Ben Meakins

Protect your decks!

  • October 25, 2009

Never use a jet washer on your teak decks! Teak is relatively soft, and a powerful water jet can damage the fibres.

Fitting new oil filters

  • October 24, 2009

When you're fitting a new oil filter, make sure you lubricate the O-ring seal with a little oil before you screw the filter on. If you don't, the O-ring may…

Springing-off, singlehanded

  • October 23, 2009

A snap-hook spliced onto the end of a warp, with a tripping line led to the helm, can make springing off a berth much easier for a singlehanded skipper.

How to re-use a glue brush

  • October 22, 2009

If you’re using a brush to apply contact adhesive, keep it in a large sealed tin with a little residue glue. The fumes from the solvent will stop it drying…

Slick

  • October 19, 2009

Slick

Engine trouble? Drain the carburettor

  • October 19, 2009

If your small outboard is unwilling to start, turn off the fuel tap and undo the carburettor drain screw – usually accessible without having to remove the engine cowling. This…

Skeg

  • October 18, 2009

Skeg

Shy

  • October 18, 2009

Shy