How-to

  1. How-To / Seamanship

    Berthing basics: how to tie up a boat

    Gary Reich
    Dec 4, 2025

    Learning how to tie up a boat is essential for safe, happy boating. …Read More

  2. How-To / Seamanship

    Learning to sail

    Emma Coady
    Nov 7, 2025

    A first-hand account of what to expect on a beginners sailing course. …Read More

  3. How-To / Buying & Selling

    Buying a narrowboat

    Alex Smith
    Nov 4, 2025

    Fancy a life of tranquillity on the inland waterways? Alex Smith discusses the iconic narrowboat and shares some top tips to help you find your dream boat. …Read More

  4. How-To / Maintenance

    How to choose antifouling paint

    Pippa Shaw
    Jul 24, 2025

    Antifouling is essential to prevent growth of weed and marine organisms on the bottom of any boat that is kept afloat. But, with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right antifouling paint for your vessel? …Read More

  5. How-To / Buying & Selling

    Boat ownership costs and budgeting

    Rupert Holmes
    May 29, 2025

    How much does it cost to run a boat? Find out with the boats.com guide to budgeting for boat owners. …Read More

  6. How-To / Maintenance

    How to Look After and Repair Your Boat Deck: The Ultimate Guide

    Pippa Shaw
    May 19, 2025

    From keeping your teak deck looking its best to repairing fiberglass leaks and soft spots, our comprehensive guide to boat deck repair will keep you high and dry. …Read More

  7. How-To / Seamanship

    Four boating knots you need to know

    Alex Smith
    Apr 29, 2025

    Plenty of salty sea dogs insist that tying knots is a mystical art on par with levitation. But it isn’t. These four practical boat knots will let you tie up your boat, impress your friends, and secure almost anything. Super-strong and easy to learn: these knots won’t let you down. …Read More

  8. How-To / Maintenance

    Boat moorings: how to find the right one

    Rupert Holmes
    Mar 24, 2025

    Finding a mooring that’s both convenient and affordable is not an easy task. Rupert Holmes outlines the options and shines a spotlight on where to look. …Read More

  9. How-To / Maintenance

    What safety equipment do I need? A boat safety checklist.

    Pippa Shaw
    Feb 24, 2025

    Having the right safety equipment aboard your boat can make all the difference when it comes to staying safe on the water. But what do you actually need aboard your vessel? …Read More

  10. How-To / Seamanship

    Marina/Anchorage: Dover Marina

    Pippa Shaw
    Feb 17, 2025

    Dover Marina is one of the busiest ports in the UK, with commercial and leisure traffic from all over the world making its way over. But what’s it like for a visiting vessel? Pippa Shaw finds out. …Read More

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