This might come under the heading of ‘bleeding obvious’, but I have found it to be very useful when working on my boat in the dinghy park at my local…
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Make an outboard motor overheat alarm from a digital thermometer
The outboard on my Hunter Liberty is located in a well in the cockpit from where it is difficult to see the cooling water tell-tale. On my first trip this…
Jester Challenge: One sailor’s preparations for a solo adventure
Two-time solo Atlantic racer Basil Panakis shows PBO’s Ben Meakins how he prepared his 25ft yacht to face the Jester Challenge
Gelcoat repair colour matching – the quick way
A basic colour match may not be perfect – but in most cases it’ll do the job and is much easier to use than professional repair products
65 ways to cut the cost of your boating
With the turbulent forecasts for the UK and global economy, many of us have had to ask ourselves if we can really justify the outlay required to own a boat…
Frank Cowper – Sailing Tours the forefather of modern cruising
Frank Cowper published the first amateur cruising guides 120 years ago. Ben Meakins reads Cowper’s Sailing Tours and plans his own passage, reflecting on sailing then and now
Antares Charts: One man’s mission to update Scottish charts
In a bid to bring archaic navigation information into the 21st century, Bob Bradfield has been on a one-man crusade to update charts of Scottish anchorages
How to calibrate your boat’s speed, depth and wind instruments
There are two main methods for calibrating your boat’s speed instrument: The measured mile or the SOG check. The simplest way these days is to use the GPS speed over…
How to carry out basic lifejacket checks at home
It’s recommended that you take your lifejackets for a full service every year, but for many boat owners this job is near the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list and often…
How to service your marine diesel engine
The unique challenges of the marine environment mean regular engine servicing is essential for any boat owner. Winter is the ideal time to do this, making next spring’s launch much…
Cruising to Brittany and the Channel Islands in a 21ft yacht
Carlton Douglas takes his 21ft Westerly Jouster for a fortnight’s cruise to Brittany and back, with stops in St Helier and Herm on the homeward leg
PBO Sail Clinic: why won’t my boat tack properly?
PBO Technical Editor David Harding offers ideas to help a Kelt 5.50 that won't beat upwind
VHF essentials: How to solder a PL259 plug to a VHF cable
Connecting a PL259 plug to a VHF aerial cable - step by step
How to drill plastic – expert tips on making holes in acrylic
A reader's question about drilling acrylic is answered by one of PBO's experts
Boat insurance – 10 essential questions to ask your insurer
Make sure you're covered
PBO’s lazy guide to laying up
What's essential and what's not? Find out here...
Drill holes in gelcoat without a crack
...and how to stop it cracking
Rubbing down antifouling?
Don't skimp on the wet/dry sandpaper
Keep your batteries in tip-top condition
this winter
The key to a really good gelcoat polish
Two stages