The Economics of Maintenance vs. Investing in New Boats Recent years have witnessed a surge in prices in the nautical world. The rise in raw materials and logistical challenges have propelled the costs of new boats to unprecedented levels. A 35-foot sailboat, once accessible for €150,000, now exceeds €200,000. Motorboats have not escaped this trend,…
Recommissioning Your Boat After Winter Storage: Avoiding Common Mistakes After a period of winter storage, batteries can lose charge. Older batteries could discharge at a rate of 5% or more per month. Modern batteries (sealed lead-acid, gel, AGM, or lithium) have a much lower self-discharge rate, averaging around 2% per month. If you have no…
Understanding Binoculars Binoculars are essential tools, especially for activities like boating and observing wildlife. Understanding their components and features can help you choose the right pair. Key Components The core of any binocular consists of three main elements: Objective Lens: This gathers light from the scene you’re viewing. Eyepiece: This acts as a magnifying glass,…
A Trimaran Designed for Long Voyages With its streamlined silhouette and foldable floats, the Dragonfly 40 clearly states its ambition: to offer fast, safe, and accessible sailing. Based on a sandwich construction using high-density Divinycell PVC foam, the central hull and floats ensure remarkable structural lightness, resulting in an excellent weight-to-volume ratio. This design choice…
La Rochelle Bans Airbnb Boat Rentals in Port Unique overnight stays on the water in La Rochelle will soon be a thing of the past. Starting June 1, 2025, it will no longer be possible to sleep aboard a boat rented on Airbnb, or other similar platforms within the marina. The administrative court of Poitiers…
The Paddle Wheel Boat: A Journey Through Time and Water The paddle wheel boat, a type of flat-bottomed steamboat with a shallow draft, is designed for easy navigation on shallow rivers, such as the Mississippi or the Rhône. These iconic 19th-century vessels have long been symbols of technical progress and river adventure. Origins and Evolution…
Spectacular Shipwrecks Around the World Discover ten of the most fascinating shipwrecks around the globe, each with its own unique story and accessible without diving equipment. These wrecks offer a glimpse into maritime history and provide stunning visual experiences. SS Ayrfield – Homebush Bay, Australia Nicknamed the “Floating Forest,” the SS Ayrfield is a steel…
Palma International Boat Show Expands to Meet Growing Demand Following a successful 2024 edition with 295 exhibitors and 260 boats afloat, the Palma International Boat Show (PIBS) is set to grow even further this year. A significant expansion includes a new 5,000 m2 exhibition area at the Club de Mar, dedicated to vessels ranging from…
Spectacular Boat Crash at Desert Storm Shootout A breathtaking accident occurred on Saturday, April 26th, at Lake Havasu in Arizona during the Desert Storm Shootout. A boat, traveling at over 200 mph, suddenly became airborne, performing multiple barrel rolls before overturning and crashing heavily back into the lake. Fortunately, both pilots on board survived with…
Understanding Autopilots for Boats An autopilot system essentially consists of four key components: an electronic compass, an electronic control unit, a power unit, and a rudder angle sensor (feedback). The compass continuously provides the boat’s heading to the electronic unit. When the autopilot is engaged, the electronic unit memorizes this heading. If the boat deviates…