Tom and Lorraine Owen built their 30ft motor cruiser completely from scratch, working together with phenomenal dedication. Nick Burnham went to meet them
PBO Staff
What’s on at the PBO Theatre at London Boat Show 2018
The 2018 London Boat Show kicks off on Wednesday 10 January with the launch of the Practical Boating theatre right next to the PBO stand LCO14. Editor Rob Melotti will…
How to stop ropes slipping in a clutch
Find out how to thicken and sheath ropes to stop them slipping in a clutch in this extract from Splicing Modern Ropes, by Jan-Willem Polman
Dinghy wheels for an Avon Redcrest
Here’s my solution for those who still own ancient but trusty Avon Redstart and Redcrest dinghies. I rigged this 20 years ago by fitting a pair of wheels to the…
Make a fid from a ballpoint pen
I wanted to change my main halyard with the mast up. The halyard is inside the mast, exiting at the base and then enclosed under the hatch garage before leading…
How to sail to Australia from the UK in a small boat
Kate and Jonny Harrison dreamed of a round-the-world backpacking tour to Australia – but then their plans took a nautical turn
Turn a storm jib into a trysail
A storm jib came with my second-hand 23ft (7m) Hunter Duette, but it couldn’t be run up the forestay because of the roller reefing headsail gear. Also, as I’m getting…
Make your own fids for splicing
Tony Nield makes his own fids from copper pipe and the cork from a bottle of port
How to repair big holes in GRP boats
Even wrecks can be rescued! Damaged boats can often be bought for a song and then successfully repaired – but it’s not a job for the faint-hearted. Jake Kavanagh explains…
Anchor light and emergency VHF antenna
Paul Newton mounts an anchor light and emergency VHF antenna on his pushpit
DIY engine cooling water alarm
DIY engine cooling water alarm
Remote control for a small auxiliary outboard
Derrick Grover makes a remote throttle and steering control for a small outboard
7 Storm Jibs on test
We test 7 storm jibs, including wrap around and sleeved sails, to find out the best options for your boat
How to service a 2-stroke outboard engine
After a long winter indoors many 2-stroke outboards are reluctant to start. A simple service should make yours more reliable. Here Steve Dawkins of Bursledon Outboards shows PBO’s Ben Meakins…
Make a DIY flopper stopper
Just occasionally, the ‘perfect anchorage’ may turn out to be seriously uncomfortable. This is usually when the current or the wind makes the boat lie beam-on to the swell, and…
Using a router
A power router can make light work of jobs that would otherwise take ages by hand. Julian Peckham has some tips for its use
Sharpening chisels and plane irons
Blunt tools a problem? Razor-sharp chisels and planes produce a much better job and are easier and safer to use. Julian Peckham shows how it’s done
Using a wood plane
There’s more to using a simple hand wood plane than first meets the eye. It’s not just a case of screwing a knurled knob in or out to adjust the…
DIY mooring line chafe protection
Alex Blackwell makes his own mooring chafe protectors, ensuring they're lashed to the line to stop them moving
Waterproof your trailer light plug
Boat trailer electrics, especially trailer light plugs are very susceptible to damage, either through the wires being pulled out or through corrosion. I have a sure way of avoiding this…