Exclusive: We take to the Solent to compare the performance of the new Raymarine Quantum pulse-compression radar with a same-size conventional radar and a 4ft open array HD radar
Gear
Best forward-looking sonar: 5 units tested
How effective is forward-looking sonar at flagging up shoals and obstacles on the seabed? David Pugh compares the findings from five devices
10 Teak Cleaners tested
We get scrubbing to find out what effect a variety of teak cleaners have on the woodwork of a Sigma 38 moored on the River Itchen
10 Gelcoat cleaners tested
Which gelcoat cleaners are best at combating waterline yellowing on boat hulls?
7 Storm Jibs on test
We test 7 storm jibs, including wrap around and sleeved sails, to find out the best options for your boat
Which drogue should you buy? 7 drogues on test
When your boat’s being battered by a storm and you want to ride things out, a drogue will make things more comfortable. But which one should you buy? Ben Meakins…
12 of the best weatherproof padlocks tested to destruction
Ben Meakins utilises a saltwater spray tank, bolt croppers and a hacksaw to assess the effectiveness (or otherwise) of a selection of padlocks when it comes to preventing boat break-ins
6 compact freshwater hoses
How portable, practical and useable are cassette-type hoses? Ben Meakins wrestles with the problem, tests six models and promises not to gush
Best waterproof phone cases: 7 models face the ultimate salt water test
Greg Goulding assesses a range of waterproof phone cases to see how they cope with conditions at sea and during day-to-day life
10 Handheld searchlights tested
Alex Bell and a PBO test team compare a variety of handheld lamps, meanwhile assessing LEDs versus incandescent bulbs, with some illuminating results
PBO Tested: Mirka Deros 650CV ‘dust- free’ sander
Dust-free sanding sounded too good to be true, but the Mirka Deros 650CV sander, priced from £340, makes it as dust-free as possible.
Pontos four-speed winches
A range of four-speed winches from Pontos is claimed to offer more speed for race boats and more power for cruisers – but do they deliver? David Harding finds out
Tiller locks tested
Being able to leave the helm for short periods of time is made much easier with something to hold the tiller for you. We compared three tiller locks for effectiveness,…
Sailing chartplotters: Exclusive first test!
Chart plotters and instruments have been around long enough that they’re now considered standard equipment on most boats. But sailors have had to take the functions offered with even the…
Which adhesive sealant is best?
Alex Bell and a PBO test team get stuck into a thorough trial of nine products to assess which adhesives and sealants bond best to aluminium, steel, acrylic and glassfibre
Non-skid deck cleaners tested
Which cleaning products are the most efficient at removing ingrained dirt from boat decks? PBO’s Ben Meakins tries out a selection from the chandlery shelves
Boat water tank treatments tested
The ‘tank taste’ you get from a boat’s fresh water tank can be pretty unpalatable, especially if you’re feeling seasick. Mostly this taste is disguised when used for cooking, but…
What to pack in a grab bag
No one wants to abandon ship, but a grab bag of essentials can make a short stay in a liferaft more bearable – and might even save your life
Lifejacket Lights on test
When was the last time you gave a second thought to your lifejacket light? They sit inside your packed lifejacket, largely neglected, and you hope they’ll work when you need…
6 Lifebuoy Lights tested
With the advent of cheaper LEDs, a number of new lifebuoy lights have appeared on the market. On a dark winter’s night PBO tested six of the most readily available…