Boat hulls can be made from a variety of materials. From plywood to aluminum, including polyester and steel, here’s an overview of the different materials used in boat hulls. Choosing a boat, whether for a long cruise or summer sailing, is an important decision. Between boat size and ballast, the choice isn’t always straightforward. But …
Renovating your toilet, while complying with regulations, on a small sailboat isn’t easy. Limited space often prevents the installation of a holding tank. So what are the alternatives? The management of black water (toilet wastewater) and gray water (dishwashing water, shower water) has become a central issue for boaters. Under pressure from European regulations and …
There bilge pump It is an essential piece of equipment for the safety of any boat. Whether it’s to remove a simple water leak or deal with a major breach, its role is crucial. However, choosing the right flow rate is not always straightforward. What criteria should be taken into account? How can you ensure …
The forestay on a sailboat allows the headsail to be rigged. It can have several characteristics that give it different functions. What are the different types of forestay installations? On a sailboat, the forestay is part of the standing rigging. This cable holds the mast longitudinally from the front. At the same time, it has …
The rigging of a boat, along with its sails, is the engine of a sailboat, with the wind as its fuel. Without the mast, shrouds, or running rigging, it would be impossible to hoist the sails. But what are the different parts of a rig? The rigging is much more complex than one might imagine. …
You must regularly check your standing rigging. Monitoring the first signs of wear on your shrouds is as crucial for your mast as it is for safety at sea. Here are some best practices to sail peacefully, whatever the weather. The rigging of your sailboat must be monitored and checked regularly. This check is done …
Rig tuning is an often overlooked element, yet it is crucial for both the performance of the sailboat and safety. Standing rigging adjustment depends on your sailboat and takes into account the type of rigging (masthead, fractional, straight or swept spreaders, etc.), the type of sails (full-batten, traditional, 3DL, etc.), and the use of the …
Der Wortschatz an Bord eines Bootes ist sehr wichtig. Er ermöglicht effiziente und sichere Manöver. Die Kenntnis der Terminologie des laufenden Guts auf einem Segelboot hilft, alle Manöver und die Namen der verschiedenen Leinen an Bord zu identifizieren. Was ist laufendes Gut? Das laufende Gut ist die Gesamtheit der Leinen, die zum Einstellen der Segel …
The standing rigging of a boat consists of all the cables used to hold and adjust the sailboat’s mast. Understanding this rigging is important for boat maintenance and mast tuning, for example. Let’s explore these different cables and the terminology of the various parts of a boat’s standing rigging. Definition of a Boat’s Standing Rigging …
The propeller is much more than just an accessory: it is the heart of your boat’s propulsion. Choosing the right one guarantees optimal performance, controlled consumption and navigation tailored to your needs. Whether you’re into cruising, fishing, watersports, or regattas, every detail counts: pitch, diameter, number of blades, material, and intended use. Here’s how to …
WindSense, from Digital Yacht, is a connected wind vane anemometer. It allows tablets, smartphones and PCs to accurately display wind speed and direction. THE WindSense is equipped with wind vane anemometer with a 20m cable that connects to theDigital Yacht interfaceThis interface will thus provide the data through a Wi-Fi and/or NMEA0183 connection to different …
A sailboat that lasts a long time is a well-maintained sailboat. And a well-maintained sailboat is one that we take care to winterize at the end of each season. Here is a complete guide to successfully winterizing your sailboat, in 15 steps. Autumn has arrived. While many boaters and recreational fishermen will continue sailing throughout …
The arrival of autumn usually signals the end of sea outings for many boaters. It’s time to think about winterizing your boat to help it through the long winter months. But why winterize your boat, and is it better to winterize it ashore or afloat? For some of us—and likely many—the autumn months, or November, …
Marine electronics have profoundly transformed navigation, whether for leisure boating, fishing, or offshore racing. GPS, fishfinders, radars, autopilots, VHF radios, onboard instruments…: these tools are now essential for safe navigation, optimizing performance, and fully enjoying your time at sea. Faced with the multitude of brands and models available, how do you make the right choice? …
Max-Prop has been offering feathering propellers since the 1970s. Propellers with many advantages for sailing, designed for sailboats. On a sailboat, the quest for performance aims to eliminate anything that can slow down the boat. Underwater, one of the main sources of drag is the propeller. To address this issue, companies have developed folding propellers. …
Knowing how to maintain your inboard engine means gaining autonomy, safety, and peace of mind on the water. Whether you own a sailboat or a motorboat, regular maintenance extends the life of your engine, prevents costly breakdowns, and allows you to sail with peace of mind. This article guides you step-by-step through beginner-friendly maintenance tasks, …
While the boat hook may seem like a very simple tool, on our boats, there are increasingly sophisticated models that can prove very useful in certain situations. Here’s an overview of the different types of boat hooks available. Essential on board any boat, the boat hook is much more than just a piece of equipment …
Winterizing a boat isn’t just about the engine or sails. After the season, if your boat remains inactive for several months, you need to perform a complete winterization, which includes, among other things, the water systems. Indeed, water systems can suffer damage such as freezing, corrosion, bacteria, or leaks… Thorough winterization of water systems is …
The cost of maintaining a boat depends on several factors, such as the boat’s age and size. In any case, some expenses are recurring and will come up every year, regardless of your sailboat. A boat is a passion. But it is a passion that comes at a cost. While it is sometimes possible to …
Calculating the purchase price of a used boat also means estimating the additional costs that will be added to the boat’s sale price. Here is a complete list of expenses to consider before buying a boat. Buying a used boat is a matter of passion and love at first sight. Passion for the sea and …
The question of when to replace rigging often comes up in discussions among sailors. But given the cost of the investment, we tend to delay it. Let’s take a moment to examine the issue of replacement and the lifespan of rigging before the mast breaks. The question of the lifespan of sailboat rigging often arises …
Sailboats with two masts can go by different names depending on their mast placement and the type of rigging they carry. Let’s explore the various names for two-masted sailboats and the differences between a ketch, a schooner, and a yawl. Sailboats, majestic symbols of freedom, may appear mysterious to those who aren’t avid sailors. However, …