Allen Brunton asks: “Our 1983 Sigma 41 has some spaces which trap water and which would be very difficult to drill limber holes into. They’re awkwardly shaped, often irregular and…
Practical
Volvo saildrive seal replacement: How often do you need to do it?
Simon Johnson asks: “I’m planning to sail my boat Zeno back to Britain from Corfu next spring and as the Volvo Penta 130S saildrive seal was due to be changed…
How to install a Victron BMV-712 marine battery monitor
Despite fitting solar panels I still worry about my batteries going flat when I’m at anchor or in a marina with no electricity. Not only will domestic equipment not work…
How to fit Flexiteek decking: Swan 43 owner explains how he did it
When we bought Elisabeth, our Nautor’s Swan 43ft ketch, in 2006 she was already nearly 30 years old. At the time we bought her the deck had just been repaired,…
How to re-caulk teak decks: Vagabond 47 owners explain how they did it
First, they removed the old caulking between the planks using a Bosch Palm Router and pinned a guide into the adjacent old caulking line. They tidied the seam using a…
Boat anode protection: How much do I need to prevent corrosion?
PBO reader Arthur Gilbert asks: “Is it necessary, and if so where, to fit anodes on my recently acquired Leisure 20 GRP yacht? It has twin cast iron keels with…
Resealing mushroom vents: How to keep your boat watertight
When Old Duck came into my possession she was not in the best shape. The first thing on my ‘To-Do’ list was to fix all the boat leaks – if…
What’s the best boat paint for topsides? Ask the experts
PBO reader David McDermott of Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire asks: “Because of the Coronavirus pandemic we didn’t put our Prospect 900 into the harbour this year so instead we aim to spend…
How to convert a classic motorboat to electric power – Ask the experts
Jon Wallsgrove of Sunbury on Thames asks: “Under restoration is my classic 1946 Thames launch that I’d like to convert to electric propulsion. “Merlin III is a 12ft Kay Craft.…
What’s the best boat fuel? Is it worth paying for premium? Ask the experts
PBO reader Roy Gwilliam asks: “I have a Yanmar 3YM20 engine in my Dehler 32, built in 2010. I generally use red diesel with the belief that it does not…
Dispose or polish? What to do with old diesel – Ask the experts
PBO reader Martyn Crossland asks: “I have a 1989 Beneteau Oceanis 320 that I bought in Greece in 2009. I spent two months restoring her, and then had two months…
Offshore sailing gear: How to prepare a boat for extended cruising
Sea Bear is a Vancouver 28 built in 1987. She was generally in very good condition when I bought her, but I decided she needed some offshore sailing gear additions…
How to restore teak decking: Varnish or oil? Ask the experts
“Can your paint expert help me identify the coating on my boat’s flybridge deck and stairs? “Is it likely to be just a varnish or something more specific? Can I…
Common rail diesel engines explained: Should I install one on my boat?
Common rail diesel engines have been used in boats and trains since the 1940s, and were given more development for road vehicles in the late 1960s. However, not many smaller…
How to install a common rail diesel engine on a boat
Late evening turned to night as Pippin fought adverse tides off Corbière, hard on the wind, her old Yanmar straining against the elements like a featherweight pushing Mike Tyson. To…
How to use sealants for fixing leaks – PBO Project Boat restoration
A downpour of rain shows that making PBO Project Boat Maximus watertight is a priority, so Ali Wood gets some top tips about sealants from experts
Polyurethane vs silicone sealants: Which is best for use on boats?
They’re not the same as adhesives but some sealants – such as Sikaflex – do have adhesive properties. There are many different types of sealant. For example, silicone is an…
Climbing the powerboat ladder: How I bought and sold 3 boats for a $7k profit
As the maxim goes, wind and tide wait for no one and just outside of the breakwater exists another world. To some, boat ownership is insanity, as boats require constant…
How to prepare a boat for winter: Expert lay-up tips
Many of us are lucky enough to be able to keep our boats afloat all year and can therefore sneak in some winter sails – or even short cruises –…
How to cover a boat for winter: Top tips from a boat restoration expert
Opinions are divided when it comes to whether you should cover a boat for winter. Some say the boat is best left uncovered to prevent sweating and condensation. In the…