Powerboat & RIB Digital Boating Platform

Last Updated: 25 June 2025

Company: Powerboat & RIB Ltd

1. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS

By accessing or using the Powerboat & RIB digital platform (including our website, mobile applications, and related services), you agree to be legally bound by these Terms & Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our Platform.

These Terms apply to all users, including visitors accessing free content and Premium Subscribers.

2. DEFINITIONS

“Platform” means the Powerboat & RIB website, mobile applications, digital services, and all associated features and content.

“Premium Subscription” means our paid monthly subscription service providing access to exclusive content, features, and subscriber benefits for £2.99 per month.

“Premium Content” means articles, videos, guides, and other materials available exclusively to Premium Subscribers.

“Free Content” means publicly accessible content available to all Platform users without subscription.

“Account” means your registered user account on our Platform.

“We/Us/Our/Company” means Powerboat & RIB Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales.

“You/Your” means the user of our Platform.

3. ELIGIBILITY & ACCOUNT REGISTRATION

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account or purchase a Premium Subscription. Users under 18 may access free content but cannot create accounts without parental consent.

3.2 Account Creation

To access Premium features, you must create an account by providing:

• Valid email address
• Secure password
• Accurate personal information

3.3 Account Security

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining confidentiality of your login credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Immediately notifying us of any unauthorized use
• Using only one account per person (account sharing is prohibited)

3.4 Account Information

You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep your account information updated. We reserve the right to suspend accounts with false or misleading information.

4. PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE

4.1 Subscription Features

Premium Subscription (£2.99/month) includes:

• Unlimited access to Premium Content
• Immediate access to all content
• Exclusive subscriber offers and discounts
• Access to subscriber-only sections of the Platform
• Priority customer support including Boating Advice Line appointments
• Additional premium features as introduced

4.2 Content Release Schedule

• Selected Premium Content becomes available to free users after a 2-3 month exclusivity period. Premium subscribers enjoy immediate access to all content upon publication, while free users gain access to this content after the exclusivity period expires.

4.3 Billing & Payment

• Subscriptions are billed monthly in advance
• Payment is processed on the same date each month as your initial subscription
• All fees are charged in British Pounds (GBP)
• Accepted payment methods: major credit/debit cards and digital payment services
• Payment processing is handled by secure third-party providers
• You authorize automatic recurring charges to your chosen payment method

4.4 Price Changes

We may change subscription prices with 30 days’ advance notice via email. Price changes will take effect at your next billing cycle. If you don’t agree to price increases, you may cancel your subscription before the change takes effect.

4.5 Free Trials

We may offer free trial periods at our discretion. Trial terms will be clearly stated during signup. Free trials automatically convert to paid subscriptions unless cancelled before the trial period ends. Limit one free trial per user.

4.6 Promotional Offers

Special promotional rates may be offered with additional terms and conditions. Promotional pricing may revert to standard rates after the promotional period expires.

5. SUBSCRIPTION MANAGEMENT

5.1 Cancellation Rights

Consumer Protection: Under UK consumer protection laws, you have the right to cancel your subscription within 14 days of initial purchase for a full refund.

Ongoing Cancellation: You may cancel your subscription at any time with no penalty or commitment. Cancellation can be done through:

• Your account settings on the Platform
• Contacting customer support at support@powerboatandrib.com
• Following cancellation instructions in subscription emails

5.2 Cancellation Process

• Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period
• You retain Premium access until your paid period expires
• No partial refunds are provided for cancelled subscriptions (except during the 14-day cooling-off period)
• Cancelled accounts may be reactivated by subscribing again

5.3 Payment Failures

If payment fails:

• We’ll attempt to collect payment for up to 7 days
• Your Premium access may be suspended during this period
• Your account may be terminated after repeated payment failures
• You’ll receive email notifications regarding payment issues

5.4 Refund Policy

• Full refunds available within 14 days of initial subscription (UK consumer rights)
• No refunds for partial billing periods after the 14-day period
• Refunds for technical issues will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 5-10 business days

6. PLATFORM CONTENT & USAGE

6.1 Content Types

Our Platform provides:

• Marine industry news and analysis
• Boat and product reviews
• Specials and feature articles on locations, owner’s stories, getting started boating, sustainability, adventure stories and more.
• Tuition, technical guides and how-to articles
• Equipment and product reviews
• Event coverage and industry insights
• Industry interviews
• Interactive features and tools
• Social feed from Instagram and YouTube
• Other features as introduced, such as podcasts.

6.2 Content Accuracy

While we strive for accuracy and quality:

• Information is provided for general guidance only
• Content may contain opinions and subjective assessments
• Technical specifications should be verified with manufacturers
• We make no warranties about completeness or accuracy
• Content may be updated or corrected without notice

6.3 Editorial Independence

Powerboat & RIB maintains editorial independence in all content creation. While we may work with commercial partners, our editorial team retains final control over content, reviews, and opinions expressed.

Some content may be sponsored, paid for, or created in partnership with third parties. All such content will be clearly labelled and identified:

• Sponsored Content: Editorial content funded by an advertiser but maintaining full editorial independence and our journalistic standards.
• Advertorial: Promotional content designed to promote specific products or services while remaining informative and valuable to readers. May be written by the advertiser or our team following advertiser brief.
• Partnerships: Collaborative content created with marine industry partners which may feature exclusive access and shared expertise

Commercial relationships do not influence our editorial opinions, product recommendations, or review conclusions.

6.4 AI-Assisted Content

Powerboat & RIB uses artificial intelligence publishing tools to enhance our editorial processes and content quality. 

All AI-assisted content is reviewed, edited, and approved by our editorial team before publication. Human editorial oversight ensures accuracy, maintains our journalistic standards, and preserves our editorial voice. The use of AI tools enhances rather than replaces our editorial processes.

AI assists us with:

• Proofreading articles for accuracy, spelling, and grammar against Oxford English Dictionary standards
• Assists with SEO optimization and readability improvements
• Condensing press releases for news content posts
• Summarizing facts for reviews and product overviews
• Editorial research and fact-checking assistance
• Compiling and researching content for guides and FAQs
• Developing social media content, captions, and platform-specific messaging

7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

7.1 Our Content

All Platform content, including articles, images, videos, graphics, logos, software, and design elements, is owned by Powerboat & RIB Ltd or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

7.2 Permitted Use

You may:

• Access and view content for personal, non-commercial use
• Print articles for personal reference
• Share individual articles using our provided social sharing tools
• Quote brief excerpts for commentary or review (with proper attribution)

7.3 Prohibited Use

You may not:

• Copy, distribute, or reproduce substantial portions of our content
• Use content for commercial purposes without permission
• Create derivative works from our content
• Remove copyright notices, watermarks, or attribution
• Access content through automated systems (bots, scrapers, etc.)
• Share your Premium Subscription login with others
• Sell, license, or transfer access to Premium Content

8. PLATFORM AVAILABILITY & TECHNICAL TERMS

8.1 Service Availability

We aim to provide 24/7 Platform access but cannot guarantee uninterrupted service. Access may be temporarily unavailable due to:

• Scheduled maintenance (with advance notice when possible)
• Technical difficulties or system upgrades
• Internet connectivity issues
• Circumstances beyond our reasonable control

8.2 Platform Changes

We reserve the right to:

• Modify Platform features and functionality
• Update the user interface and design
• Add or remove content sections
• Implement new technical requirements
• Discontinue certain features with reasonable notice

8.3 Technical Requirements

Users are responsible for:

• Maintaining compatible devices and software
• Ensuring adequate internet connectivity
• Using supported web browsers and applications
• Meeting minimum system requirements for optimal performance

9. PRIVACY & DATA PROTECTION

9.1 Data Collection

We collect and process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and UK GDPR requirements. By using the Platform, you consent to data processing as described in our Privacy Policy.

9.2 Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. Cookie preferences can be managed through your browser settings or our cookie preference tool.

9.3 Communications

By creating an account, you consent to receive:

• Service-related communications
• Subscription and billing notifications
• Marketing communications (with opt-out options)
• Important updates about Terms or policies

10. UK CONSUMER RIGHTS

11.1 Digital Content Rights

Under UK consumer protection laws, you have rights regarding digital content quality, functionality, and remedies for defective content.

11.2 Digital Subscription Service Rights

Your rights include:

• 14-day cooling-off period for new subscriptions
• Right to cancel ongoing subscriptions with reasonable notice
• Protection against unfair contract terms
• Right to dispute resolution services

11.3 Dispute Resolution

For unresolved complaints:

1. Contact our customer service team first
2. Use alternative dispute resolution services if needed
3. Contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service
4. Refer matters to relevant regulatory authorities

12. LIABILITY & DISCLAIMERS

12.1 Service Disclaimer

The Platform is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. We disclaim all warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

12.2 Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Our total liability is limited to the amount paid for your subscription in the 12 months preceding any claim
• We exclude liability for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages
• We’re not liable for losses caused by circumstances beyond our reasonable control

12.3 Exceptions

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for:

• Death or personal injury caused by negligence
• Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation
• Breach of statutory rights that cannot be excluded
• Other liabilities that cannot be limited by law

13. ACCOUNT TERMINATION

13.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Cancelling your subscription through account settings
• Contacting customer support
• Following account deletion procedures

13.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate accounts for:

• Material breach of these Terms
• Non-payment of subscription fees
• Fraudulent or illegal activity
• Extended account inactivity (12+ months)
• Legal or regulatory requirements

13.3 Effect of Termination

Upon account termination:

• Premium access ends immediately or at the end of the billing period
• You lose access to Premium Content and features
• Certain provisions survive termination (intellectual property, liability limitations, dispute resolution)

14. CHANGES TO TERMS

14.1 Updates

We may update these Terms periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our services or business practices
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Industry standards and best practices

14.2 Notification

Material changes will be communicated via:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent notice on the Platform
• Updated “Last Modified” date at the top of these Terms

14.3 Acceptance

Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of updated Terms. If you don’t agree to changes, you may terminate your account.

15. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

15.1 Governing Law

These Terms are governed by English law and subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of English and Welsh courts.

15.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.

15.3 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any additional terms for specific features, constitute the entire agreement between you and Powerboat & RIB Ltd.

15.4 Assignment

You may not assign or transfer your rights under these Terms. We may assign our rights and obligations with reasonable notice.

15.5 Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision doesn’t constitute a waiver of that provision or any other rights.

16. FEEDBACK

16.1 Reader Feedback

We welcome reader feedback and corrections. Contact our editorial team at hms@powerboatandrib.com

17. SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR EXISTING SUBSCRIBERS

17.1 Transition from Print

Existing print subscribers affected by our transition to digital-only will have their remaining subscription value converted to equivalent Premium Subscription access at the prevailing monthly rate.

17.2 Reader’s Bulletin Prize Draws

Monthly prize draws for Reader’s Bulletin subscribers are subject to additional terms. Winners of alcoholic prizes must be of legal drinking age in their country of residence.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Customer Support: subscriptions@powerboatandrib.com
Editorial Inquiries: hms@powerboatandrib.com
Billing Questions: elaine@powerboatandrib.com

Postal Address:
Powerboat & RIB Ltd
The Old Coach House 

Hunter’s Lodge

Dulford

Devon EX15 2DY

United Kingdom

Company Registration: 03062263

VAT Number: GB 651 2907 45

These Terms & Conditions are effective as of 25 June 2025 and replace all previous versions.

© 2025 Powerboat & RIB Ltd. All rights reserved.