Asked on the Pontoon
The questions readers send most often, answered in the order they reach the desk.
01Do builders pay for your reviews?
No. We accept no payment, sponsored placement or loan boats with editorial conditions. Sea trials are arranged with builders or dealers, and we say so in each review.
02Why are specifications marked approximate?
Builders revise figures between hull numbers and options such as keel depth or rig height. We round published data and point you to the current specification sheet.
03What is APA on a charter invoice?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance is a deposit used by the captain for running costs such as fuel, food and berthing. It is accounted for at the end and the unused balance is returned. See the charter guide.
04Which licence do I need for a bareboat charter?
It depends on the country. Many Mediterranean bases accept the ICC or RYA Day Skipper plus a VHF licence. Always confirm with the charter company.
05Monohull or catamaran for a first charter?
Catamarans offer space, stability at anchor and shallow draft; monohulls give a better feel under sail and often cheaper berthing. Groups of families tend to prefer cats.
06What does LOA mean?
Length overall: the full length of the hull, sometimes including fixed fittings. Waterline length is a better guide to potential speed.
07Should I commission a survey on a new boat?
Yes. An independent surveyor at commissioning can catch issues while they are still the builder's responsibility under warranty.
08How do you report races you did not sail in?
We rely on official organiser results, crew interviews and tracking data, and we state our sources in each entry.
09Can I suggest a yacht for review?
Yes. Send a dispatch from the contact page. We prioritise boats with broad reader interest and genuine sea trial access.