During the early part of the 20th century most boats were wooden, built by hand and largely propelled by sail or by rowing. Engines were diesel and internal. Engineering in…
Latest
Searching for the best electric outboard for your tender? We put the 6.7kg ePropulsion eLite through a full week of cruising tests
David Harding tests the quiet and light ePropulsion eLite electric outboard
I built a ferrocement bluewater cruising yacht in 1980 and sailed it for the next 13 years
Adventurous dreams of travelling the world captivated my boyfriend and I when we were just 22. But having just begun our careers, funds were limited,…
Sailing a cutter rig: How two headsails improve handling and balance for cruising
Are two headsails better than one or just twice the bother? David Rainsbury explains why he finds a cutter rig ideal for cruising
Maintenance
How I built a DIY boat doghouse using an old bath as a mould
When traditional plywood didn't match the curves of his Corribee 21, Jake Kavanagh found an ingenious—and free—solution at the local scrapyard
Moving a primary fuel filter for access all areas
Paul Diamond explains how he upgraded his primary fuel filter to make it easier to get at and change
Fed up with people staring into your saloon? Here’s how to make a companionway cover for privacy and shelter on your boat
Keep your cabin dry and private with this simple canvas companionway cover project that anyone with a robust sewing machine can tackle.
DIY chainplate redesign: how one skipper made his rig stronger
After a chainplate snapped on his Albin Cumulus 85, Joe Magee explains how he designed and fitted new ones
Amazing adventures
Pip Hare: a masterclass in resiliance
Big C solo sailor Andrew Bedwell rescued while attempting to cross the Atlantic in his 100cm boat
20 Years of the Jester Challenge: Celebrating Low-Budget, Single-Handed Seamanship
Glaciers, williwaw gusts & dodging drifting ice: Cruising the Beagle Channel with a French legend
Practical Projects
How to make low-cost collision mat
How to make your own ensign flagstaff
How to prevent wave slap on the hull
Anchor windlass repairs to extend its life
How to make a carbon fibre spinnaker pole
Boat windscreen wiper motor repair: how one boat owner fixed the seized motor
PBO Project Boat
What does a sailmaker do?
Shortly before the Round the Island Race, one of the largest yacht races in the world, it’s all go at…
Shore power: solving tripping problems
Ali Wood gets a crash course in reverse polarity and smart charging when Project Boat Maximus’s shore power gets trippy…
Sail design – using 3D software and laser technology to cut new sails
During the survey of our Maxi 84, the PBO Project Boat Maximus, we were warned by a marine surveyor that…
How to measure your yacht for new sails
Measuring your boat for new sails is a job for the sailmaker, so when our PBO Project Boat Maximus needed…
Restoring a vintage Sailor radio
Ali Wood’s Sailor radio is given the VIP treatment
Seajet Bioclean silicone antifoul review: Our verdict after one year on the water
Does silicone antifouling work? It’s not flying off the shelves yet, according to suppliers, but the results from our Project…
Securing mast cable on our Maxi 84
With the help of ACM Marine, Ali Wood goes about securing mast cable on the Maxi 84 PBO project boat
Family sailing safety gear: TESTED!
Ali Wood discusses the sailing safety gear she chose for their first family cruise on board their Maxi 84, and…