15 fixes at sea: sailors share how to deal with a range of problems afloat from a dismasting and rudder damage to chafe, the essential…
Practical Boat Owner
How do I tell if an old boat engine is beyond repair?
Is it worth buying a boat with a non-running engine? Vyv Cox has some tips on what to look for before deciding if it’s a viable project
Boat exhaust temperature alarm: how to fit one to your boat
Gilbert Park installs a temperature monitor and alarm to prevent costly exhaust hose damage in the event of impeller failure
Marine alternator troubleshooting
Ali Wood gets to grips with Maximus’s faulty electrical system after some unexpected failures made an appearance on passage
SigneT dinghies to mark 60th anniversary of channel crossing
Intrepid dinghy sailors will be honouring a significant event in the SigneT class history with a cross-Channel expedition.
Refurbishing a boat alternator
James Wood removes Maximus’s alternator and gets it repaired
Boat battery bank and electrics upgrade
After mid-Atlantic battery failure, John Willis decides it’s time to upgrade his battery bank and electrics
Slastik sunglasses: tried and tested
Ali Wood tries out a pair of Slastik sunglasses to see if the continuous strap is a help or hindrance on the water
In-mast roller furling problems: how to rebuild a Seldén furling gearbox
Mark Ryan rebuilds his Seldén furling gearbox after wrestling with stiff roller furling for a year and discovers stress-free and easy reefing
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
Clarisse Crémer has new sponsor for 2024 Vendée Globe
After being dropped by Banque Populaire, Clarisse Crémer now has a new sponsor for the 2024 Vendée Globe, with the support of Alex Thomson
Calor Gas: Longer phase out time for 4.5kg & 3.9kg cylinders
Calor Gas has confirmed that although it will discontinue its 4.5kg butane and 3.9kg propane cylinders, the phasing out period has been extended
Best heavy duty tarp? We test Yuzet tarpaulin to find out
Jake Frith discovers that many so-called ‘heavy duty’ tarps really aren’t – but this tarpaulin from Yuzet just might be
ePropulsion electric outboard – long-term test
An electric outboard motor is a very different beast to a petrol one. It’s lighter, quieter and cleaner but does have some drawbacks, such as speed, range and cost. Testing…
KWB DrillBlock handheld drilling jig: tried and tested
Sometimes just knowing what a tool is called is enough to get you out of a pickle. Jake Frith tests the KWB DrillBlock handheld drilling jig
Best antifouling paint: 8 leading options in head-to-head test
In June 2021 we coated the hull of a Hardy Commodore 42 with eight of the best antifouling paint products. The motorboat Raymariner, which is the test boat for Raymarine,…
Maintenance on a boat: 71-point skipper’s checklist
Make sure your boat is ready to go back in the water with Practical Boat Owner's comprehensive guide
Record-breaking Jeanne Socrates sets sail again
Jeanne Socrates, 80, is preparing to sail singlehanded again but this time, she is planning a much more relaxed voyage
How to make rope: The modern factory method explained
Running rigging is something you tend to take for granted… until it fails, which is what happened during the boat test of Maximus, our Maxi 84 Project Boat. Fortunately, thanks…
June Issue – on sale 13 April
How to choose your next project boat, everything you need to know to get ready for the boating season, dealing with emergencies at sea, and 21 pages of DIY...