Boating advice from Marine Trader
Straight-talking guides on buying a boat safely, selling well, maintenance, paperwork and the kit that's worth the money — written by the Marine Trader team.
Latest guides
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Browse advice by subject
Boat types
Motor boats & cruisersChoosing a motor boat, sports cruiser or flybridge, running costs, engines and what to check before you buy.0 guidesSailing boats & yachtsChoosing a yacht or dinghy, keels and rigs, sails, standing rigging and buying a used sailing boat.0 guidesRIBs & jet skisRIB tubes and consoles, outboard sizing, jet ski running costs, licensing and safe launching.0 guidesNarrowboats & small craftNarrowboats and barges, canal licences, dinghies, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards.0 guides
Buying & selling
Buying safelySurveys, sea trials, HIN and ownership checks, VAT proof, outstanding finance and avoiding scams.0 guidesSelling a boatPricing your boat, photos that sell, bills of sale, handover and selling privately versus through a broker.0 guidesPrices & running costsWhat boats really cost to buy and keep: moorings, insurance, servicing, antifouling, fuel and depreciation.0 guidesPaperwork & lawRegistration, RCD and CE marking, VAT status, licences, qualifications and the rules in each country.0 guides
Ownership
Maintenance & repairsServicing engines and outboards, antifouling, osmosis, gelcoat, electrics and winter lay-up.0 guidesEngines & outboardsInboard versus outboard, two-stroke and four-stroke, engine hours, repowering and buying a used engine.0 guidesSafety & seamanshipLifejackets, flares, VHF, passage planning, weather, rules of the road and getting qualified.0 guidesMoorings & storageMarina berths, swinging moorings, dry stack, hard standing, trailers and keeping a boat at home.0 guides
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