The Logbook
Step-by-step advice on choosing, inspecting and paying for a boat.
Published 2026 prices for servicing and winterising Volvo Penta and Yanmar diesels and outboards, with per-cylinder yard rates, parts kits, labour rates and DIY maths.
Jack & Anchor Editorial4 November 2026 24 min read
Published 2026 yard tariffs for haul-out, wash and antifoul on 8m, 10m and 12m boats, with DIY versus yard labour, paint litre maths and the extras that change the bill.
3 November 2026 20 min read
We ran the 2026/27 prices through the Canal & River Trust calculator and the Thames and Broads schedules to show what narrowboats, wide beams and river cruisers really pay, with surcharges, short licences and the Gold licence maths.
2 November 2026 34 min read
We read the 2026/27 tariffs from Cornwall to the Essex coast and worked out what a swinging mooring really costs for an 8, 10 and 12 metre boat, with harbour dues, taxis, lifts and the marina alternative.
1 November 2026 30 min read
A used yacht in France or Spain can look thousands cheaper than the British equivalent. We work through import VAT, duty, CE marking, paperwork and delivery with real 2026 figures, and show the discount you need before the trip makes sense.
30 October 2026 30 min read
We read the RYA's ICC rules, the 2026 fee form and a sample of UK school prices, then costed four routes to a charter-ready certificate, from complete beginner to Day Skipper conversion.
29 October 2026 28 min read
We compared six UK surveyors' published 2026 fees and four yards' lift-out tariffs, then worked out all-in survey costs for 26ft, 35ft and 40ft boats, including engines, rig checks and sea trials.
28 October 2026 23 min read
We compared the 2026/27 winter tariffs published by UK marinas and boatyards, with worked costs for 8m, 10m and 12m boats, the extras that change the bill, and what insurers expect when you lay up.
27 October 2026 20 min read
Shaft drives, a tender garage and proper British build quality. Specs, tested speeds, fuel sums, Solent berthing costs and what Targa 43s are listed for now.
3 August 2026 15 min read
Is a used Beneteau Oceanis 38 still a good buy? Builder specs, test figures, dated asking prices, survey checks, a year of costs and three rivals compared.
3 August 2026 15 min read
Seven seaworthy used sailing yachts for the price of a used car, with published specs, dated asking prices and what the first year really costs.
3 August 2026 22 min read
Published 2026 berthing tariffs from Lymington, Royal Quays, Neyland, Alcaidesa, Almerimar and Port Andratx, worked into full-year costs with VAT, IVA, power and the extras for UK boats kept in Spain.
3 August 2026 25 min read
A practical guide to buying your first boat in the UK, from budgets and berths to surveys, sea trials and paperwork, with a worked first-year cost example.
3 August 2026 28 min read
A first season cruising Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca: where to start, Posidonia patrols, Ports IB buoy fields, transit berth rates and Cabrera permits and fees.
3 August 2026 16 min read
A two-week one-way sailing route from Split to Dubrovnik, day by day, with a worked 2026 budget using ACI marina rates, named charter operators' price lists, tourist tax and the private boat lump sum.
31 July 2026 18 min read
A first-season guide to cruising the Solent, with dated 2026 visitor berth prices for the main harbours, Southampton's Moving Prohibited Zone and the Portsmouth Small Boat Channel rules.
28 July 2026 17 min read
Deep water, no tidal gate and a walkable city centre. We compare Ocean Village's 2026/27 visitor, monthly and winter rates with the Hamble and Southampton marinas.
25 July 2026 15 min read
Superyacht standards in the middle of a great city, with berthing rates to match, plus what nearby Barcelona marinas charge in 2026.
22 July 2026 15 min read
Sloping side decks, a quick hull and a lifting keel option. Specs, 27 dated asking prices, and how it compares with the Oceanis 40.1 and Hanse 418.
19 July 2026 19 min read
How to anchor well in the Mediterranean: anchor sizing, a worked chain table, setting, Med mooring and what the Balearic and French Posidonia rules actually say.
16 July 2026 16 min read
