Windvane self-steering: a complete guide for sailors
Oct 30, 2024 · Course adjustments are made by pulling a continuous line in the cockpit that can rotate the vane 360°. If the wind backs suddenly, however, you still have the option of jumping back on the wheel or tiller, trimming the sails and then adjusting the vane to the new heading.. Windvane self-steering offer different shaft length options …
Shipping Forecast (broadcast) turns 100 - Practical Boat Owner
Jan 4, 2024 · The Shipping Forecast will continue to be broadcast on other channels, including by HM Coastguard and on BBC Radio 4 FM and BBC Sounds. Sailors are being encouraged to use NAVTEX to listen to the Shipping Forecast, as it provides coverage out to 270 miles. HM Coastguard provides VHF coverage out to 30 miles and MF coverage out to 150 miles using its network of remote aerial sites around the UK ...
10 most useful sailing apps - Practical Boat Owner
Oct 8, 2024 · It also provides information about marinas and anchorages in these areas. Price: Available free of charge. Contact: my-sea.com 6. weather&radar. This app focuses primarily on the radar side of weather rather than the basic features like forecasts.
Boat anodes: a practical guide for sailors
May 1, 2024 · The series differs according to the environment but for this article, the galvanic series in seawater will be used. The chart (below), from my book Metals in Boats, is a simplified version that shows only the most common metals and alloys.. It can be seen that metals on the left side of the chart have a neutral or slightly positive voltage, known as …
Best inflatable boat: 9 compact tenders put to the test
Sep 9, 2021 · Inflatables are everywhere: paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, tents, kites and wings – and inflatable boat technology has long been a practical option for tenders, RIBs, liferafts and lifejackets. But what the ‘new wave’ of inflatable boats brings to the practical boating landscape is the air floor, which makes very stable, very lightweight tenders a very practical option for …
Best daysailers: All thrills, no frills with these compact craft
Feb 14, 2023 · Drascombe daysailers. Firstly, there are the ‘classics’ that still sell in large numbers. The original Drascombe range is still flourishing and being built by Churchouse Boats in Nether Wallop, Hampshire.. The Drascombe Dabber (15ft 6in, 265kg, £19,995), Drascombe Lugger (18ft 9in, 360kg, £22,995) and Drascombe Longboat (21ft 9in, 540kg, £26,995) are all long established boats and a ...
Best portable toilet: From compostable to flushable units
Apr 6, 2023 · Kinspory portable toilet. Weight: 1.8kg; Size: 7cm (folded) or 33cm x 28cm x 30.5cm (unfolded) The Kinspory portable toilet is a similar concertina design to 7thLake, but is oblong-shaped.
10 low-cost solutions for non-slip decks on boats
Oct 9, 2024 · This allows you to adjust the amount of grip required and avoid a factory-added agent settling in the tin during storage. Leading brands include International’s Interdeck (single pack), Nautix Grip (two-pack), Teamac’s Suregrip and Hempel’s Non-Slip Deck Coating.
Keel types and how they affect performance - Practical Boat Owner
Jun 19, 2023 · The late, great designer David Thomas believed that fishing boats, pilot cutters and oyster smacks had a large influence on the sport of sailing.. Each type of workboat was built to fulfil a specific purpose. And many had to be sailed short-handed while carrying heavy cargoes.
Heavy weather sailing techniques: how to protect your boat in …
Aug 13, 2024 · Also, remember to tighten the leech line. If the sail is allowed to vibrate in the leech, the life of the sail will be greatly shortened. The noise from vibrating leeches is also a stress factor for the crew.