3/4″ (19 mm) docking line from Pindex is a mighty beast indeed. That said, the 30 metre length on offer here weighs just 3.4 kg, or about 7.5 lbs in old money.

Made of nylon for high strength and impact resistance, this boat rope comes complete with a stainless steel thimble held in position by a splice at the end of the rope. The other end of the line, (aka the bitter end), is heat sealed to provide a good grip.

In addition to its mooring uses this boat rope is well suited to a number of other applications, including hauling and lifting.

Price: £45.97

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Tribord floating tow line/rope

Sports retail giant Decathlon offers this brightly coloured floating rope under its Tribord brand name. Designed primarily for towing lifebuoys or small boats, it’s a highly visible and stretchy line – its elongation rate under tension is 7%, which equates to 7 cm for every metre, meaning it has excellent shock absorbing properties.

The line is 8 mm (0.31″) in diameter and comes in 10 metre (33 feet) lengths. Weighing in at just 23 grammes per metre, and with a tensile strength of 550 kg, this rope is a keenly-priced option well worth considering.

Price: £17.99

Buy it now on Decathlon

Floating safety rope

Regular Southampton Boat Show visitors are sure to know the name of bespoke rope specialist, Jimmy Green Marine. The rope we have selected here is one of the many floating rope options offered by the Devon-based firm.

Sold in a 50 metre cut length for the bulk buyer, or by the metre for retail customers, this LIROS 8 plait line is made from spin-dyed, UV stabilised, flexible multi-filament polypropylene.

Manufactured specially for Jimmy Green Marine, this flexible, lightweight boat rope comes in yellow with a red fleck, making it highly visible and therefore ideal for throw lines and safety rope applications.

Price: £43.00 for 50m of 5 mm line.

Buy it now on JimmyGreen.com

vidaXL jute rope

Made of 100 percent jute, this is very much a line for classic yachts and the purists among us. In addition to its fabulous look, touch and feel, this rope has excellent environmental credentials; it’s a completely natural material and is fully recyclable.

Although listed as being unsuitable for lifting or climbing, vidaXL’s jute rope does offer good tear and abrasion resistance and is accordingly very durable.

There’s no question it would also look great when attached to any craft which justifies the investment in a traditional line such as this. The price quoted here is for 100 metres of 20 mm marine sailing rope.

Price: £161.00

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

The post Best boat rope: Twisted and braided options for docking your yacht appeared first on YBW.

Over the last decade or so, there has been more and more emphasis on sailing kit designed for women, in particular women’s boating shoes.

This is great news as, while some pieces of kit such as lifejackets are reasonably acceptable in unisex form, women wearing traditional leather deck shoes designed for men is not only impractical but also not a good look.

As one of the most essential items of sailing kit, choosing a decent pair of women’s boating shoes therefore is worth taking time to consider your options.

While budget is often a starting point in a decision-making process, remember it’s not always a case of spending big bucks, it’s more about what the shoes have to offer to make them fit for purpose.

You can’t really go wrong with a decent pair of more traditional style leather deck/boat shoes because as well as being practical while sailing, they also look good on shore.

However, for active crew work, on super-fast speed machines, consider a pair of technical trainers/sneakers. Not only are they generally lightweight, and snug fitting but many of them are also self-draining/quick drying.

9 of the best women’s boat shoes

Gill Pursuit Trainer

With 45 years of marine footwear development to its name, Gill knows a thing or two about sailors’ technical requirements. The Pursuit Trainers with their ultimate comfort, lightweight design, and smart water drainage system, really does showcase the company’s latest innovation.

The outsoles are molded using a non-slip compound that works in both wet and dry conditions, while the insoles have been designed with impact-absorbing qualities. They also feature a quick-lace adjustment system to ensure a secure fit.

Buy Gill Pursuit Trainer from Amazon (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Musto Ladies Dynamic Pro II Adapt

Musto has worked hard to produce sailing shoes that provide ultimate stability on deck. Thanks to their construction of TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) welded overlay in the uppers, there is plenty of lateral support in the Dynamic Pro II Adapt shoes, as well as shock absorbing heel cages for a secure, comfortable fit.

For extra confidence and comfort when the deck is wet, these shoes feature Musto’s GripDeck rubber and GripFlex tread on the soles, and mono mesh upper fabric, which offers good ventilation and is quick drying.

These shoes also features XPL drainage – a technology designed to disperse and divert water away from areas prone to water ingress.

Buy from Musto Ladies Dynamic Pro II Adapt shoes from Musto

Wuzzos Whitaker

If you are looking for a pair of practical, yet extremely stylish hand-sewn leather deck shoes, that can also be personalised, Wuzzos Whitaker Boat Shoes should definitely be a consideration.

As well as good looks, and day-long comfort, these shoes feature Wuzzos’ standard stitched and bonded, performance UV-repelling rubber, non-marking soles with striped treads that offer excellent grip on deck.

Like all quality deck shoes, the leather laces run continuously around the top of the shoe with the 360-degree lacing system. And for those with feet prone to odours, Wuzzos leather is infused with ‘Micro-Fresh’ – a smart antimicrobial technology that offers antifungal and antibacterial protection.

With exceptional attention to detail in its design and technology, it’s hardly surprising Wuzzos are the preferred brand for personalized/branded deck shoes at Yacht Club de Monaco, Fairline Yachts and a growing list of superyacht teams.

Personalisation is simple. Just click the box when ordering and you will be guided through the process.

Buy from Wuzzos Whitaker Boat Shoes from Wuzzos

Zhik Fuze

These ultra-lightweight, sneaker-style deck shoes have been designed to ‘keep you glued on board’ thanks to ultra-high grip soles from Zhik’s non-marking proprietary ‘ZK Soles’.

They also look good and, for the super-active sailor, they are ultra-lightweight, yet tough-looking, comfortable and have a built-in drainage system.

According to Zhik, the ‘one-way’ drainage system within the soles of these shoes are created by molded channels cast into the mid-soles, which instantly channels water away from underfoot, but doesn’t let it back in.

The construction of strong, perforated mesh upper fabric makes the Zhik Fuze breathable and quick drying. Inside the shoes, antibacterial coating has been added to the fast-drying inner liners.

For extra protection when the going gets tough, there is PU reinforcement in the upper, heel and toe areas.

Buy Zhik Fuse trainers from Amazon (UK)

Decathlon Cruise 100

For an exceptionally good value pair of practical, moccasin-style boat shoes, you can’t go far wrong with Decathlon’s Cruise 100 Women’s Leather Boat Shoes.

Marketed within Decathlon’s Tribord sailing range of products, the Cruise 100 are lightweight and offer comfort for active summer sailing.

They have all the features expected of functional boat shoes including non-marking and non-slip micro-grooved natural rubber outsoles.

The uppers are made from a combination of split leather and thin lightweight mesh, which aids breathability. And the detachable cotton insoles help to keep things fresh!

As an endorsement of its functionality, Decathlon say the 100 design ‘has been tested and validated throughout its design phase by the Tribord sailing team in calm to variable sailing conditions (choppy water, small swell, average wind speed of Force 5), in warm and sunny weather (average outdoor temperature of 25°C).

‘These tests on the level of grip during use were carried out mainly on a Figaro and an Open 5.70, in different positions (helmsman, pitman, trimmer, midbowman).’

Buy Decathlon Cruise 100 shoes from Decathlon

Chatham Pentle G2

The Pentle shoes in Chatham’s G2 collection are among the company’s best sellers. They are sturdy-looking classic leather boat shoes and offer all the style and comfort associated with the Chatham brand.

One of key features of this pair of boat shoes is Chatham’s internal Sole Spring – a tri density comfort technology used to enhance comfort and give plenty of absorption.

The shoes are also anti-bacterial. For this Chatham uses an open cell polyurethane, which allows the material to breathe, and the moisture to wick away.

For the classic look, the Pentle shoes are available in walnut nubuck leather with triple-eyelets, side lacing, contrast stitching and the all-important non-slip and non-marking soles.

Buy Chatham Pentle G2 women’s boating shoes from Chatham

Dubarry Aruba

The Aruba shoes are one of Dubarry’s latest styles in the women’s range and therefore very popular. The performance features of the Aruba shoes offer everything you would expect from this tried and trusted brand including Dubarry’s Non-Slip-NonMarking slim rubber outsoles, and the company’s signature Port and Starboard flash trims.

Constructed of soft nubuck leather, which is protected with water-resistant, DryFast-DrySoft finish, these shoes are ideal for all conditions.

They are also available in a whole range of bold colours so, for the fashion-aware sailor, these are definitely a pair of women’s sailing shoes to consider.

Buy from the Dubarry Aruba women’s boating shoes from Dubarry

Orca Bay Creek

The Orca Bay Creek in Sand are a quality pair of classic design shoes that have been tweaked to appeal to the fashion-conscious female sailor.

As well as their good looks in premium oiled nubuck leather, they are hugely practical with high compound, non-slip/non-marking rubber soles and rawhide leather laces that have undergone a process to increase longevity.

Thanks to the cushioned EVA heel cups (ethylene vinyl acetate – which is a rubber-like plastic that is particularly durable), the Orca Bay Creek offer plenty of day-long comfort.

Buy Orca Bay Creek women’s boating shoes from Amazon (UK)

Sebago Nina Suede Bala

For a real feminine look, nothing shouts style like a pair of Sebagos. The recently-launched, hand-sewn, Nina Suede Bala Moccasins are designed around the finer feminine foot.

The short vamp (the front part of the shoe’s upper) makes them really eye-catching although those with wide feet should definitely ‘try before they buy’.

Made of full grain leather and soft suede, the Nina shoes come with leather sock linings, a 360° rawhide lace system and thin, elegant non-marking anti slip siped rubber soles.

Buy Sebago Nina Suede Bala Moccasins from Sebago

What to look for in women’s boat shoes

Desire to wear – Comfort is extremely important, so try on as many pairs as you can before you make a purchase. Synthetic trainer-style shoes tend not to stretch after use so if you are going down the ‘trainer’ route, choose a size that fits well initially.

With quality-made leather deck shoes such as Wuzzos and Orca Bay, that have thicker leather and no synthetic lining, you’ll find with wear they will mold nicely to your foot.

In that case, choose a pair that fits more snuggly as opposed to the ‘next size up’ because you’ll find the leather will soon soften and mold around your foot.

Style v practicality – As well as looking good, bear in mind practicalities. For hardcore sailing, boat shoes need to fit snuggly around the foot so they don’t come off when scrambling across the deck in slippery, wet conditions.

Ideally, leather deck shoes should have what is known as a 360 degree lacing system where each shoe uses one continuous lace threaded along the side to the front tie eyelets to allow fine tuning for a snug fit.

Safety – Staying safe on deck/around the dockside is essential so choose a pair of women’s sailing shoes specifically designed for sailing with good grip. Make sure also they have non-marking soles too.

Looking for more protection? Check out our guide to the best waterproof boat shoes on the market right now.

Need a wider fit? Check out our guide to the best boat shoes for wide feet.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best women’s boating shoes: 9 of the best options for female sailors appeared first on YBW.

You can’t beat a good day’s trolling, (on a boat, that is, not the web), unless, of course, your trolling motor lets you down and you’re left huffing and puffing and faced with a long and strenuous paddle home.

In such cases, the trolling motor battery is almost invariably singled out as the guilty party… but could it be that the power unit specified for your trolling motor wasn’t actually up to the job you had planned for it in the first place?

Here’s our pick of the best trolling motor batteries on the market.

Best trolling motor batteries available right now

Ultramax NP130-12, 130Ah

Billed as a superior quality, high-performance battery, this 130Ah unit comes from Ultramax, a subsidiary of Baruch Enterprises Limited which manufactures and distributes more than 150 million battery cells per year.

As a heavy duty unit, the NP130-12 is good for deep cycle use and delivers up to 500 cycles. Its high rating comes at a weight cost – the all-up weight is 43kg – but if it’s power and duration you need, this battery is well worth considering.

Totally sealed for life means the unit is clean and safe to handle. Measuring 350 x 170 x 275 mm, the NP130-12 is the same size as UItamax’s 100, 110 and 120Ah batteries and therefore makes an ideal replacement for anyone looking for a power upgrade.

Price: £222.20

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on eBay

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Autolite NS100AH130, 130Ah

Our second 130 Ampere hour rated battery is the Autolite NS100AH130. Like the Ultramax NP130-12, this unit is classed as a leisure and marine heavy duty, long life battery.

It is considerably smaller than its rival – the dimensions being 303 x 172 x 225 mm – and costs a massive £132.30 less to buy.

While this too is a sealed lead acid product, the price difference is likely due to the Ultramax’s heavy duty plates and unique separator system, which are claimed to deliver cyclic capability for twice as long as conventional batteries.

That said, the Autolite unit has plenty to offer, not least of which is its formidable Ampere hour rating.

Price: £89.90

Buy it now on Amazon

BlueFusion GX100, 100Ah trolling motor battery

Priced way above any other products mentioned here, the BlueFusion GX100 has made it onto our list as it’s a Lithium-ion battery. That means it’s lighter than traditional lead acid batteries – the GX100 tips the scales at just 7.2kg.

Designed for high-power applications, it can run at a maximum continuous load of 60A with a promised cycle life of up to 2,000 times, which means this battery should last and last.

Size wise, the GX100 comes in at 240 x 130 x 240 mm. While ideal for freshwater fisher folk, there is one important point for seafarers to note: the GX100 is not recommended for use in saltwater environments.

Price: £750.00

Buy it now on eBay

Ultramax NP100-12, 100Ah

As a lower powered alternative to the Ultramax NP130-12 unit featured above, the NP100-12 shares many of the attributes of its big brother, including the life-extending heavy duty plates and unique separator system for enhanced cyclic capabilities.

Another important feature to note is that this battery has a low self-discharge rate of just 3% per month, which should add to its longevity. But if things should go wrong, the NP100-12 is backed with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

The key difference between the NP100-12 and the NP130-12 is its smaller size – 355 x 197 x 284 mm – the consequences of which are 23% less power and a corresponding price tag reduction of 31%.

Price: £153.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Advanced LXD100 Dual Purpose, 100Ah

The competitively-priced Advanced LXD100 is a dual-purpose unit, which means it has two sets of terminals to power, for example, an outboard and a winch. This is a sealed, wet flooded battery, which is a distinct advantage should it ever get knocked overboard.

Being sealed also means it’s totally maintenance-free. Good for up to 600 cycles, the LXD100 also features Deep Cycle technology, which provides a consistent flow of power and allows up to 70 percent discharge without damaging the battery.

Housed in a vibration-resistant casing, the LXD100 has a low self-discharge rate, resulting in extended shelf-life when not in use.

Price: £92.00

Buy it now on Advanced Battery Supplies

SuperBatt CM22MF, 85Ah

With an Ampere hour rating of 85Ah, the SuperBatt CM22MF is at the lower end of the power spectrum for trolling motor batteries. As a sealed lead acid battery, it’s certainly no lightweight – it weighs approximately 15 kg, (around double the weight of the BlueFusion Lithium-ion unit featured above).

That aside, and with no pun intended, this battery offers a number of positives: it can be used for either propulsion or auxiliary applications, it requires no maintenance whatsoever, it’s relatively low priced, and it comes with a two-year warranty.

The dimensions of the SuperBatt CM22MF are 261 x 175 x 220 mm.

Price: £79.99

Buy it now on Amazon

What to look for in the best trolling motor batteries

The secret of a battery’s running time is in its ‘Ampere hour’, or ‘Ah’ rating. The Ampere, (aka: Amp), incidentally, is named after French physicist André-Marie Ampère.

Judging by the title of his book Memoir on the Mathematical Theory of Electrodynamic Phenomena, Uniquely Deduced from Experience it sounds like he might have suffered grief at the hands of a flat battery too!

But seriously, the Ampere hour is the unit of electrical charge, so the greater the Ah rating of a battery, the longer it will run.

For example, let’s say a battery is rated at 100Ah. That means it can deliver 100 Ampere hours of current to your trolling motor – so if your outboard draws a steady 20A, this battery would power it for 5 hours. Simple as that.

Just one caveat: always leave a little in reserve to cover any power losses in the system, you won’t regret it.

You may sometimes see batteries referred to by their Group number. This is a reference determined by the Battery Council Organisation and is related to the physical dimensions of the battery.

As there is a correlation between size and capacity, the higher the number, the higher the reserve capacity, or charge capacity, of the battery. Typically, trolling motor batteries are likely to be rated Group 27.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best trolling motor batteries: 6 high-power options for electric propulsion appeared first on YBW.

For many in the boating community, boat solar panels represent something of a holy grail. They are, after all, the gift that keeps on giving, aren’t they? Free power forever, (or many years anyway), coupled with zero running costs – what could possibly be better than that?

All you have to do to make this dream come true is banish the memory of the purchase price from your mind – something boaters are notoriously adept at doing – and wait for the sun to shine. If only it were that simple…

The fact of the matter is that there are costs associated with boat solar panels beyond the price of the panels themselves. While some types of panels can be simply laid on the deck, in many cases some form of mount will be required.

Then there’s the wiring to hook them up to your battery, plus any fitment and/or cosmetic work needed to hide the cabling from view. If your panels are to be left connected permanently, you’ll require a regulator too.

This will prevent both overcharging and a reverse flow of power out of the battery after dark. If you do not fit a regulator, a blocking diode can be used to halt the reverse flow instead.

But once all of the above have been overcome – and providing you’ve done your homework to ensure your panels will generate sufficient power to cover your needs – then, yes, it’s a power free for all!

There are many other benefits to boat solar panels too: First and foremost, they work all on their own – solar panels are automatic, so you can just let them get on with the job.

Apart from the occasional wipe over and a wiring check, they’re largely maintenance-free too. Unlike wind generators, (especially like the one with wonky bearings on that boat moored next to you), they don’t make any noise.

And finally, your battery will be pleased, because keeping it from going flat can extend its life.

Here’s our choice of the best boat solar panels.

6 of the best boat solar panels available right now

Giosolar 1,000W flexible solar panel

Best flexible boat solar panel

Delivering a mighty kilowatt of power, (not far off the amount used by a one bedroom house), this Giostar package comprises ten separate 100W panels, each of which is 1,050 x 540 x 2.5mm in size.

Capable of charging either 12 or 24V batteries, a kit of this magnitude is one for the most serious of solar enthusiasts – Eco Experts reckons 660-990W is sufficient for a liveaboard.

Giostar panels are abrasion resistant, anti-rust and dust proof and their junction boxes are sealed and waterproof. The panels are also light, thin and flexible, and can withstand being bent up to 30 degrees.

Price: £1,464.45

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Mobisolar 100W foldable solar panel

Best foldable boat solar panel

Mobisolar’s foldable panels are light (4.5kg) and measure 121 x 56.5 x 3 cm when unfolded, with the longest dimension reducing to 60 cm when folded, making them easy to transport.

The panels use advanced technology to provide superior performance, with each panel subjected to a thorough testing routine before and after assembly.

So confident is Mobisolar in its products that the company stands behind its panels with a two-year defect warranty and a five years’ electrical performance warranty.

For maximum flexibility in operation, three USB power outputs are fitted per panel, one delivering 100W, the second 60W and the third 10W.

Price: £145.00

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Buy it now on eBay

Eco-worthy 100W solar panel kit

With 100W panels being ideal for keeping batteries topped up, our second offering in this power class is from Eco-worthy, a major player in the solar panel field.

Competitively priced, our link below is for a kit which includes an LCD control unit and four ‘Z’ brackets in addition to the panel itself.

The Eco-worthy 100W panel is of the monocrystalline type, which means their cells are made from an ingot grown from a single silicon crystal of high purity. It’s also a rigid panel, so this particular product would need to be mounted on a frame or flat surface.

Price: £113.99

Buy it now on eBay

PV Logic 20W Flexi solar panel

Offered by Force 4 Chandlery, this lightweight semi-flexible solar panel comes complete with a dual battery solar charge controller.

The panel is completely waterproof thanks to its six-layer, heavy-duty laminate finish, and should a wayward crew member plod over it in their size 9s the panel’s dimpled top surface is ‘self healing’.

The controller can handle both 12 and 24V systems and the panel’s PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) charging system is efficient and battery-lifetime friendly.

Supplied with LED battery-status indicators and 4 metres of cable, PV Logic Flexi panels can be bonded to flat or curved surfaces.

Price: £149.95

Buy it now on Force 4 Chandlery

Buy it now on eBay

Powoxi 10W solar panel

At the budget end of the market comes this Powoxi 10W solar panel charger kit. While you won’t go far on just 10W of power, this kit claims to be capable of charging and maintaining various 12V batteries.

The kit features a fully automatic charging and maintenance controller, which provides intelligent three-level charging and protection against short- and open-circuits, under voltage and overloading.

A reverse flow system is included and the interface is described as ‘plug and play’. While the panel is rainproof, it will not withstand immersion in water, so this is a product to perhaps leave behind on the dock when you take to the water.

Price: £27.59

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Buy it now on eBay

Eco-worthy 10W/5W solar panel

The least pricey option we could find anywhere, this baby 5W solar panel is simply a trickle charger. But if that’s all you need then look no further, for this is another Eco-worthy product.

The technology in the panel is polycrystalline, so it’s not the most efficient on the market, but for this power that’s hardly a great concern.

The panel is supplied with two charging options; a pair of crocodile clips which attach directly to the battery, and a cigarette lighter plug.

According to the product’s eBay listing, this seller alone has sold approaching 3,000 of these units – and at this price, we can understand why!

Price: £9.99

Buy it now on eBay

The post Best boat solar panels: 6 options for boosting your yacht’s power appeared first on YBW.

‘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.

Chartplotters can – and sometimes do – fail, (it’s happened to this writer), leaving you alone with a compass and, if you’ve prepared, a set of charts to guide you to a safe haven – assuming you know, or can remember, how to navigate manually, that is…

And that, in a nutshell, is why many mariners today choose not to leave port without a backup or secondary system aboard.

Happily, reserve navigation aids no longer need to be big to be beautiful as now there’s a range of powerful pocket sized devices available which put GPS technology in the palm of your hand – literally.

What’s more, these devices come in a variety of forms and formats, such as purpose-built handheld boat GPS units, GPS-equipped VHF radios and smartphone/tablet-based app setups.

Incidentally, just a note on those phones and tablets: If you’re planning to use one as your primary navigation tool, do bear in mind battery time is sure to be compromised by any power-hungry application.

While handheld GPS systems are intended more to complement chartplotters rather than replace them, there are certain tasks where they leave fixed units standing.

Consider, for example, overnighting at anchor. If the boat’s chartplotter is helm-mounted there’s a good chance the cabins will be out of earshot of its anchor-drag alarm.

A handheld, however, can join you at bedtime and, should the need arise, will disturb your slumber with an alarm that will send you dashing up to the deck at the double to see what’s going on. And that alone could be a factor to persuade many boaters to consider investing in a handheld GPS system.

Here’s our selection of six of the best boat GPS systems on offer today.

Best boat GPS systems available right now

Garmin GPSMAP86i

Garmin dominates the purpose-built handheld boat GPS market and its GPSMAP 86i unit very much represents the state-of-the-art. Bristling with features, including a 3″ display which is bright enough to be readable in sunlight, the 86i has an IPX7 rating meaning it can withstand exposure to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes.

This boat GPS unit supports Garmin’s BlueChart g3 charts and is capable of streaming boat data from compatible plotters and instruments to place important information in your hand no matter where on the boat you happen to be. The 86i also doubles up as a satellite phone via the inReach network, for which a separate subscription is required.

Price: £480.00

Garmin GPSMAP86i deals

Buy it now on Garmin.com

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Article continues below…

Best chartplotter: 6 great options from marine MFDs to tablets

Before we get into which are the best chartplotters or MFDs, it is worth briefly noting the difference between the…

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…

Icom IC-M94DE

Icom’s IC-M94DE VHF radio puts power in your hand in a number of ways. For in addition to GPS, it has full DSC functionality and is the world’s first marine handheld VHF to incorporate a built-in AIS receiver.

The GPS part of the package allows the user to store up to 50 waypoints. While the unit’s navigation capabilities are limited, what the M94DE can do is provide a much needed confidence boost for anyone who finds themselves at sea without an alternative nav system.

That’s because the radio’s navigation function guides the user to the selected waypoint and provides a reassuring beep once it has been reached, thereby confirming the boat’s position at sea.

Price: £306.95

Buy it now on CactusNav.com

Garmin GPSMAP 78

With its bright colour screen and IXP7 waterproof rating, Garmin’s GPSMAP 78 is a great handheld boat GPS choice. Ruggedly constructed with moulded rubber side grips, the unit feels good in the hand.

That said, should you manage to drop it in the briny, fear not – it floats. The GPSMAP 78 has a sensitive WAAS-enabled GPS receiver which locates its position quickly and efficiently once switched on.

It’s supplied with a worldwide basemap which can be added to by simply plugging in a pre-loaded Garmin BlueChart g2 map. And when you’ve finished having fun on the water, the boat GPS unit connects to your PC and the internet for a detailed analysis of the day’s action.

Price: £219.99

Garmin GPSMAP 78 deals

Buy it now on Garmin.com

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

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Standard Horizon HX890E

Similar in principle to the Icom M94DE, but costing considerably less (due to no AIS receiver) Standard Horizon’s GPS-equipped HX890DE VHF radio is capable of storing up to 250 waypoints.

Another factor well worth bearing in mind is that this radio does routes. Up to 30 waypoints can be tagged to create a passage, which can then be followed automatically or manually.

Setting all of this up can be somewhat burdensome, especially given the screen size is just 1.7″ square, but once programmed the routing functionality of the HX890E could well make the difference between a relaxed or stressful journey.

Price: £248.70

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Garmin GPS 73

The Garmin GPS 73 is an easy-to-use handheld navigator. The unit can mark and store up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks, making return navigation simple.

It also features SailAssist, which is designed to help the user sail more efficiently with a heading line and tack assist, which essentially lets you know when to tack.

Other in-built features include sunrise/sunset, estimated time of arrival and various marine data. The relatively low price point reflects the fact that the GPS 73 boat GPS comes with a monochromatic display. That said, the screen is high contrast and can be read in all lighting conditions. There’s also a built-in back light for operation after dark.

Price: £159.99

Garmin GPS 73 deals

Buy it now on Garmin.com

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

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Navionics Boating App

Navionics is a Garmin brand, so the charts used by its Boating Marine and Lakes app will look familiar to existing Garmin plotter users. Compatible with both Android and Apple devices, this popular boating app can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store.

Once installed, maps are downloaded and stored on your device, allowing offline access at all times. As you would expect from anything to do with Garmin, the app has a multitude of features, including tracks, routing, dock-to-dock autorouting, tides and weather information and SonarChart, which provides high definition bathymetric mapping.

What’s more, Navionics’ charts are updated up to 5,000 times a day and the system embraces community edits to ensure valuable local information is kept up-to-date and relevant at all times.

Price: £37.99 (12-months Europe subscription) Compatible smartphone or tablet also required.

Download from Google Play

Download from the App Store

The post Best boat GPS: 6 handheld options for navigation at sea appeared first on YBW.

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 of adversity, protecting the valuable and vulnerable hulls of their owners from miscalculations at the helm and the wayward actions of other boaters alike.

It follows, therefore, that fenders should not be regarded simply as ‘fit and forget’ items, but as integral safety components with the potential to protect against substantial damage-repair costs.

Consequently, it’s well worth reviewing the complement of fenders attached to your boat and asking questions such as: are they the right type and size? Do I have enough of them? Are they in a serviceable condition?

What to look for in a good set of boat fenders

In terms of type, side-hull fenders are most commonly cylindrical, ball or flat/cushion, while bows and transoms can be protected with shaped fenders made specifically for purpose. A commonly used sizing guide for cylindrical fenders advises between 25-50 millimetres diameter for every 1-1.5 metres of boat length.

The length of the fender itself will depend on the freeboard of the boat to which it is attached. A minimum of three fenders per side is recommended, with at least one placed every 3 metres along the length of the boat. A ball fender at the bow not only guards the sharp end from collisions but also comes in handy as a rover or when springing off pontoons.

Always ensure your fenders are pumped up to the correct pressure – generally between 0.15 and 0.2 bar – and show them some love by cleaning them regularly. That way, they will give you many years of service in return.

And lastly, if you’re too posh to pull, why not try an automatic fender system?

Here’s our pick of the best boat fenders on the market today.

Best boat fenders available right now

Polyform G series boat fenders

Available in six sizes to accommodate boats from sub-10 feet to up to 40 feet in length, the Polyform G Series is a high quality, good looking product boasting an even wall thickness for strength and durability.

Moulded-in ribs add to the strength while also providing protection against abrasion. Manufactured from vinyl and available in no less than 16 colours, Polyform fenders have a unique valve designed to give many years of trouble-free service.

All G Series fenders have an eye at either end so they can be vertically or horizontally mounted.

Price: £14-99 – £157.43

Buy it now Amazon (UK)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Majoni white/blue boat fenders, set of four

Our pick here is a bundle of four size 2 (15 x 56 cm) Majoni fenders. Described as being ideal for boats from 19-22 feet in length and supplied ready inflated, the deal listed below includes a complimentary set of fender ropes.

That means each fender and its rope comes in at less than £15 each, which we reckon represents good value by any measure.

The styling – a white body tipped with blue at either end – is a long-time boater’s favourite which adds a splash of colour to a fender set which might otherwise look a touch drab, especially after a season or two’s use.

Price: £57.49

Buy it now Amazon (UK)

Ocean Series R round fender

Ocean’s Series R round fenders are heavy duty units, and as such are much favoured by commercial fishermen as well as recreational boaters. Available in a selection of eight sizes from R0 (22 x 30 cm) to R7 (100 x 138 cm), Ocean’s Series R caters for boats from 3 to 24 metres.

All Series R fenders have a rib-reinforced eye to ensure ropes are held securely and safely over the long term. The buoy’s one-piece construction, consistent wall thickness and UV resistance all add strength and durability to this well designed product.

And if white with a blue tip doesn’t take your fancy, R Series buoys are also available in red tipped with dark blue.

Price: £20.25

Buy it now on eBay

Anchor Marine standard fenders

Anchor Marine has been manufacturing fenders in the UK for more than half a century. Moulded in UV-resistant PVC and available in 12 colours in addition to base white, the company’s standard boat fenders are popular among commercial and leisure users.

Ruggedly constructed with a high resistance to bursting – due to what Anchor Marine describes as its ‘class leading wall thickness’ – each fender has an eye at either end to allow horizontal or vertical attachment to the boat.

Fitted with valves for easy inflation and deflation, all Anchor Marine standard fenders have hard thimble eyes to reinforce rope securing points.

Price: £7.95 – £49.95

Buy it now on Marine Superstore

Anchor Marine transom fender

Our second featured product from Anchor Marine are these transom fenders, which have been designed to give protection to any boat with a vulnerable transom or bathing platform. And if you’d rather not fit them to your boat, they can just as easily be mounted to the exposed corners of a marina berth or finger pontoon instead.

Supplied with two mounting strips and offered in four colours – white, royal blue, black and navy – these fenders measure 13 x 10 x 10 cm and weigh in at just under a kilogramme. Built to the same high standards as all other Anchor Marine products, these transom fenders could well pay for themselves in single bump!

Price: £27.99

Buy it now on Marine Scene

Flat/cushion fenders

The obvious advantage of flat or cushion fenders is that they will not puncture or deflate, meaning 24/7 protection is provided regardless of whether the owner is on hand to keep a watch on them.

Our pick here is Force 4 Chandlery ‘s own-brand flat/cushion fender. Available in two sizes – 41 x 21 x 5 cm and 55 x 29 x 7 cm – these blue and white semi-rigid fenders are manufactured from tough PU closed-cell foam which will not absorb water.

Being flat, they are also easy to stow and, as Force 4 helpfully points out, double up as cockpit cushions or kneeling pads when not in use protecting the boat.

Price: From £27.95

Buy it now on Force4

Talamex bow fender

Talamex Marine Products is the house brand of the Yachting Division of Netherlands-based distributor, Lankhorst Taselaar/Hohorst. As such, a wide range of quality marine equipment and fittings are marketed under the Talamex name, including the bow fender we have selected here.

The attraction of this three-eye horseshoe-shaped unit is that it is billed as a one-size product and thus should be suitable for a variety of boats and hull types. Anyone who has ever bashed their bow into a pontoon will certainly appreciate the benefits a bow fender can offer!

Price: £25.49

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

The post Best boat fenders: 7 of the best options for protecting your topsides appeared first on YBW.

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 100 years ago.

Why? Because a drone removes the limitations of fixed, or largely fixed, viewpoints at a stroke by giving its operator the freedom of the skies from which to film. Well, almost…

The caveat here is that anyone wishing to pilot a drone must first register and take a theory test to gain a Flyer ID for themselves, and then apply for an Operator ID for their drone. It’s all set down in the Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone Code.

The Drone Code also covers topics such as safety, where you can and cannot fly, and privacy protection. As such, it is the bible for wannabe droners.

Once the registration and ID hurdles have been overcome, there are then the not inconsiderable questions of what are you looking to achieve with a drone, and what sort of drone do you need to achieve it?

We’ve all seen those awe-inspiring TV and movie images produced by drone-mounted cameras soaring over ridges, speeding through gullies, circling 360-degrees around moving vehicles and so on.

These will have been shot by skilled professionals using professional equipment and while it’s eminently possible for the rest of us to create spectacular drone footage, do be aware that any successful shoot will demand considerable planning and preparation beforehand and editing skills afterwards.

And if you’re looking to film from a boat, you may also want to ask questions about landing the drone safely back onboard after a flight…

In terms of equipment, suitable drones for sailing fall into a number of categories – which for our purposes we’ve summed up as budget, intermediate and advanced:

Budget drones for sailing

Drone X Pro

Typical of the mass of entry-level drones available on eBay is the Drone X Pro, a three-speed foldable drone which gives around 10 minutes of flying time for a 100 minute charge.

Its control distance is limited to approximately 150 metres, which although it doesn’t sound much is the equivalent to the length of one-and-a-half football pitches. The Drone X Pro shoots in 4K ultra high definition and boasts a range of features including 360-degree rolling, one key take-off and landing, and one key Auto Return.

Smartphones clip onto the drone’s handset to provide a straightforward controller with real-time screen viewing.

Price: £18.99

Buy it now on eBay

Snaptain GPS

We’re hoping this drone’s name is not an amalgamation of ‘snap’ and ‘captain’, and on the presumption it won’t make boaters lose their cool we’ve added it to our best drones for sailing list because the Snaptain GPS delivers a host of features at a budget price.

Included in the spec are a wide angle 1080P HD camera, a mechanically stabilised gimbal and voice control, which is affected by speaking command words (eg: forward, back) into your connected smartphone.

GPS enables functions such as Follow Me and Auto Return and there’s an Optical Flow mode to help keep the drone’s lateral and forward movement stable relative to what’s below it. As such, Optical Flow provides a useful stability tool should the GPS signal be lost.

Price: £35.99

Buy it now on eBay

Intermediate drones for sailing

Proflight X18

Moving up a level in sophistication we come to the Proflight X18. Providing up to 25 minutes of fly time, this drone has a 4K UHD camera, so the footage it delivers should be super-clear.

There are also controls for camera zoom and tilt, plus a gesture mode which allows the user to control the drone by way of hand and arm movements aimed at their smartphone app, which dutifully relays the commands to the drone.

The Proflight X18 has a range of 1,000 metres, although its WiFi is limited to around 600 metres. An extra bonus is that this drone is supplied with a spare set of propellors.

Price: £129.97

Buy it now on DronesDirect.co.uk

Parrot Bebop

Simplicity in motion sums up the funkily named Parrot Bebop as this drone features an intelligent flight system which automatically keeps the Parrot aloft and under the user’s control at all times by way of its associated app.

The integrated onboard camera takes 14 mega pixel 180-degree fish eye photos and shoots 1080p high definition video, which can be monitored from the ground by way of a live feed direct to the pilot’s phone.

The Parrot Bebop can manage up to 12 minutes on a single charge, so investing in a spare battery might well be an option to consider here.

Price: £263.99

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Holy Stone HS720E

One of the key advantages of the Holy Stone HS720E is that it’s supplied with two intelligent batteries. Each of these provides up to 23 minutes of flight time, meaning more time in the air and less charging.

The unit’s brushless motors are powerful and quiet in operation and have been designed to make flying smooth, stable and fast. Air optical flow and air pressure altitude controls are both included, meaning the drone can hover stably.

The integral GPS system locks onto the position of the drone before take-off, which in turn enables the auto-return to home function, thereby minimising the chances of the drone being lost.

Price: £254.99

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Advanced drones for sailing

Yuneec Typhoon Q500

Raising the bar another notch is the Yuneec Typhoon Q500, our choice for a sub-£1,000 advanced drone for sailing. Inside the box is the aircraft itself, its 4K UHD 30 frames per second camera, Yuneec’s ST10+ FPV (First Person View) ground station, a Yuneec SteadyGrip, a Lithium Polymer battery and a range of accessories.

One of the many advantages of the Yuneec Typhoon Q500 is that its ST10+ ground station has an integrated 5.5″ LCD viewing screen, meaning that no other equipment (e.g. smartphone) is required for flight.

The system comes with a range of features and modes, including Follow Me and Watch Me (where the camera remains pointed at the pilot) and Dynamic Return Home, which automatically lands the drone within 4-8 metres of the ground station.

Price: £699.99

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

DJI Mavic 2

With an established range of gimbal-equipped cameras under its belt, DJI is an experienced player in the stabilised image field. The DJI Mavic 2 sees the company’s expertise applied to the world of drones, where it is undoubtedly making a fine job of matters.

The Mavic 2 Zoom featured here is classed as a professional level piece of kit and as such offers high resolution still images and video shot through its camera’s 24-48 mm optical zoom lens, with a further x2 magnification available digitally.

Fast, accurate focus is another stand out feature of this drone and its Dolly Zoom mode automatically adjusts focus when flying to provide what DJI describe as an intense warping visual effect.

Price: £1,059

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

DJI Air 2S Worry-Free Fly More Combo

As the name on the box infers, this DJI offering is an all-in-one product intended to dispel any fear of flying and freeing its owner to concentrate on making great movies – the bundle even includes a service plan covering various types of common drone damage.

Anyone still worried about the risks can comfort themselves with the fact that the DJI Air 2S also has AirSense, a flight location system which provides audio and visual alerts of other aircraft in the vicinity through the DJI Fly app.

Two video options of 4K and an even higher resolution of 5.4K come as part of the package, which also features a 5.5″ smart controller with its own 1080p HD display.

Other items supplied in the combo are three intelligent flight batteries, a charging hub, a set of neutral density filters to aid shooting in bright conditions, and a shoulder bag.

Price: £1,229

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

The post Best drones for sailing: Take your boating videos to the next level appeared first on YBW.

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 8in) is usually required. I’ve come across more than one boat whose speakers had to be moved after the cut outs had been made in the cockpit.

What to look for in the best marine speakers

Marine speakers tend to be offered with different levels of water proofing, so it’s worth remembering the IPX weatherproofing rating system definitions:

• IPX0 No protection.
• IPX1 Protected from condensation or vertical drips.
• IPX2 Protected from spray when tilted up to 15° from vertical.
• IPX3 Protected from spray when tilted up to 60° from vertical.
• IPX4 Protected from water splashed in any direction.
• IPX5 Protected against low-pressure water streams.
• IPX6 Protected against spray from strong water jets.
• IPX7 Protected against immersion at a depth between 15cm to 1 metre for 30 minutes.
• IPX8 Protection against longer periods of immersion under pressure.

Here’s our pick of the best options, encompassing different types and price points, including stand-alone waterproof Bluetooth models.

Best marine speakers available right now

Fusion Signature 3 7.7in 280W Classic White

Fusion is a giant in this market and has a large range, so you’re likely to find more products from this Garmin group company on other boats than any other brand.

The Signature 3 line includes a wide choice of high-end products with stunning sound quality in a range of styles including classic and high-tech units.

All are waterproofed to IP65 standards and also comply with ISO12216, allowing boat builders to fit them on deck without compromising the vessel’s safety.

The Classic 280W speakers offer excellent performance thanks innovations including a woven fibre composite cone that improves sound definition and allows a higher output, while also increasing protection in a marine environment.

They also come with a three–year consumer warranty.

Buy it now from Garmin UK

Buy it now from Garmin USA

Osculati 2-Way Waterproof Speakers

These 60W waterproof stereo speakers are very much at the budget end of the market. However, they will get your boat fitted out with decent sound without breaking the bank.

On the downside, despite the separate tweeter and woofer cones (hence 2-way in the product name), frequency response is quoted at 80-20,000Hz. This means lower tones will not reproduce accurately.

Some of the more expensive options will therefore be a better buy if good sound quality at lower frequencies is a priority.

Overall diameter is 160mm, a cut out of 125mm diameter is required and total depth is 57mm. Minimum compass safe distance is 1.1m.

Buy it now from Force 4

Sony XS-MP1611

These 16cm (6.5in) dual-cone speakers are another excellent choice at the lower to mid part of the marine speakers market.

With a frequency range of 45-20,000Hz they offer better bass quality, as well as 140W of power from a dual-cone speaker that’s certified to IPX5 waterproofing standards.

The rigid polypropylene woofer cone is designed to provide a rich bass and clear vocals, while optimising waterproofing and keeping weight down to only 650 grammes (1lb 7oz).

Buy it now from Amazon.com

Kenwood KFC-2053MRB

These 9-inch (23cm) two-way speakers have a waterproof cone and are able to pump out an impressive 300W of peak power.

In addition to the main speaker there’s a 1-inch balanced dome tweeter and frequency response is specified at 55Hz-20,000Hz, with an impedance of 4 ohms.

They are hefty items at 8.8lb (4kg), with the ferrite woofer magnet alone weighing almost one pound.

These are ideal if you’re looking for good all-round performance from a sensibly priced marine speaker, but make sure your boat’s batteries are up to the task.

Buy it now from ebay.com

Fusion MS-RA60

While you’re buying speakers why not upgrade your boat’s stereo unit as well? Fusion’s latest model is a no-brainer for many boat owners is it offers as many features of a high-end marine stereo system as possible at an affordable price.

It benefits from modern aesthetics and an anti-fogging display, plus water resistance to IPX6 and IPX7 standards.

Wireless control is possible via Bluetooth or ANT technologies, with the latter offering easy compatibility with your Garmin Quatix smartwatch or ARX remote control.

In addition to conventional FM and AM reception there’s also a built-in DAB tuner.

Buy it now from Garmin UK

Buy it now from Garmin USA

Best portable marine speakers

Sony XG500

Waterproof portable speakers are sometimes a better option than fixed units.

Sony’s XG series is rated to IP66 and has 30 hours of battery life. Even a quick 10 minute charge will provide up to a further three hours of use.

Despite the need for compactness, a mix of speaker types, including passive radiators for a punchy base, plus high efficiency tweeters, helps to produce impressive clarity across the frequency range.

The unit weighs 5.6kg and includes two USB charging ports, as well as an ambient lighting mode.

Buy it now from ebay.co.uk

Buy it now from Amazon.com

Bose Frames Tempo

You might wonder what a pair of sports sunglasses is doing in this listing. This is not a mistake – these IPX4 water resistant sunglasses have a speaker in each temple.

The idea is to enable you to listen to favourite tracks or podcasts without using earbuds that cut off ambient noise. This enables you to stay more in tune with your surroundings and therefore helps to maintain situational awareness when on the water.

The polycarbonate polarized lenses are scratch and shatter resistant. They can also be changed to suit different sports and lighting conditions. Battery life is up to eight hours.

Buy it now on ebay.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon.com

Fusion StereoActive

Read Yachting World’s Fusion Stereoactive review

The Fusion StereoActive more than justifies its premium price tag – with our esteemed sister publication Yachting World describing this unit in its recent review as “seriously robust” and “a comparatively large, yet user-friendly speaker that packs a proper audible punch”.

Key features include dual 2.5in 40W directional speakers, IPx7 waterproofing and an AM/FM tuner.

Buy it now on Amazon (UK)

Buy it now on eBay

The post Best marine speakers: From portable waterproof speakers to high end systems appeared first on YBW.

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 will know just how unpleasant cold, soggy toes can be! So a good pair of waterproof boat shoes is essential.

In addition to personal discomfort, there’s also the not insignificant matter of staying safe on board – and if you can’t feel your toes, safety is likely to be compromised to some degree or another. Another reason why donning the appropriate waterproof boat shoes when casting off is so important.

But what to wear? While some marine footwear is designed to withstand pretty much anything – see the Musto Goretex Ocean Racer sailing boots below, for example – they come in at a hefty price and simply might not look the part on the deck of a motor cruiser.

Progressing along the spectrum come deck shoes, neoprene bootees and trainer-based footwear. All play a part and all are capable of fulfilling a defined set of needs, but ultimately, as always, the choice of what to buy is yours.

Our footwear buyers’ guide is certainly not exhaustive – there are literally hundreds of makes and a multitude of types of shoes and boots to choose from. Rather, this list seeks to provide an overview of the type of footwear you might consider purchasing for your boat.

In our view, it’s worth keeping a pair or two on board which can be slipped on whenever you step aboard as that will help protect your boat from any grime and small stones picked up by the soles of your day shoes.

As with any other type of footwear, fit, comfort, grip, quality and price are all factors to take into consideration when buying a pair of shoes for boating.

Best waterproof boat shoes available right now

Helly Hansen W Skagen F1 Offshore women’s boating shoes

Named after Denmark’s most northerly town, Helle Hansen’s Skagen F1 Offshore is a high performance waterproof boat shoe.

The lace-up shoe features an open-mesh construction for breathability and flexibility with seamless structural overlays to protect the feet on and off the boat. The rubber sole is flat-heeled, non-marking and comes with a well-defined tread pattern for traction and slip protection.

The outer material is entirely synthetic, so should both perform well and last at sea. Three colours – Navy, Graphite Blue and Off White – are available and a full range of sizes from UK 3.5 to 8 (including half sizes) are offered.

Price: £91.73

Buy Helly Hansen Skagen F1 Offshore women’s boating shoes from Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Quayside Clipper unisex adult’s boat shoes

A marine classic if ever there was one, the Quayside Clipper has all the features boaters and sailors have come to expect in a deck shoe or waterproof boat shoes.

The moccasin-style navy and chestnut brown breathable leather upper has been hand-stitched and looks solid and sturdy. The 360-degree laces are made of leather too, and there’s a flat-heel on the non-marking rubber sole. While the inner material itself is unlined, a padded insole is provided to keep feet comfortable.

Quayside’s website bills these as adult shoes, but we noticed the size options go all the way down to UK 3.5, meaning there’s plenty of kids out there who could also benefit from a pair of these smart boat shoes.

Price: £59.95

Buy the Quayside Clipper shoes from Amazon

Tribord adult’s sailing boots

Tribord is sports and leisure goods retailer Decathlon’s in-house sailing sports brand. The company has a history of developing its own products and reports these boots have been created by its designers and fellow sailors.

Made of genuine rubber, functionality was clearly at the top of their list. Where they score especially highly is when it comes to keeping feet dry and warm – obviously important on the high seas. The soles, which are also made of rubber, are non-marking and non-slip.

The boots are also extremely flexible, adding to the comfort when wearing them for extended periods. An inner sock provides additional insulation and the entire product is salt water resistant.

Price: £39.99

Buy Tribord adult sailing boots from Decathlon

Musto Goretex Ocean Racer sailing boots

Weighing in at the heavyweight end of the boating footwear spectrum, these boots are made for sailing in the kind of conditions that confine most of us to quarters.

Just about every protection system known to man has been incorporated; a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane, Grip Deck sticky rubber soles, Grip Flex multi-directional outsole grip, EVA midsole, footbed and ankle protectors, this boot has it all – and more.

There’s even a removeable gaiter to provide an additional layer of protection from water ingress and inside the boot has a unique DynamicFit bellowed tongue and bungee-style lacing to hold the foot safely and securely in place. They’re not cheap, but this kind of specification is always going to come at a price.

Price: £269.90

Buy Musto Goretex Ocean Racer boots from musto.com

Wuzzos Corinthian Pro

As a high-end product, the Wuzzos Corinthian Pro raises the bar for the ubiquitous deck shoe. The attractive leather and mesh uppers have been designed not only to look good but also to provide high levels of ventilation and drainage.

The metal lace hole eyelets are salt water resistant, and water-dispersing, anti-aquaplaning soles help the wearer keep their feet come what may. An extra safety feature are the shoes’ forward-facing ‘Wave-Shock’ panels. Built into the white outsole, these limit torsional twist and absorb impact to help prevent injuries to ankles, knees and other joints.

Wuzzos Corinthian Pro shoes are available in a choice of three colours; navy, brown and grey.

Price: £120.00 inc VAT

Buy Wuzzo Corinthian Pro shoes from Wuzzo

Gill Race Trainer

Smart and functional, this shoe is a quality product from one of the marine industry’s most respected names. Available in adult’s sizes from EU 41 – 46 (UK 7 – 12), the Race Trainer is attractively styled in navy with royal blue laces and orange detailing on the lace holes.

The shoe has been designed to be non-marking, non-slip, quick draining, and incorporates moulded toe protection and a padded tongue. An EVA insert gives extra impact protection at the heel, and the lightweight, cushioned midsole is anti-microbial treated to reduce odour.

An additional noteworthy feature is that an air-cell has been incorporated into the insole to provide an impact-absorbing base for this tough and practical shoe.

Price: £79.95

Buy Gill Race Trainer from Force4

Lands’ End men’s water trainers

“Hooray for holey soles,” trumpets Lands’ End’s website and we have to agree it’s a pretty clever idea. For these trainers have been designed to get wet, and when they do, the drain holes built into the soles are there to help disperse it as quickly as possible.

There’s lot of other features to commend these reasonably-priced shoes as well. Take, for example, the polyester mesh upper, bungee style lacing, removable foam-cushion insole, and pull tabs on both the heels and tongues. The cotton/polyester lining has been anti-microbial treated and the shoe’s thick rubber soles provide protection and absorb the shocks.

Price: £33.60

Buy Lands’ End men’s water trainers from Lands’ End

Lakeland Active Eden Aquasport protective watersports shoes

Designed for use in and around the water, these four-way stretch neoprene shoes are great for watersports of all types and are an out-and-out pair of waterproof boat shoess. Both the men’s and women’s versions are available in six vivid colourways – mostly two-tone in the case of the male shoe and mainly solid colours for females.

The shoes are held in place by way of an elasticated ankle band with an adjustable toggle at the heel. Water-draining mesh panels are incorporated into the top surface, and underneath there’s a durable, anti-slip outer sole.

The neoprene uppers dry quickly once back on land and the insoles can be removed and simply wrung out.

Price: £15.99 – £17.99 (mens) £9.99 – £16.99 (womens)

Buy Lakeland Active Eden Aquasport shoes from Amazon

Need a wider fit? Check out our guide to the best boat shoes for wide feet.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best waterproof boat shoes: 8 of the best options to keep your feet warm and dry appeared first on YBW.

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 it does show it is not being cared for properly.

In many instances, especially when it comes to smaller craft, a simple off-the-shelf boat cover would keep the harsh marine environment at bay and fix the problem for just a few pounds.

But a quick web search reveals there are a multitude of options and choices out there, which leads us to the question of what kind of cover is right for your boat?

6 of the best boat covers available right now

Ready made, model-specific boat cover

Available through Amazon, we’ve included this cover – which is specifically made for Jeanneau Merry Fisher models 605, 695, 795 and 895 – as an example of a ready-made boat cover; similar products for other marques are also available.

This particular one is made of heavyweight 240gsm (grammes per square metre) polyester which is tear- and water-resistant and UV-coated to help prevent cold cracking.

It’s supplied with a 6mm braided rope encased in the hem and a rope rachet for tightening the cover around the hull. Offered in grey or black, the price you pay depends upon the model type.

Price: £1,152.04 – £1,509.47

Buy it now from Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Boatworld premium boat cover

Justifying its ‘premium’ tag, this cover is constructed from 7.5 ounce, 600 denier, PU-backed, solution-dyed polyester – which is claimed to be breathable, water-repellent, and mildew- and UV-resistant.

Inside, there’s a soft felt lining where the cover sits on the windscreen – a nice touch in our book – and two integral air vents sewn into the cover to allow air to circulate without, hopefully, letting any water in.

Designed for sportsboats of between 20-21ft in length and with a beam of up to 8.5ft, it is suitable for both inboard and outboard-powered boats.

One option worth considering here, as with any other cover of this type, is a telescopic cover support pole. These keep your cover standing taught and are great for preventing puddling.

Price: £169.00

Buy it now on boatworld.co.uk

Yeakoo trailerable boat cover

Marketed as an all-weather product, Yeakoo’s cover has been designed for speedboats, runabouts and fishing craft from 14-22 feet.

To cover that spread of sizes, three options are available; 14-16ft, 17-19ft and 20-22ft. This is a heavy duty cover designed to provide maximum protection by way of its 600 denier, anti-UV, anti-aging Oxford cloth.

A good fit on the trailer is assured by the included fully adjustable, quick-release, buckle and strap system. An elastic cord drawstring around the bottom hem keeps things tight and tidy and further aids protection, either while the boat is on its trailer or being stored outdoors.

Price: £46.99

Buy it now from Amazon

17-19ft speedboat cover

Typical of myriad budget-priced offers available through eBay is this generic cover designed for 17-19ft speedboats. Despite its modest price tag, this cover certainly has its attractions, not least of which are a free storage bag and a three-year warranty.

It’s made from 210 denier Oxford fabric, which promises protection against rain and dust, and features an elastic hem with an integral cord and lock.

Four straps with quick release buckles are provided to wrap around the boat to help keep the cover in place once fitted. Available in royal blue only, this cover is definitely priced to go.

Price: £26.99

Buy it now from eBay

Dinghy cover

Offered by chandlery chain Force 4, this dinghy cover carries the company’s own branding – and as they are happy put their name to it, that should indicate it’s a decent quality product.

Available in four sizes – 230-260 cm, 260-290 cm, 290-320 cm and 320-360 cm – the range covers a large proportion of the dinghies on the market today.

The product’s 280gsm premium grade woven polyester fabric is breathable, waterproof and UV-resistant. It’s suitable for both round- and square-bowed inflatables and can also be used to cover an outboard if fitted.

Lastly, and importantly, this cover can be used while towing the dinghy at speeds of up to 60km/h (37mph).

Price: £180

Buy it now from Force 4

Yoleaby universal kayak cover

The lowest priced item on our list is also the smallest; a universal kayak cover from Yoleaby, which can be found on Amazon.

Although it can hardly be considered expensive, it’s nonetheless made of a sun-reflecting, waterproof, dust-repelling 210 denier polyester material – and it has a pretty pattern too!

Inside, the cover has a waterproof, UV-resistant silver lining. There’s an elastic drawstring around the base which pulls tight and locks into place.

While this is a lightweight boat cover, it’s likely to be more than acceptable for many kayak owners, especially given its small size when folded down, making it convenient and portable.

Price: £13.68 – £21.03

Buy it now from Amazon

How to choose the right boat cover

When choosing a cover, the key parameters to bear in mind are price, fabric and fit. In terms of cost, while there are a number of high-end offerings out there – such as the Merry Fisher cover we review below, the majority of products in this market sector are moderately priced, so much so that replacing them every few years is unlikely to break the bank.

Fabric is an important consideration, and here the choices range from heavy duty marine grade cloth through to vinyls of various types and grades. The key considerations are to opt for a fabric which is waterproof, UV-protected and durable.

Sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But buyer beware; is a sub-£20 cover claiming to be the best thing since sliced bread really going to give the protection your pride and joy deserves?

Our third factor, fit, is crucial. A secure fit on the trailer is an obvious consideration, but even at home on the drive the British weather is more than capable of unleashing some pretty unpleasant winds – and should one of those tear it loose, your cover will relish its new lease of life as a kite as it merrily flaps off into the distance! Here’s our pick of the best boat covers to consider.

For awnings and biminis for sailboats, check out Yachting Monthly’s guide to keeping cool in the sun.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best boat cover: 6 of the best options for protecting your cockpit appeared first on YBW.

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 therein, with numerous options to choose from, lies a good question: What sort of kit should you buy to keep your kids afloat?

What to look for in a good kids lifejacket

The answer will depend on a number of factors. First and foremost, what kind of water activity, or activities, will the child undertake? While a buoyancy aid may be fine if junior is a competent swimmer, they can be a bit on the bulky side making them less appropriate to wear around a boat compared to, say, a self-inflating lifejacket, some of which are so unobtrusive you hardly know you’re wearing one.

Important for physical activities such as kayaking is to have a kids lifejacket with cutaways around the arms so as not to interfere with paddling. Dinghy sailors will also appreciate cutaways, together with a higher cut to allow for bending and a clutter-free exterior profile to prevent snagging.

Whichever type of floatation aid you decide upon, ensure it is a good, comfortable fit – and don’t forget that kids grow quickly, meaning a regular size review is essential. Regardless of which waterborne activity your kids are involved in, take the matter of their safety seriously – their lives depend on it.

According to the RNLI, around 200 people a year drown around the coast of the British Isles, so donning a kids lifejacket – be your child a boater, personal water craft user, paddleboarder, water skier, kayaker or whatever – isn’t an option, it’s just common sense. And that goes for all you adults out there too.

To help you make your choice, here’s our pick of kids lifejackets to consider.

Best kids lifejackets available right now

Baltic Ocean kids lifejacket

Baltic’s Ocean 100N kids lifejacket is everything you would expect from a leading manufacturer of safety equipment of many years standing. It’s rugged, tough and built to last with a performance to match.

Like the many of the kids lifejackets we’ve looked at, its buoyancy rating is 100N, (the N stands for Newton, the measure of force), and among its many features is an integral safety harness approved to EN ISO1095/EN ISO 12401.

The D-ring on the centre fastening strap (fitted to the back of the 3-15 kg jacket and the front and back of the 15-30 kg product) allows the user to be clipped onto the boat.

Should the child enter the water, the large padded head and neck support will certainly be welcomed. With a lifting handle under the collar, whistle, top and bottom ties and a crotch strap this is jacket very much designed for use at sea.

Price: £59.95

Buy it now from Marinesuperstore.com

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Crewsaver Crewfit junior auto lifejacket with harness

The most expensive of the lifejackets included here, Crewsaver’s Crewfit Junior is a self-inflating lifejacket. Rated at 150N and ISO 12402-3 approved, it’s also the most buoyant product we’ve selected.

The key advantage of automatic lifejackets is their relatively small size and bulk, which makes them comfortable and unobtrusive to wear – so much so, that we’ve been known to forget to take ours off when we go ashore!

Crewsaver is a premium brand and this jacket makes no compromises to safety whatsoever. Suitable for larger children of between 20 – 55 kg, the Crewfit Junior features Crewsaver’s Fusion 3D design technology to combine comfort with practicality.

Price: £79.95

Buy it now from Watersportswarehouse.co.uk

Jobe kids lifejacket

Available from sports retailer Decathlon, this lifejacket from Dutch watersports company Jobe is a serious piece of kit indeed. Certified to 100N and available in two sizes – XS/S for kids weighing less than 20 kg, and M/L for larger children up to 20 kg – it is robustly constructed with quality materials used throughout.

In terms of features, starting from the top there’s a carry strap fitted to the large padded head support, which has two hi-vis reflective patches sewn in.

The jacket is secured by chunky zip fastener and held firm by two adjustable straps. An attached whistle and a crotch strap, also fully adjustable, completes the line-up for this attractive kids lifejacket which we feel will inspire confidence, both in the kids and their guardians.

Price: £64.99

Buy it now from Decathlon

TWF 100N kids lifejacket

At the time of writing, this item was listed as Amazon’s Choice of kids lifejackets. Bright orange and enhanced with hi-vis reflection strips, the TWF Kids 100N jacket is EN, CE and ISO approved.

It also boasts a number of attractive features, such as a fully adjustable crotch strap and an attached whistle. The padded collar provides support to the head and our overall impression is of a quality product that is built to last.

Available in two sizes – 10-20 kg and 20-30 kg – the TWF Kids 100N kids lifejacket is suitable for boys and girls.

Price: £39.95

Buy it now from Amazon (UK)

Zsdchongya buoyancy aid

Another product available through Amazon is this lifejacket vest from Zsdchongya, one of a raft of Asian manufacturers producing moderately priced safety equipment.

This one is a buoyancy aid as opposed to a full lifejacket and as such is best suited for kayaking, paddleboarding and similar activities, although it can be used as a swim-aid too.

We were attracted to this vest by its choice of neoprene as the main material, triple buckle fastening and adjustable leg straps.

Available in six sizes from S to 3XL, sizes S and M are claimed to be suitable for children of up to 18 years of age.

Price: £19.99

Buy it now from Amazon (UK)

Zip vest buoyancy aid

As you might expect, a plethora of buoyancy aids for children are available through eBay. We’ve picked just one, this entry-level product which is available in no less than six colours and three sizes; S (1-4 years old), M (5-7 years old) and L (8-10 years old).

Constructed of high tear resistant 200D nylon and filled with polyethylene foam, additional support for the jacket’s zipper is provided by a single centre-buckle strap.

There are also adjustment straps on both sides of the waist, two leg straps and a carry strap. While we would not recommend leaving a small child unattended in it at any time, this vest does look as if it may be a good way to introduce junior to the water.

Price: £12.82 – £13.29

Buy it now from eBay

Read Yachting World’s group test of kids lifejackets, as published in the March 2018 issue.

The post Best kids lifejackets and buoyancy aids for keeping your children safe appeared first on YBW.

Speed, comfort and style – these are the mantras of motor boat fans. You can go from flying through the waves at 35 knots to lying on a sunpad at some remote anchorage, drink in hand, and still make it home in time for tea.

Motor boats are a great way to get out on the water and it’s fairly easy to pick up the basics. Read our guide to find out more…

Boat training

The first step to enjoying motor boats is taking the necessary boat training that’ll teach you everything you need to know about boat handling.

The RYA has a number of courses on offer, ranging from complete beginners, all the way through to those looking to test their motor boat skills in more demanding conditions.

The RYA’s level 1 course is a great place to start for a complete beginner, but if you have some experience already, then taking the RYA level 2 course may be a better option. Either course is no longer than two days, with level 1 costing around £200 and level 2 around £340.

There are hundreds of RYA training centres throughout the UK that offer the necessary training and you can use the RYA’s online tool to find your nearest venue.

Hiring motor boats

Once you’ve developed a love of boating, it’s not surprising that you’ll want to spend more and more time out on the water. Hiring a boat is a commitment-free way to enjoy the sport without costs such as maintenance and mooring fees.

Many centres across the UK will allow you to hire a small RIB for either a few hours or up to a week. You can expect to pay up to £50 per hour for motor boat hire, depending on the make and model and around £140 for a full day.

Buying a boat

Many people dream of buying a motor boat and depending on what you’re looking for, you can pick up some models of smaller boats on the market for just a few thousand pounds.

Take a look at an online brokerage site to see average prices and search MBY’s boat reviews to find a model that suits your needs. If you’re not sure which boat would be best for your needs you can ask our motor boat forum community for recommendations.

Boat membership

Boat membership schemes are a great alternative to owning a boat as you can get experience out on the water without the financial commitment. All you have to do is pay a joining fee and then a fixed monthly sum to use a boat.

The majority of boats involved in boat memberships will have one owner member and up to seven memberships per boat. Once signed up, you can use an online calendar to book your time on board.

There are three different types of membership boating: single, flexible and crewed. If you want to use the same boat then single boat membership is a good option, while flexible gives you the chance to skipper a boat of your choice when you want.

On a crewed membership scheme you can join a skippered boat with similar people for 10 days throughout the year or make private crewing arrangements.

Prices will vary but RIBs will set you back around £300 per month, while a 40ft sportscruiser could cost you up to £1,000 a month, in addition to fuel costs.

Boat sharing

Another alternative is shared boat ownership, whereby you share the purchase and running costs of a vessel with others, making it significantly cheaper than buying a motor boat outright on your own.

The boat is managed for you so you can focus on being out on the water rather than administration and maintenance.

Chartering motor boats

Chartering a yacht is essentially hiring a boat for a fixed period of time in a specific location, ranging from exotic destinations halfway across the world to holiday spots in UK waters.

Countries such as Greece, Turkey and Croatia are extremely popular charter destinations but there are hundreds to choose from.

Depending on the size of boat, location and whether your charter includes crew you can pay anything from £500 pp upwards.

The post Motor boats for beginners: Everything you need to know appeared first on YBW.

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 safety item that may need to hold you off a lee shore in the event of engine failure.

However, unless your boat’s anchor has been upgraded recently, the chances are it’s of a type that will not provide good holding power.

What to look for in a good anchor?

Much has changed in the world of anchors in the past 20 years, which led to classification societies such as Lloyds adding a new Super High Holding Power certification category for these anchors in 2008.

Most of the best anchors exceed the requirements for this by a wide margin.

These advances in anchor technology mean older boats won’t have been equipped with what we would now consider to be decent ground tackle when they were new.

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This is also true for most vessels built in the last 20 years. Until recently the latest generation of anchors was relatively expensive, so were generally only fitted as standard equipment to very high quality yachts.

The various brands of today’s very high holding power anchors share a number of key characteristics that make them more effective than older products.

The best anchors tend to have a concave profile akin to the shape of a shovel. This digs more firmly into the seabed without tending to act like a plough when under load.

Another important aspect to look for in a good anchor is the tip weight, as loading as much weight here as possible is a massive help in enabling it to penetrate weed and other difficult types of sea bed.

Typical new generation anchors have 35-45 per cent of their weight on the tip. Some also have roll bars that prevent the anchor landing on the seabed upside down.

Whatever anchor you choose, beware of cheap unbranded copies. These rarely have the precise geometry needed to maximise holding power. Some are also badly cast and therefore weaker than the original design.

7 of the best anchors on the market right now

Rocna

This was one of the first of the new generation of ultra high holding power anchors and quickly gained much acclaim, despite an initially high price tag.

The Rocna is well engineered and has an excellent reputation for digging in quickly and easily. Once set it then offers excellent holding.

A roll bar is incorporated, but a downside of Rocnas is they do not stow neatly on all bow rollers.

To solve this problem the company developed the Vulcan series, which doesn’t have the roll bar and is shaped to fit on a wider range of bow rollers.

Buy it now on Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon.com

Buy a Rocna Vulcan on Amazon.co.uk

Buy a stainless steel Rocna Vulcan on Amazon.com

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Lewmar Epsilon

The latest model from this UK company offers the benefits of a new generation anchor at very attractive prices.

It has a winged design with concave flukes to maximise holding power in a variety of sea beds, a ballasted tip that enables it to dig in readily and is self righting, even though the roll bar is optional.

The Epsilon is intended as a direct replacement for Lewmar’s long-running plough style Delta anchor.

Although the Epsilon’s shank is proportionately shorter, the two models share the same basic shank geometry. Therefore, if a Delta fits your bow roller then an Epsilon will also fit.

Buy it now on eBay

Buy it now from Force 4

Fortress anchor

This aluminium anchor is an older design from more than 30 years ago, but still has a number of advantages that makes it an excellent choice in some circumstances.

It’s biggest feature is very light weight relative to the holding power the anchor provides. This makes it a perfect option for performance catamarans and trimarans, as well as for smaller fast motor boats.

The key downside, however, is that the holding power is achieved through the surface area of the flukes, not the weight of the anchor. This means it’s physically larger than other anchors, although it comes apart like the Spade for easier stowage.

A neat feature is that the angle of the flukes can be varied to suit different types of sea bed.

Buy it now on Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon.com

Spade

This is another popular modern anchor, but with an important difference to other brands.

The hollow shank can be removed to make stowage easier. This makes it an excellent choice for racing yachts and other vessels that don’t permanently keep the anchor on the bow, or for occasional use as a kedge.

There’s no roll bar, but the tip loading is close to 50 per cent of the total weight, which helps it to dig in and set quickly.

The main drawback of the Spade is one of cost – it’s more complex to manufacture than other designs, so the price is relatively high.

Buy it now on eBay

Buy it now from Jimmy Green Marine

Knox anchor

Professor John Knox spent a great deal of his spare time researching the loads on anchors and rodes.

His work in this area over a period of 20 years contributed a huge amount to our understanding of anchoring and precise causes of anchors dragging or breaking out.

It also led him to develop his own design of anchor that would offer significantly better performance compared to the popular models at the time. It was therefore one of the first of the new generation designs.

The Knox anchor has a patented divided fluke with sharpened edges set at an angle that enables it to dig into the seabed quickly and efficiently.

It’s fitted with a roll bar and, while the shank is made of the highest tensile strength steel available.

Buy it now from Knox Anchors

Bügel

The Bügel was one of the very first new generation anchors and quickly set a new benchmark in the industry.

It has a flat fluke with lower surface area than later designs, plus a roll bar and a shank made of thick plate.

This makes it a relatively inexpensive anchor, which is undoubtedly a key factor behind its enormous popularity, even though later products offer higher holding power.

Buy it now from compass24.com

Manson Supreme

This was the first anchor to receive Lloyds Super High Holding Power certification when the classification was introduced in 2008.

It’s a fabricated design that uses two layers of steel for the fluke and relies on a roll bar, rather than a ballasted tip, to self-right.

The upper slot in the shank is intended for use in rocky sea beds, or anchoring in coral. The idea is that if the anchor becomes stuck the rode can be slid to the shank end of the slot, enabling the anchor to be retrieved without using a tripping line.

The shape of the anchor is designed to fit all conventional anchor rollers.

Buy it now from Marinesuperstore.com

Ultra Anchor

Read Yachting Monthly’s Ultra Anchor review

Our sister title Yachting Monthly recently tested the new 12kg Ultra Anchor from Ultra Marine over several nights at anchor.

Editor Theo Stocker said: “I was impressed with how quickly the anchor set.

“While our normal 10kg Bruce anchor can struggle in soft sand and weed, the Ultra anchor buried itself almost completely and refused to drag.

“The Ultra’s performance amply delivers on its maker’s promises as is comparable to other stainless anchors,” he concluded.

Buy it now from Jimmy Green Marine

The post Best anchors: 8 new generation designs suitable for every type of boat appeared first on YBW.

It’s no secret, of course, that maintaining a beautifully clean hull is the result of both regular work and use of the right hull cleaners.

Yet it’s all too easy to skimp on spending on the relatively small number of items need to keep a boat looking its best.

Predictably, the result is that cleaning becomes frustratingly time consuming, without achieving a professional level of finish.

This selection of the best hull cleaners will enable you to whizz through the most important tasks, both above and below the waterline, without unnecessary effort or wasted time.

Best hull cleaners: above the waterline

Starbrite Sea Safe Boat Wash

Best hull cleaners: Starbrite boat wash

This is the perfect hull cleaner for regular use. It’s suitable for surfaces including fibreglass, vinyl, plastic, rubber and painted areas and won’t remove wax and polish, or leave filmy streaks behind.

Three capfuls in a bucket is enough to clean a 21ft (6.5m) boat, so it’s economical to use and the low-sudsing formula minimises water use.

A further benefit is the biodegradable formula which contains no phosphates, so it’s not harmful to the environment.

Verdict: An ideal hull cleaner for everyday use.

RRP: £18.95 / $16.99

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on Westmarine.com

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Starbrite telescopic handle and brush

Best hull cleaners: Starbrite telescopic brush and handle

I’m sure I’m not alone in having made the mistake of buying cheap cleaning brushes only to find the handle is made of painted mild steel and rusts out after a couple of years on board.

Starbrite’s range of boat cleaning brushes is more expensive, but the telescopic marine grade handle will last for years.

Equally the brush head is big enough to make short work of large areas. These are also interchangeable, with options for soft or medium bristles.

The Combo Kit (pictured), available in the USA, contains a sponge, Boat Scuff Eraser and a boat hook end, so the handle is used for several purposes, which saves on stowage space. It’s also compatible with a wide range of other accessories.

Verdict: A worthwhile investment.

RRP: £65 / $35

Buy it now on Amazon

Y10 hull cleaner for waterline staining

Best hull cleaners: Y-10

Some boats seem to be really prone to unsightly staining just above the waterline.

Usually the only way to get remove it is with a product containing oxalic acid and Y10 has long been the go-to product for this purpose.

It may seem unnecessarily expensive, but the formulation saves a huge amount of time: quickly paint it on, wait for a while, then wash off with fresh water.

Usually a single application is all that’s needed, even for heavy stains, and in my experience one tub is more than enough for a 40ft boat.

Verdict: This hull cleaner turns a job that might appear daunting into one that’s quick and easy.

RRP: £14.95

Buy it now from Force 4

Starbrite Ultimate Fiberglass Stain Remover

Best hull cleaners: Starbrite ultimate fibreglass stain remover

Occasionally you’ll encounter a stubborn problem that needs a heavy-duty solution. As well as dealing with yellowing and other waterline stains this hull cleaning product is formulated to remove rust stains, dried fish blood and leaf stains.

These types of product are not for regular use thanks to a combination of their price, the use of more noxious ingredients than conventional cleaners and the damage they can do to the environment.

In this case the instructions say users should “take precautions to prevent contact with boat trailers, bottom paint, decals or any other surfaces that are not intended to be cleaned”.

The formula includes glycolic acid for its descaling properties, as well as oxalic acid and surface surfactants.

It’s supplied in a spray bottle for easy application and is thickened with xanthan gum, allowing it to be left to soak in, even on vertical surfaces, before rinsing off with water.

Verdict: Very useful to keep on board for stains that are otherwise impossible to remove.

RRP: £32.35 / $22.99

Buy it now on eBay

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on Westmarine.com

Best hull cleaners: below the waterline

Below the waterline it’s easy to assume that a bit of slime and light growth is only of concern to out and out racing yachts.

However, the presence of slime enables other marine organisms to gain a hold more quickly and growth will quickly accelerate.

If you have a hard type of antifouling it’s possible to scrub the hull while the boat’s afloat to keep it clean and delay the point at which the next expensive haul out is needed.

3M Doodlebug scrubbing pads

Best hull cleaners: 3M Doodlebug scrubbing pads

These 10-inch heavy duty outsize scrubbing pads have numerous uses on a boat.

For instance, when paired with 3M’s Doodlebug Pad Holder they make easy work of removing the unsightly growth that can form just above the waterline.

For most purposes the medium duty Blue pad works well, but severe fouling may require the heavy duty Scrub ’n’ Strip Brown version.

Verdict: Not sexy, but very useful, easy to stow and lasts for years.

RRP: £9 each / $28.99 for 5

Buy it now on Amazon

Buy it now on Westmarine.com

Scrubbis Hull Cleaner

Best hull cleaners: Scrubbis

Read Yachting Monthly’s Scrubbis review

This hull cleaning tool can be used from a pontoon to clean marine growth on the hull below the waterline.

The long telescopic handle enables most underwater surfaces to be reached, even on larger boats, while the head incorporates 2kg of positive buoyancy, which presses it firmly against the hull when scrubbing.

Different heads are available for different purposes and amounts of growth. For instance the ‘Groovy’ head is best for stubborn growth that has developed over a period of time, whereas the standard head is best for slime and light growth.

Best results come from regular use, scrubbing off the early signs of slime when it first appears.

This is generally sooner than most boat owners realise and can be as little as 4-5 weeks after a boat is first launched.

As the antifoul gets older the boat will need scrubbing more frequently to maintain a perfectly clean bottom.

Even if the boat already has some fouling the Scrubbis can make a big improvement, especially if the ‘Groovy’ head is used. It can therefore push back the date at which the boat needs to be lifted out for re-antifouling.

Verdict: Effective and a sure way of saving money in the longer term.

RRP: £49.99 / $59.95

Buy it now on Amazon

Looking to polish as well as clean? Check out our guide to the best boat wax.

The post Best hull cleaners buying guide: how to add sparkle above and below the water appeared first on YBW.

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 reason to set an alarm for 0555am solely to listen to the Shipping Forecast.

And you can get a warning if the anchor drags while you’re ashore in a restaurant. Here’s our roundup of some of the best boating apps and sailing apps.

Best boating apps available right now

C-Map Boating

I never go anywhere without this charting app. If you have internet access, either via data or WiFi, the free version gives access to the same (almost) worldwide charts as the premium edition. However, there are a few jurisdictions that can only be unlocked with a paid subscription.

Having a set of detailed up to date charts for the globe in my pocket has proved useful on numerous occasions, whether on the water or discussing options for sailing holidays with friends in the pub.

It also includes basic route creation and distance measuring, although the latter doesn’t include compass bearings, which seems an odd omission.

Features of the premium version of this boating app include downloadable charts that can be used when offline and improved weather data. There’s a generous limit to the number of charts that can be downloaded.

A 150-mile stretch of the Bay of Biscay between Lorient and La Rochelle, extending over 60 miles offshore, used just 30 of the allocation of 1,000 tiles.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Navionics boating

This was among the first of the cartography companies to produce a boating app in the early days of the iPhone and has since continually expanded its offering. Yet the user interface has remained impressively streamlined.

Today Navionics charts offer wide coverage, including embedded tidal height and tidal stream data. Charts can even be displayed with contours that show actual depths allowing for the height of tide.

Chart areas are large, so a year’s subscription to this boating app covers a wide area, and features an enormous amount of data, including useful user generated content with detailed information on everything from anchorages to facilities on shore.

It’s an enormously powerful boating app, especially for those with a a fully waterproof and impact-proof phone case.

However, as with other boating apps, vector charts are used. That means you must zoom in tightly to ensure all dangers are shown, which can be difficult on a small screen.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

SailGribWR

Many boating apps will calculate routeing between ports, but most of these use simple algorithms that assume a fast motorboat. Those who sail are therefore at a disadvantage thanks to the vagaries of wind and tidal streams. The latter have much more bearing on progress on a boat that averages 5 knots than one that can cruise at 18 knots.

SailGrib provides a suite of products that offer top-notch routeing for keen sailors, including a range of forecast models. Indeed SailGribWR offers most of the features that are usually found only in powerful PC-based software with four-figure price tags.

It’s particularly impressive that this boating app is able to offer this functionality via an interface that’s enormously simplified compared to the PC-based options.

Granted, it still takes time and patience to get the best from this system, but it has long been my favourite boating app for serious routeing work.

It uses a variety of weather models, including the fine-grained Arome data and has optional plug-ins that enable tidal stream data to be included in the routeing calculations. The biggest drawback is that this boating app is only compatible with Android devices.

Download now from the Play Store

Savvy Navvy

This powerful combined routeing app takes the needs of sailboats into account and is being quickly developed into an extremely powerful system that includes chart plotter functionality. It starts with a different premise to other routeing software – that the process should be quick, easy for everyone to understand and intuitive.

Savvy Navvy therefore doesn’t have the sophisticated features of SailGrib, but the idea is anyone with basic navigation knowledge can immediately get useful results. Although the streamlined easy-to-understand concept remains unchanged over time more functionality has been added to this boating app, including tidal heights, streams and weather.

All of this is presented in tabs on an easy-to-follow dashboard. The most recent update allows charts to be downloaded for offline use, allowing this boating app to be used as a chartplotter.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

Imray Tides Planner

Tidal height calculations used to be convoluted and time consuming, but are one of the areas in which a decent boating app can make a huge difference. Imray’s Tides Planner is one of a number that provide both tidal stream and tidal height data in easily digested formats.

The latter is available in a graphical form, with the ability to scroll forwards in time to instantly show the height of tide at any time and location. This makes secondary port tidal height calculations extremely simple.

In an unfamiliar port, for example, you can quickly figure out how much the depth under the boat will drop by the next low water – and therefore whether or not you need to move to a different berth in order to stay afloat.

The free version of this boating app provides this data on a daily basis for a huge database of ports around the world. A small annual subscription unlocks this restriction, though a handful of countries, including the UK and France, require a further small one-off payment to provide predictions for any day of the year.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

Windy

The best weather data you can find is essential before going afloat. Windy’s Pro version provides data from a raft of models, including ECMWF and, for those in the southern half of the UK and France, the fine-grained Arome data.

Data is presented in an easily digested format across a wide variety of parameters. The basics of mean wind speed, gusts, wind direction, precipitation, cloud cover and surface pressure are covered well, with hourly time steps.

This is my go to boating app for weather and use it almost every day for planning, even if I’m not actually on the water.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

PredictWind

Another top-notch, though more expensive, weather app that includes routeing options, PredictWind runs its own models for popular sailing areas around the globe using algorithms that were first developed for the America’s Cup.

This is a hugely popular boating app among the racing community, but also deserves consideration by any cruisers who sail serious distances.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

Anchor! drag alarm

The latest generation of anchors is better than earlier products. However, even a hook that’s well dug in can break out on a windshift, change of tide, or if fouled by another vessel’s ground tackle.

Anchor alarm apps therefore make a lot of sense. Although they are included on many chartplotters and MFDs it can also be very useful to have one on your phone.

The power consumption overnight is likely to be an order of magnitude lower and many anchor watch apps can send an alert to a different phone.

It’s ideal if there’s a problem when you’re ashore, or even just on a friend’s boat in the same anchorage. This boating app is one of the highest rated and is available for a modest one-off payment.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

Marine Traffic

AIS data has transformed the picture we have of both leisure and commercial traffic at sea. A boating app is no substitute for having proper AIS equipment on board, but it’s great for tracking friends and family on the water, understanding shipping routes and more.

Marine Traffic was one of the forerunners in promulgating this data to the public in an easily digested format and is still among the best. This boating app now includes live winds and 48-hour forecasts, as well as an augmented reality layer that shows the ship’s data if the phone’s camera is pointed at the vessel.

Download now from the App Store

Download now from the Play Store

The post Best boating apps: 9 essential downloads for iPhone and Android appeared first on YBW.

Buying the best satellite phone is, of course, just the start – you’ll also need a SIM card and data plan. These vary considerably in cost and it’s worth spending some time researching the best options for your type of sailing. MailASail have a useful guide to choosing your usage on their website. Global Telesat Communications also have a comprehensive website with lots of airtime plans available to accompany the satellite equipment you choose to buy.

Questions to ask before buying a satellite phone

• Where will you be using it?
• What will you be using the phone for? (voice, text, weather reports, position tracking, sos etc)
• Do you need waterproofing?
• How important is battery life?
• Do you need internal GPS?
• Do you want to send photos and videos to social media or to a personal blog or website?
• Do you want a portable satellite phone to keep in a grab bag?
• Will you want to take it with you on to other boats?
• What airtime plan will suit me?

Iridium 9555 Satellite Phone & SIM Card With 75 Minutes For 30 Days

This handset comes with a Prepaid SIM card and 75 minutes for 30 days validity. Please note you must activate the SIM Card within 6 months of purchase.

• Industrial-grade design for unparalleled durability. Compact physical footprint for streamlined portability
• Intuitive User interface for out-of-the-box functionality
• Enhanced SMS and email Messaging capability
• Headset and hands-free capability

Price £1215 (Price £1016 phone only)

Buy Iridium 9555 satellite phone with airtime from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk

Buy Iridium 9555 satellite phone only from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk

Iridium 9575 Extreme Satellite Phone with a Prepaid SIM card (No Airtime Included)

The Iridium 9575 Extreme is SMS and email enabled, allowing you to stay in touch and share experiences with others anywhere in the world. SMS and email messaging is limited to 160 characters and delivery/receipt is dependent on compatibility with local mobile network carriers

• The phone offers an integrated speakerphone and hands-free capability through a headset included as standard in our Extreme 9575 phone kit.
• Programmable emergency button that activates critical, rapid response when you need it most. It is the only satellite phone currently available with emergency services supported by GEOS International Emergency Response Coordinating Centre included at no additional cost.
• Equipped with Location Based Services (LBS) enabling GPS positioning. 
• With a ruggedized IP65 rating, the highest of any satellite phone currently available, the Iridium Extreme 9575 is designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions. It is jet water resistant, shock resistant, dust proof and has a rugged antenna for unparalleled durability.

Price: £1,230 / $1,150

Buy Iridium 9575 Extreme from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence. Where indicated

Iridium GO

The Iridium GO! is a pocket sized device, with an IP rating of IP65, that enables you to use your smartphone or tablet to make voice calls, share photos, access emails, SMS two-way, use GPS tracking and send out SOS alerts.

Simply flip up the integrated antenna and the battery-powered unit will connect quickly and automatically to the Iridium LEO satellite constellation. You can then connect and operate up to 5 devices at a time using the Iridium GO! app.

You will need to purchase airtime for a prepaid SIM, or enter into a monthly contract for the post-paid SIM before you can use your device.

Price: £799 / $695

Buy Iridum Go from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk

Buy Iridium Go with 400 mins and 180 days sim card from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Buy it now on eBay

Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 with SIM Card and 50 Airtime Units

Inmarsat is another big name in satellite communications, and their IsatPhone 2 has good reviews. Inmarsat offers near-global coverage, and the phone has around 8 hours’ talk time, an integral GPS sensor, and is IP54 water- and dust resistant.

It has an SOS button for emergency use. Reviews suggest that it’s a good choice if you’re looking for predominantly voice calls – for heavy data use, it’s more cost effective to use one of the company’s impressive FleetBroadband units.

Price £710

Buy Inmarsat Isatphone 2 from GTC via Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Garmin inReach Mini

OK, Garmin’s InReach Mini may not strictly be a satellite phone, in that you can’t use it to make phone calls, but it’s a low-cost messenger that allows 2-way text messaging.

You can also use it to trigger an SOS call to a 24/7 search and rescue centre, and have a tailored weather forecast delivered for a subscription fee.  Worth considering as a lower-cost alternative if you don’t need voice or data capability. (See also the SPOT Tracker)

Price £269

Buy Garmin InReach Mini from Global Telesat Communications via Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Buy it now on eBay

Spot Tracker

The SPOT X has a 2.7″ screen with a backlit display which allows you to view message status’ and add contacts. Also, the satellite tracker is dust and water protected to IP67 standard.

Connect your SPOT X to the SPOT X app via Bluetooth, to access satellite connectivity.

Select from 2½, 5, 10, 30 or 60 minute tracking intervals, and let family, friends and other adventurers follow your progress with SPOT’s easy-to-use Google Maps interface. The Check-in button is an important feature. It enables users to Quickly and easily let everyone know they’re OK.

The SPOT X has a built-in compass and programmable waypoints to help you navigate whilst on your trip. Additionally, there is an SOS button on the device for emergency situations. Send an S.O.S. to the 24/7 Search & Rescue center, message back and forth about the nature of your emergency, and receive confirmation when help is on the way.

Price £307

Buy Spot Tracker from GTC via Amazon.co.uk

Thuraya SatSleeve Plus

The SatSleeve is designed to transform your smartphone (Apple or Android) into a satellite phone by clipping to the phone. You get the apps and interface you are familiar with, access to your emails and usual phone numbers through a free SatSleeve App that lets you interface your phone’s address book.

You can choose various access points to give you the level of compression you need and avoid heavy and expensive data use (heavy compression, low or no compression are the options).

Price £529

Buy Thuraya satsleeve from GTC via Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Buy it now on eBay

Thuraya XT Pro Satellite Phone

Thuraya’s XT Pro is a ruggedised handset that boasts a long battery life, built-in GPS and a large display. Thuraya claims up to 2/3rds global coverage, so it’s important to ensure that your cruising ground or passage area is included – their website has a useful coverage map.

You can make calls and send SMS from the handset and use the phone as an internet access point. There’s a dedicated SOS button that sends a pre-programmed alert to a preset number, not the GEOS service as used by some other brands.

Price £1020

Buy Thuraya XT Pro from GTC via Amazon.co.uk

Buy it now on Amazon (US)

Buy it now on eBay

If you’re looking to read more about satellite comms and trackers

Spot X review at Yachting World

12 yacht trackers compared – Yachting World

Internet at sea – Yachting Monthly

The post Best satellite phone: 8 models to help you keep in touch at sea appeared first on YBW.

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 as in a car or caravan. So buying the best boat dehumidifier for your needs is important.

An added challenge with boats is that that salt water inevitably finds its way down below. And salt, as we all know, retains moisture.

Since iron will start to rust when the relative humidity exceeds 50% (80% for steel), the problems caused by damp aren’t limited to mould, mildew and mustiness: electronics, electrics and engines will suffer too, not to mention tools. This is where a good boat dehumidifier can help.

10 of the best boat dehumidifiers available right now

EcoAirDD1 Simple

This is one of the lightest, simplest and least expensive desiccant dehumidifiers on the market. Despite its relatively low price, it does a lot more than the old basic ‘on/off’ compressor types that some of us have been using for years.

One useful feature is a humidity dial, which allows you to set the level at which it turns itself off to save power. When power-saving is less important than drying a particularly damp space or directing the heat to help dry clothes, you can leave it on the ‘laundry’ setting for short periods. There’s also a two-speed fan, and a nano-silver anti-bacterial filter to help clean the air.

Weighing a modest 6kg (13lb), the DD1 Simple has a carrying handle on the top and is claimed to extract 7 litres of water a day at 20°C and 60% relative humidity.

Price: from £140

Buy it now on Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

DeLonghi DEX214F

Some manufacturers have traditionally concentrated on compressor dehumidifiers, which have a reputation for lasting longer than desiccant types as well as for using less power. This means that people tend to be happier to leave them on for longer, while the nature of their noise is often considered to be less intrusive even if the actual decibel count is no lower.

De Longhi’s DEX214F sit in the middle of their range, with an extraction rating of 14 litres of water per day (given the standard test conditions of 30°C and 80% relative humidity, which are rarely seen on a boat in a high-latitude winter).

Buyers with environmental concerns about refrigerant gases will be reassured to know that DeLonghi use R290 gas, which is claimed to be much more environmentally friendly than the gases traditionally used in refrigeration appliances.

Price: from £180

Buy it now on Amazon

Meaco DD8L Junior

Made in the UK, this popular desiccant model from Meaco has proved popular among boat owners because of its light weight (6kg/13lb), low noise and efficiency at low temperatures.

Claimed to extract 7.5 litres of water per day at 20°C and 60% relative humidity (equivalent to higher-capacity compressor dehumidifiers, which are tested at higher temperatures and humidities), it has two fan speeds, a variable humidistat and a laundry mode for maximum extraction or for drying clothes.

It’s also claimed to be particularly economical to run because of the way that it regularly samples the humidity and runs for the minimum time necessary to maintain the chosen level.

If you want an ioniser and an anti-bacterial filter, you can spend a little more and buy the DD8L model as opposed to the DD8L Junior.

Price: from £160

Buy it on on Amazon

Mitsubishi MJE 16V

This is by no means a budget dehumidifier, but that’s not what Mitsubishi designed it to be. Although it uses a compressor rather than desiccant, it has a low-temperature function that’s said to keep it working efficiently in cold weather.

Compressor dehumidifiers have to stop working at intervals when the temperature drops and moisture freezes on the cold plates of the heat exchanger, but the Mitsubishi has a hot-gas defrosting system to help offset this generic drawback.

In warmer, humid conditions (the standard 30°C and 80% humidity at which dehumidifiers are rated) it has a capacity of 16l per day.

A variable humidistat is among the other features, together with a laundry function, on/off timer and deodorising filter.

Price: from £330

Buy it now on DehumidifiersUK

Ecor Pro DH1200 Inox Dryboat

If you want a seriously heavy-duty dehumidifier that’s made of stainless steel to withstand the marine environment and that can be left unattended and running 24 hours a day, one of the Ecor Pro desiccant models is likely to attract your attention.

Designed in the UK, the DH1200 Inox will extract up to 12l per day and can be free-standing or attached to a horizontal surface or a bulkhead. It has no water bucket because the moisture is vented out through a duct that will accept standard 41mm waste pipe. You can also attach an inlet pipe to suck in moist air from elsewhere.

Operating temperatures range from -20 to +40°C and this boat dehumidifier has been engineered for ease of access when maintenance is needed.

Price: from £630

Buy it now on Amazon

Seago Ecodry

Seago’s Ecodry is one of the small number of dehumidifiers to be designed with boat owners very much in mind. You should be able to leave it running continually and, being of the desiccant type, it will keep working (collecting up to 7l a day) at temperatures down to 1°C.

Features include a digital display on the top, where you set the mode (choices include ‘sleep’ for lower noise and a dimmed display) and where the temperature and humidity are shown.

Carrying handles are recessed into the sides. While that’s arguably neater than having a fold-down handle on the top, you won’t be able to attach a line to haul it up if you’re on deck with the boat ashore. Then again, being one of the lighter and more compact boat dehumidifiers (it weighs 6kg/13lb and is less than 500mm/20in high), it’s less of a lump than some to carry up a ladder.

Price: from £170 / $250

Buy it now on eBay (UK)

Buy it now on eBay (US)

Ebac 3850e

Ebac is a British manufacturer with a different take on what a dehumidifier needs to do and the best way to do it.

Rather than trumpeting the benefits of desiccant dehumidifiers and humidistats that allow you to choose the humidity level you want, Ebac presents an argument in favour of the compressor combined with their own patented Smart Control feature.

Compressors are used for their appreciably lower running costs – up to 40% lower, it’s claimed – while the Smart Control is said to detect changes in temperature and moisture levels, switching the dehumidifier on and off as needed.

Ebac’s premise is that there is no consistently ‘right’ level of humidity for any given environment: it varies continually, and the 3850e responds by extracting only as much moisture as is needed to avoid damp and condensation rather than making the space unnecessarily dry and sucking in more damp from outside.

It also incorporates a defrosting system that minimises the time when it’s out of action.

Price: £290

Buy it now on Amazon

Meaco DD8L Zambezi

PBO tested: Meaco DD8L Zambezi review

If you like the Meaco approach but want something with a few more bells and whistles than the basic DD8L models, the Zambezi (named after an orphaned elephant in Zambia) might be the answer.

It’s a desiccant machine with a maximum extraction of 8.3l per day (at 20°C) and should still extract 7.5l at 10° and 60% humidity. Power consumption at 20° is 351W and the tank capacity is a larger-than-average 3l.

Features that make it more expensive than Meaco’s other models include the sterilising ioniser and a low-energy laundry setting. It also has full timing functions, which allow you to set when it comes on and when it goes off.

Price: £250

Buy it on Amazon

EcoAir DD3 Classic Mk II

Like most manufacturers, EcoAir offers models to suit a range of budgets and the Mk II version of their popular DD3 Classic dehumidifier comes with more features than you find on the lower-priced alternatives. As well as auto-restart after a power interruption and a laundry mode – both widely found elsewhere – this one incorporates multiple timer settings and an antibacterial nano-silver filter. It’s said to be quieter than its predecessor, producing 36dB on its lower setting.

Being a larger unit, with an extraction rate of up to 10.5l per day, it uses a little more power: consumption ranges from 420-735W. With a capacity of 4.2l, the tank is bigger too. It’s 520mm (20in) high and weighs 7.5kg (16.5lb).

Price: £220

Buy it now from Amazon

Pro Breeze 10L

ProBreeze makes both desiccant and compressor dehumidifiers as well as smaller models that use Peltier (thermo-electric) technology to create a cold plate on which moisture condenses.

If you heat your boat in the winter, you might find that a compressor dehumidifier makes most sense; otherwise opinions in colder climes tend to shift in favour of desiccant types and ProBreeze’s 10L (which stands for 10l of extraction per day) is the company’s offering in this department.

It offers a humidity sensor so you can set your chosen level, a digital control panel, a timer, a fold-down handle on the top, an adjustable outlet for the warm air, a nano-silver filter and a 3l collection tank.

Price: £190

Buy it now from Amazon

What makes a good boat dehumidifier?

Mechanical dehumidifiers that run from a mains supply are often left on the galley worktop to drain into the sink so they don’t cut out when the water bucket fills up. That’s unless you have a top-of-the range boat dehumidifier that’s ‘plumbed in’ and expels water to the outside.

Your first choice is likely to be whether to buy a condenser type of boat dehumidifier or one of the newer desiccant types. The former use a compressor and refrigerant gas to create cold plates or coils on which moisture in the air, drawn in by a fan, condenses before dripping into a bucket.

With the desiccant dehumidifiers, the air passes over a rotating wheel coated with an absorbent material (typically zeolite). The saturated wheel is dried by hot air that’s then cooled so, again, the condensed moisture is collected. This process is more power-hungry, but desiccant dehumidifiers are typically lighter. They also heat the surrounding air and work better at lower temperatures, when condenser types have to shut down periodically to defrost.

Whichever you buy, bear in mind that not all domestic dehumidifiers are designed to be left running for lengthy periods. There have been instances of fires on board being attributed to boat dehumidifiers, so it’s a good idea to check with your insurers just to make sure.

Read PBO’s group test of boat dehumidifiers

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

The post Best boat dehumidifier: 10 powerful models to keep your boat dry appeared first on YBW.

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 buoyancy aids: lifejackets that will inflate to turn you on to your back in the water and provide you with at least 150 Newtons of buoyancy.

Because inflatable lifejackets like this are relatively slim and unobtrusive (at least when compared with the solid foam variety), some people wear them nearly all the time when afloat. Others wait until conditions get rough, and then there are those who don them under duress; only when the rules insist or the skipper says so (which isn’t necessarily as reckless an approach as it might sound, because their views are often based on hard-won experience).

What to look for in a good lifejacket?

Whether you’re a regular or an occasional wearer, it’s pointless to wear a lifejacket that won’t do the job should the need arise. Sailors will typically choose one that incorporates a harness with an attachment point for a safety line so they can clip on when on deck and it’s also easier to haul them out of the water.

Many lighter, slimmer and less expensive lifejackets don’t have a harness and are more likely to be worn by motorboaters. Another difference between lifejackets is the firing mechanism, which fires a pin into the gas cylinder to activate the inflation. Most rely on a tablet that dissolves in water, some being more prone to dissolving accidentally than others.

Alternatively you might prefer a hydrostatic mechanism, because it’s activated only when immersed a given depth below the water. Further choices include whether you want features like a spray hood (to help prevent secondary drowning), a light, a whistle or provision for electronic recovery aids such as an AIS or PLB. 

There are a lot of choices to make, so here we look at examples of various types.

The best lifejackets available right now

Crewsaver Ergofit+ 190N

Crewsaver has long been a name synonymous with lifejackets, and the Erogofit+ 190N is the company’s top-of-the-range model in the 150 Newton category. Like many lifejackets that conform to the 150N standard, it provides substantially more buoyancy than the minimum required.

Buoyancy in the bladder is distributed in such a way that, if you land in the water on your front, you should be turned on to your back within three seconds as it inflates. The inflated bladder is also designed to act as a wave-break to stop water sloshing over your face, and to maximise mobility so you can climb back aboard or into a liferaft.

Given the importance of keeping water away from the airways, the Ergofit comes with a special design of spray hood that supports itself and provides plenty of clearance over the face.

Further features include a double crotch strap and buckle that’s easy to operate with cold hands.

RRP: £220

Buy it now on eBay

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Crewsaver Crewfit 180 Pro

For a lifejacket that’s lighter, slimmer and less expensive than the Ergofits, Crewsaver’s line-up includes the Crewfit 180N Pro.

Again providing substantially more buoyancy than the 150N base level, it comes without some of the features of the Ergofit+, such as the spray hood, but has attachment points for one as well as for an AIS unit that’s activated automatically on inflation. Also included is a surface light that comes on in contact with the water to help attract attention.

A window in the cover lets you check the status of the inflation mechanism to make sure it’s ready to go. To help you come back aboard, the Crewfit is compatible with the MOB Lifesaver recovery system.

RRP: £150

Buy it now on eBay

Kru Sport

Inflating to provide 170N of buoyancy, Ocean Safety’s Kru Sport is one of the lightest and least obtrusive offshore-spec lifejackets you can buy.

Once inflated, the two sides of the bladder interlock to help stop water being funnelled between them and over your face. A hood is also built in to offer further protection.

Speed of rotation from a face-down position is taken seriously by all reputable lifejacket manufacturers and the Kru Sport is claimed to have you on your back in less than five seconds.

A single back strap and crotch strap help minimise weight and bulk and a side buckle makes for easy adjustment.

RRP: £80

Buy it now on eBay

Spinlock Deckvest Lite

With the introduction of the Deckvest, Spinlock were among the first manufacturers to offer a lifejacket that’s slim, comfortable and unobtrusive enough to woo people who might traditionally have §chosen not to wear one.

The Deckvest range has now expanded to include four models, the Deckvest Lite and Lite+ (the latter incorporating a harness) being the lightest and slimmest. 

Unlike many of their competitors, they open for donning at the side rather than the front. Options include a light on a stalk to raise it above the wearer’s head, another light to illuminate the inflated bladder, a spray hood and an AIS beacon. Welcome features include the ability to convert it to manual-only firing, while something else that might encourage those of us who are reluctant to wear lifejackets is the ability to attach a chest pack to compensate for restricted access to our jacket pockets.

RRP: £130

Buy it now on eBay

Deckvest Vito

If budget isn’t a consideration and you’re after a top-of-the-range lifejacket, Spinlock’s Deckvest Vito will almost certainly be on your shortlist.

Developed with Volvo Ocean Race teams, it has a Hammar hydrostatic inflation system and a bladder-illumination light. Distinctive features that have proved popular with wearers include a pocket on the back for the spray hood to minimise bulk around the neck. The crotch strap also lives in a back pocket so it’s out of the way but easy to reach for use when needed.

Given that being towed by a safety line can be a very quick way to drown, Spinlock developed the Harness Release System (HRS) that allows you to open the soft loop to which the line is attached, thereby releasing the harness’s hook.

Incorporating a toggle attachment point for a chest pack, the Vito is designed to be easily and accurately adjustable for a comfortable fit according to the number of layers you’re wearing.

RRP: £260

Buy it now on eBay

Decathlon Tribord LJ150N

This is one of the least expensive 150N lifejackets to include automatic inflation, a crotch strap and a built-in harness.

Designed with technical input from French Vendée Globe sailor Tanguy De Lamotte, the LJ150N follows the current trend in having the outer cover secured with a zip that bursts when the bladder inflates, rather than the poppers and hook-and-loop fastener widely found on older lifejackets.

It comes in black and its slim fit and good value make it a contender if you’re in the market for a basic lifejacket that’s functional and economical.

RRP: £69.99

Buy it now from Decathlon

N.B. Decathlon has issued a recall for all Tribord LJ 150N lifejackets bought between 12 April 2021 and 27 August 2021. Customers are advised to not use it and return it to a store where a full refund will be given.

Helly Hansen Sailsafe Inflatable Race

Closer to the top end of the price range for lifejackets we find Helly Hansen’s Sailsafe, designed with offshore racing in mind. To this end it has a low profile for minimal restriction of movement and it comes with many of the features you would want for offshore use including a harness, light and spray hood. There’s also space to fit a PLB.

As with some other offshore lifejackets, the inflation system is of the hydrostatic type from Hammar. Unlike most of its competitors, however, the Sailsafe doesn’t use a conventional crotch strap. Instead you find thigh straps, which are potentially more fiddly to fit but more comfortable in use. They tuck away into pocket on the back when you don’t need them.

RRP: £290

Buy it now from Helly Hansen

TeamO 170N Coastal Backtow

Wearing a lifejacket and being clipped on with a safety harness might increase your sense of security on deck, but people have drowned after falling overboard and being towed along by a safety line with their head under water.

That’s why Oscar Mead developed the TeamO lifejacket so that, instead of being towed on your front, you’re towed on your back with your head above the water. Your reviewer was involved in TeamO testing back in 2012. 

The lifejacket has an attachment point on the front for normal use on board. If you find yourself in the water and clipped on, you manually activate the backtow mechanism to release the attachment from the front and it moves to the back.

Coastal and offshore versions of the Backtow lifejacket are available, both of course incorporating harnesses and the former coming with double crotch straps and a whistle. The offshore version costs from £220 and gives you a choice of inflation systems.

RRP: £159

Buy it now from TeamO

Buy it now from Marine Chandlery

Lalizas Alpha 170N Automatic

While some of the big-name manufacturers have been placing great emphasis on creating lifejackets that are discrete and stylish, Lalizas have stuck with the simple, functional, tried and tested with the Alpha design.

It comes in red – practical if no longer quite so fashionable – and with no talk of 3D sculpting or a contoured shape. Another departure from the modern norm is that the cover is fastened with Velcro rather than a zip.

Inflation systems are automatic and manual and there’s an oral inflation tube as well as a whistle. Lalizas say that re-arming and re-packing is easy and economical.

The integral harness incorporates a stainless steel D-ring for attaching a safety line. There’s also a version without a harness.

RRP: £80

Buy it now on eBay

Seago Active Pro 190N

This is one of the higher-buoyancy lifejackets in the 150N category, inflating – as its name suggests – to 190 Newtons. That means it needs the larger 38g gas cylinder as opposed to the 33g size used by many smaller lifejackets.

As you would expect from a lifejacket at this level, it has a window in the cover so you can check the status of the firing mechanism, plus a spray hood and light, while a crotch strap can be added.

A range of colours includes various combinations of red and blue. The Active lifejackets sit in Seago’s range between the more economical Classic and the top-end 3Dynamic.

RRP: £100

Buy it now from Marine Scene

Buy it now from Marine Superstore

Baltic Winner 150N

Having been making lifejackets since the 1970s, Baltic has become one of the biggest names in the business and offers one of the widest ranges, including flotation clothing, floatation suits, buoyancy aids, belt packs, safety lines and harnesses, and buoyancy aids for pets.

The Winner 150 sits broadly in the middle of the range of inflatable lifejackets and comes with a choice of manual or automatic inflation. You also have a choice of harness or no harness.

Features include a fleece-lined collar for comfort (lifejackets can rub around the back of the neck) and retro-reflective patches. A light and a spray hood are among the options.

RRP: £75

Buy it now from CrewSafe

SeaSafe I-Zip 170N

If you find most lifejackets rather boring in appearance, SeaSafe have the answer: choose your own cover. The standard range includes everything from plain blues, black and red to zebra stripes, Union Jack, tiger or leopard print, camouflage grey or green or even Harris tweed in different hues. And if you decide afterwards that you’ve been too flamboyant – or safe – it’s easy to change the cover for another one.

Inside is a 170N lifejacket with integral harness, made in SeaSafe’s factory on the Isle of Wight. Standard features include a crotch strap, a whistle and a padded collar. You can then tick the boxes for a host of options including manual or automatic firing, safety beacons of your choice, a light, an MOB Lifesaver and even embroidery on the cover.

RRP: £105

Buy it now from SeaSafe

The post Best lifejacket: 13 top choices that could save your life appeared first on YBW.