Blog

Maintenance Tips

Spotlight

Deeper CHIRP+ 4 Review: smart castable sonar that actually tells you what’s under you (most of the time)

Product Test

•

12/05/2026

Deeper CHIRP+ 4 Review: smart castable sonar that actually tells you what’s under you (most of the time)

Standard Horizon HX891BT/E Review: a tough handheld VHF with GPS that mostly stays out of your way

Understanding the Role of Cutlass Bearings in Yacht Maintenance

Cobra BlueBound 350 Review: a straightforward floating VHF that just does its job

Product Test

•

12/05/2026

Cobra BlueBound 350 Review: a straightforward floating VHF that just does its job

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Our latest product comparisons

Comparison

The best boat bimini tops: our top 7 (2026)

Sun Shade Sail Waterproof, 3 x 18.5 m Rectangle Backyard Shade Canopy High-Density UV Block Shade Canopy Cover Outdoor Sunshade Cloth for Deck Patio Garden Pool WLR010, Grey

WLRHGl

3 x 18.5 m Waterproof Rectangle Sun Shade Sail (Grey)

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 9.0/10

+ Very thick PVC material with a sturdy feel and good waterproofing

+ Lots of metal eyelets (every ~50 cm) and reinforced edges for solid fixing

Seamander 3 Bow Bimini Tops for Boats,Boat Canopy Cover Top with Mounting Hardware (Burgundy, 6'L x 85"-90" W x 46" H)

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.7/10

Premium Fabric Boat Bimini Top Canopy, 4 Bow, Multiple Colour & Size Option 230-250cm Light Grey

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.5/10

See full comparison →

Comparison

Top 6: best boat covers for storage (2026)

5-ply 1200D Boat Cover with Storage Bag, Widened Straps for Trailering & Mooring, Fits 22-24ft Bass Boat, V-Hull, Tri-Hull Runabout Pro-Style Fishing Boat - Waterproof Anti-uv and Breathable Black Length 22'-24', Beam width up to 102''

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.6/10

+ Thick 1200D solution-dyed fabric with strong stitching that feels genuinely durable

+ Good waterproofing and wind resistance when paired with proper strap setup

Classic Accessories

StormPro Boat Cover 12-14 ft x 68" Beam with Support Pole

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.4/10

Center Console Boat Cover 24-26ft, Trailerable T-Top/Hard-Top Boat Cover, Heavy Duty Marine Grade Oxford Waterproof Boat Covers Gray 24'-26' Long (Beam Width Up to 114")

★★★★★ ★★★★★ 8.2/10

See full comparison →

Our latest product reviews

SI-TEX T-760 Compact Color Radar w/4kW 18 Dome - 7 Touchscre...

Simple, compact radar that just does its job

9.0/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Value for money ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Design ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Battery ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Durability ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Read full review

Raymarine E70148 i50 Echo Sounder System with Breakthrough S...

A simple depth gauge that just does its job

9.0/10 ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Value for money ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Design ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Materials ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Durability ★★★★★ ★★★★★

Read full review

Last posts

Haida Stainless Steel 4-Step Marine Ladder Review: a simple, sturdy dock and boat ladder that actually feels safe

Product Test

•

05/09/2026

Haida Stainless Steel 4-Step Marine Ladder Review: a simple, sturdy dock and boat ladder that actually feels safe

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Overall, the Haida Stainless Steel 4-Step Folding Marine Ladder is a solid, practical choice if you want a safe way to get in and out of a boat or off a dock. The big positives are the 316 stainless construction, the double handrails, and the telescoping steps that go deep enough into the water. In...

by Christophe Leblanc

Dometic CFF 35 Review: a tough 12V compressor fridge that actually cools like a real freezer

Product Test

•

05/09/2026

Dometic CFF 35 Review: a tough 12V compressor fridge that actually cools like a real freezer

★★★★★ ★★★★★

The Dometic CFF 35 is basically a small, tough compressor fridge/freezer that actually behaves like a real one. It cools fast, it can genuinely freeze down to –18 °C, and it keeps a stable temperature even when the car or campsite is hot. The build feels solid, the double-sided lid is genuinely prac...

Simrad HALO24 Radar Review: compact dome with serious range and very few excuses

★★★★★ ★★★★★

The Simrad HALO24 is a compact, modern radar that actually brings useful upgrades over older domes, especially for close-range work. The fast 60 RPM sweep, VelocityTrack Doppler, and Dual Range mode all combine to give you a clearer and faster picture of what’s around you. For night entries, busy ch...

Gelcoat repair before the winter: the cracks worth filling now, the ones that can wait and the products that actually hold

Owner focused autumn guide to gelcoat repair before winter haul out: which cracks demand urgent work, which can wait and which products truly last.

Anchoring in a blow: the ground tackle, the technique and the instinct that let you sleep through a summer squall

Safety Equipment

•

03/08/2026

Anchoring in a blow: the ground tackle, the technique and the instinct that let you sleep through a summer squall

Learn practical yacht anchoring techniques for summer squalls: choosing ground tackle, reading the seabed, calculating scope and swing, and resetting safely at night.

Predictive maintenance on a cruising yacht: the sensors and software that catch a failure before you do

Tech Upgrades

•

27/07/2026

Predictive maintenance on a cruising yacht: the sensors and software that catch a failure before you do

Discover how predictive maintenance and condition-based monitoring improve reliability, safety and lifecycle costs on 20–40m cruising yachts, from sensors and software to retrofit budgets and compliance.

First summer as an owner: the small maintenance routines that quietly preserve the season's enjoyment

Seasonal Care

•

03/07/2026

First summer as an owner: the small maintenance routines that quietly preserve the season's enjoyment

Build a first summer yacht owner maintenance playbook with weekly 30-minute checks, monthly deep inspections and end-of-season debriefs that protect safety, reliability and resale value.

Heavy Duty Mainsail Boom Cover Review: a no-name sail cover that’s cheap, chunky, and mostly gets the job done

Product Test

•

30/06/2026

Heavy Duty Mainsail Boom Cover Review: a no-name sail cover that’s cheap, chunky, and mostly gets the job done

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Overall, this generic red 600D mainsail boom cover is a practical option if you’re looking for basic protection without spending too much. The fabric is reasonably thick, the seams are decent, and the straps hold up in normal wind. It keeps sun, dirt, and most of the rain off the sail, which is exac...

by Christophe Leblanc

EVERLASTO 8mm Blue Polypropylene Rope Review: a no-nonsense workhorse for everyday jobs

Product Test

•

30/06/2026

EVERLASTO 8mm Blue Polypropylene Rope Review: a no-nonsense workhorse for everyday jobs

★★★★★ ★★★★★

After using the EVERLASTO 8mm blue polypropylene 100m trade reel for a while, I’d sum it up as a solid, no-drama rope that does exactly what you expect. It’s strong enough for everyday jobs like tying down loads, securing tarps, and general DIY, and it handles better than the really cheap glossy blu...

Deeper CHIRP+ 3 Review: a compact sonar that actually makes sense from shore or kayak

★★★★★ ★★★★★

After using the Deeper CHIRP+ 3 in different situations, I’d sum it up like this: it’s a practical, well-built tool that helps you understand what’s under the water faster, but it’s not magic and it’s not cheap. The sonar detail and 3D mapping are genuinely useful once you spend a bit of time learni...

Holt XR1 Triple Rope Clutch Review: a straightforward stopper that does the job without fuss

★★★★★ ★★★★★

After a few weekends of real use, I’d sum up this Holt XR1 triple rope clutch as a straightforward, reliable bit of deck gear. It grips standard 6–11 mm cruising lines well, the levers are easy to operate even with gloves, and the composite build feels solid enough for normal coastal sailing. It’s n...

Lowrance Halo 20+ Radar Review: compact dome that seriously upgrades your situational awareness

★★★★★ ★★★★★

The Lowrance Halo 20+ is a solid fit if you already run Lowrance gear and actually use your boat in conditions where visibility isn’t always perfect. The fast short‑range sweep, clear target separation, and Doppler coloring aren’t just nice extras; they genuinely help you read traffic and avoid trou...

Fuel-burn diagnostics on a long cruising week: reading the tank gauge like a delivery skipper does

Learn how to monitor yacht fuel consumption over a full cruising week, build accurate baselines, read fuel-burn anomalies and log data that cuts costs and funds your next refit.

ECO-WORTHY Flexible Solar Panel 260W Review: light, bendy and surprisingly punchy for vans and boats

Product Test

•

17/06/2026

ECO-WORTHY Flexible Solar Panel 260W Review: light, bendy and surprisingly punchy for vans and boats

★★★★★ ★★★★★

After a few weeks of use on a camper and a small shed, I’d sum up the ECO‑WORTHY 2×130W flexible solar panels as lightweight, practical, and decent performers, with the usual trade‑offs of flexible tech. They don’t hit the full 260W in real conditions, but seeing 160–190W in good sun is realistic, a...

Fusion RA70 Review: a straightforward marine radio with Bluetooth that just works

★★★★★ ★★★★★

The Fusion RA70 is a straightforward marine stereo that focuses on the basics: reliable Bluetooth, decent sound, and a design that can actually handle life on a boat. After using it across several trips, I’d sum it up as “nothing flashy, but it works and doesn’t give you headaches.” The built-in amp...

by Isabella Cortez

Silva 70UN Compass Review: a versatile little boat compass that mostly gets the job done

Product Test

•

17/06/2026

Silva 70UN Compass Review: a versatile little boat compass that mostly gets the job done

★★★★★ ★★★★★

After using the Silva 70UN across a few small boats, my conclusion is simple: it’s a practical, compact compass that suits casual boating very well, with a few clear limits. The flexible bracket, dual reading scales, and option to pull it out for handheld use make it genuinely handy on cramped cockp...

by Liam McAllister

Attwood Light Armor Underwater LED Light Review: a tough, bright transom light that mostly just does its job

Product Test

•

17/06/2026

Attwood Light Armor Underwater LED Light Review: a tough, bright transom light that mostly just does its job

★★★★★ ★★★★★

After using the Attwood Light Armor 6‑LED white underwater light on my boat for a few outings, my overall take is: it’s a tough, no‑nonsense light that favors durability and simplicity over flash. The build quality feels genuinely marine‑grade, with 316 stainless, a thick impact‑resistant lens, seal...

by Christophe Leblanc

Humminbird XPLORE 12 Review: a bright, fast fish finder with strong sonar but pricey maps

Product Test

•

17/06/2026

Humminbird XPLORE 12 Review: a bright, fast fish finder with strong sonar but pricey maps

★★★★★ ★★★★★

Overall, the Humminbird XPLORE 12 is a strong, modern fish finder with a genuinely useful 12-inch screen, clear MEGA Side/Down Imaging, and a user-friendly interface. The mix of touchscreen and physical buttons works well in real conditions, and the unit feels fast and responsive. Features like Auto...

Propeller care between haul-outs: the gentle frequent clean that keeps fuel burn honest

Calm, expert guidance on yacht propeller maintenance between haul-outs, from diver routines to coatings, fuel-burn clues and corrosion control for serious owners.

Akozon 316 Stainless Dock Cleat Review: compact mooring bollard that feels properly heavy-duty

Product Test

•

05/06/2026

Akozon 316 Stainless Dock Cleat Review: compact mooring bollard that feels properly heavy-duty

★★★★★ ★★★★★

If you need a compact, solid cleat for a small boat, jetski, tender, or a floating platform, this Akozon 316 stainless dock cleat is a pretty solid option. It feels dense in the hand, the mirror-polished finish looks clean, and in real use it holds lines without slipping or chewing them up. After a...

by Clive Harrington