Gear guides
Marine gear buying guides
What actually matters when choosing kit for a UK boat, and some well-regarded options at different budgets. Written as buying guides rather than reviews: we research the market and the specifications, we do not test the equipment ourselves.
Best Marine VHF Radios for UK Boats
Best Marine VHF Radios for UK Boats
A practical buying guide to marine VHF radios in the UK: handheld vs fixed, DSC and ATIS, licence requirements, and well-regarded sets for coastal and inshore use.
Best Lifejackets for UK Boating
Best Lifejackets for UK Boating
How to choose a lifejacket for UK waters: newton ratings explained, automatic vs manual inflation, harness points, servicing, and well-regarded options for sailing, motorboating and commercial work.
Best Wet Weather Gear and Oilskins for Commercial Fishing
Best Wet Weather Gear and Oilskins for Commercial Fishing
A buying guide to commercial-grade oilskins and wet weather gear for UK fishing and workboats: PVC vs breathable, bib and brace, deck boots, gloves, and hard-wearing brands.
Best Marine Binoculars for Boating
Best Marine Binoculars for Boating
A buying guide to marine binoculars: why 7x50 is the standard, waterproofing, compass and reticle models, image stabilisation, and well-regarded options for UK boating.
Best Marine and Leisure Batteries for Boats
Best Marine and Leisure Batteries for Boats
A guide to choosing marine batteries: starter vs leisure, AGM, gel and lithium compared, sizing your bank in amp hours, charging, and well-regarded options for UK boats.
Best Chartplotters and GPS for Small Boats
Best Chartplotters and GPS for Small Boats
A buying guide to chartplotters for UK small boats: screen size, chart cartography, combined fishfinders, standalone GPS, and well-regarded units for inshore and coastal use.
Best Bilge Pumps for Boats
Best Bilge Pumps for Boats
How to choose a bilge pump: sizing in litres per hour, automatic float switches, manual backup pumps, wiring and fusing, and well-regarded options for UK boats.
Best Boat Covers and Winter Storage Covers
Best Boat Covers and Winter Storage Covers
A guide to boat covers for UK winters: breathable vs waterproof, frames and support, tie-down methods, shrink wrap compared, and well-regarded cover options.
Best Boat Anchors and Ground Tackle for UK Waters
Best Boat Anchors and Ground Tackle for UK Waters
A guide to anchors for UK boating: anchor types compared for mud, sand and weed, sizing, chain and rode, scope, and well-regarded anchors for coastal use.
Best Marine First Aid Kits and Safety Equipment
Best Marine First Aid Kits and Safety Equipment
A guide to marine first aid kits and essential safety equipment for UK boats: what a boat kit needs that a car kit does not, flares and alternatives, EPIRBs and PLBs, and coding requirements.
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