Practical Boat Owner reader David Blackborow is trying to find out the best way to close the gap between the rudder and propeller on his boat
Expert Answers
How to fix a leak in the marine engine cooling system
Stu Davies advises PBO reader Richard Jales how to solve a leak in his boat's marine engine cooling system
Will my old propeller work with a new engine?
Jerry Armitage is planning to replace his boat engine, but will the old propeller work? PBO expert Tony Davies has the answer
Is the old dynastart a good charger?
PBO reader Will Kerr has an old dynastart and wants to know if it will be able to charge his batteries. Stu Davies has the answer
Impeller cover o-rings
Where can I find replacements for discontinued impeller cover o-rings? PBO's engine expert, Stu Davies has some suggestions
Where is the best place to install a boat vent?
Where is the most effective place to install a boat vent? Surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies has some tips
Overcoating Coppercoat antifouling: ask the experts
What do I need to do when overcoating Coppercoat? The former technical manager for International Paint, Richard Jerram has the answer
Who owns a boat write-off?
Where does the responsibility for a boat write-off lie? RYA paralegal Lucy Rutter has the answer
Diesel shelf life and the infamous bug
Julian Orchard wants to know what the shelf life is for diesel and what he can do to prevent diesel bug. Stu Davies answers his question
What can I use to lubricate metal?
Colin Staples wants to know what is the best product to lubricate metal to keep his stiffened outboard bracket moving freely
How do I get rid of a mystery boat smell?
PBO reader Constantin Demner is struggling to get rid of a strange boat smell, which is permeating her clothing and her tools. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies answers her question
How to remove mouldy stains from interior woodwork – Ask the experts
Kevin Woods from Dublin writes: “I have a 1991 Feeling 286 Special. Some of its timber interior is stained by black lines in the grain – as you can see…
Loss of engine power under load: expert advice to solve the problem
Anne Cees Houtman has a problem with a loss of engine power under load. PBO's engine whisperer, Stu Davies thinks he has the answer
When to treat boat osmosis
When does boat osmosis need treating? PBO reader Alastair Hutchison Dorchester asked our experts
Petrol or diesel, inboard or outboard: which boat engine is best?
When it comes to a boat engine, which is best? Petrol or diesel, inboard or outboard? Stu Davies answers your questions
I need help understanding my marine alternator! Ask the experts
PBO reader Paul Farr wants help in understanding his marine alternator. Engine whisperer Stu Davies comes to his aid
Bonding marine windows back in: the best gasket sealant
PBO reader Nicholas Phillips wants advice on the best gasket sealant for bonding his marine windows. Our expert Sven Petersen has this advice…
How do I tidy my battery connections? Ask the experts
PBO reader Stuart Boyd has a question about untidy battery connections. Our expert Duncan Kent has this advice…
Connecting boat solar panel chargers? Ask the experts
Barbara Mortimer writes: “I have a motorboat with three battery banks (engine, house and anchor winch) charged by the alternator via a Sterling ProSplit R. “I also have a mains…
How to service a marine diesel engine in 12 simple steps
It was time to service the marine diesel engine on our Maxi 84 cruiser. Knowing how to diagnose and fix engine faults is a useful skill for any boat owner,…