Buying sailing gear is often tricky. For one thing, it's often less than cheap, so you want to make sure you get it right the first time. For another, you often find yourself shopping in a warm, comfortable, dry environment, even though the gear on display needs to be able to withstand the exact reverse.
So what's the solution? Well, there isn't any straightforward answer, but it always helps to read as much as you can about a product before you buy. And that's not just the manufacturer's spiel - it's also the views of real life sailors who've used it.
We now have over 300 reviews of sailing products on TheMainSail, written by our members. They are independent and impartial, and anyone who wants to review a product can heap as much praise - or criticism - on it as they like.
So, if you have any sailing gear that has a few secrets you wish you'd known before you bought it, give us your thoughts. It doesn't take long and the best review each quarter wins a pair of Dubarry Regatta deck shoes.
Alternatively, if you're going out for a spot of late-season Oilskin shopping, see what other MainSailers have to say first. Here are a few recent reviews to give you a flavour.
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 Henri Lloyd TP2 Phantom Jacket (Ladies) by Roxanna Maynard
TheMainSail's own Roxanna Maynard was obviously impressed with the Henri Lloyd TP2 Phantom Jacket. She says: "If you are adverse to wearing oilskins because you find them uncomfortable and restrictive - get a pair of these as they work really well with your body and give complete freedom of movement and don't weigh you down."
On the downside, the "micro fleece in the hand warmer pockets and around the collar is crap. It's scratchy against the skin and doesn't absorb anything." It can't have deterred her too much though as she still gave them a score of 100% for performance and reliability. It looks like this could be one to add to the shopping basket.
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 Musto Performance Deck Shoe by Gordon Wilson and Frank Barnes
Both Gordon and Frank are very positive about the Musto Performance Deck Shoe as well, describing it as "stylish and very robust" or "a smart well constructed shoe".
They differ slightly on the question of value for money though. Whereas Frank commends the shoe for its value, Gordon says that "Crew Clothing produce a very similar version for two thirds of the price." Whose verdict would you rather go along with? It's your call.
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 SeaGo Inflatable Danbuoy by Spencer Whitworth, David Whitham and Gareth Morris
Unfortunately the SeaGo Inflatable Danbuoy doesn't seem to have impressed anyone. The three overall comments it receives are "dangerous", "poor", and "the holder is very poor", which doesn't bode well.
The problem seems to have been the lack of attachment options, which left Spencer Whitworth having to stow his lifebuoy under a seat - not a very accessible place for safety equipment. David Whitham also complained that the lifebuoy leaked. 'Think again before you buy' seems to be the general message.
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 Force 4 Stainless Steel Kettle by David Du Boulay and Harry Grainge
MainSailers even review the odds and ends that you keep in the galley cupboards, that might seem small but make a big difference to general comfort. And when comfort's in question, there's not much that's more important than the next cup of tea.
The Force 4 Stainless Steel Kettle "boils quickly then shouts that it's ready" according to David Du Boulay, and Harry Grainge adds that the "large base makes it stable" and that it's "a little large for two, but still good value."
So, would you like milk and sugar with that?!
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 Force 4 Utility Anchor Light by Eric Hyett and David Ward
Finally, Eric Hyett and David Ward were both glad of their Force 4 Utility Anchor Light on the way back from the pub to the boat.
David says: "the 'twinkling' effect as the light rotates/moves slightly on its vertical axis means it is readily identifiable on the dinghy trip back from shore leave. (Have you ever found it harder to find your boat on the way back than to find the pub on the way out?)"
The only downside, according to Eric, is that the "routing cable has to be carefully thought out to prevent tripping." Mind the electrics!
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That's just a small sample of the latest user reviews on TheMainSail but there are more covering every type of sailing equipment from lifejackets to GPS systems, to torches, heaters, and navigational software ... and plenty more.
Don't forget - the author of the best review wins a pair of Dubarry Regatta deck shoes.
Good luck!
