Now’s the time to tick-off those jobs you’ve been putting off all season and get a head-start on the spring rush, says Ali Wood
Practical
How to find an engine oil leak in a Volvo 2002
David Moody is struggling to find the cause of an engine oil leak in his Volvo 2002. Stu Davies has the answer
Raw water pump: rebuild or replace?
PBO reader Clive Hathway has a leaking raw water pump. Should he buy a replacement or rebuild it? Stu Davies gives his advice
Stop the boat! How (and why) I installed an OLAS Guardian wireless killcord
Lightweight, planing motorboats are very susceptible to being blown off course when not under power. This is can be awkward when coming up a channel to a mooring and there’s…
Is there a better diesel fuel?
Would gas to liquid (GTL) fuel work better than diesel fuel? PBO's engine whisperer, Stu Davies ponders the question
How should I look after my fuel to beat diesel bug?
Ali Wood gets some bug-beating advice from Marine 16’s Peter Weide and learns why modern diesel requires more attention than ever
Replacing a saildrive gaiter: step by step
After seven years of regular use, a saildrive gaiter should be changed before it deteriorates to let water through the hull, warns Tony Davies
Buying a boat: the essential guide
Rupert Holmes looks at negotiations, surveys and the legal aspects of buying a second-hand boat
Boat wood: a complete guide for yacht owners
Boatbuilder and finisher Lyndon March explains which types of wood work best for different repairs and modifications on board
How to prepare a small boat for a big offshore sailing adventure: Top tips from the 2023 Jester Challenge
You don’t need a large boat to sail offshore, you just need to be well prepared – as Jester Challenge veteran and offshore adventurer, Roger Taylor has proved numerous times.…
Antifouling: Everything you need to know
Here’s PBO’s guide to preparing for, choosing and using antifouling paints
Why plywood boats are making a comeback
A wonder material in the 1950s and 1960s, plywood is making a comeback. Rupert Holmes analyses what lies behind a new wave of plywood boats
What’s the best way to change a pump impeller? Ask the experts
Oliver Chapple from Lincoln writes: “I have a very much loved 35ft Atlantic Ketch called Octopus, a splendid sea boat that has carried us safely to the Western Isles, Orkney,…
How can I improve fuel filter efficiency? Ask the experts
Kirk Forrest writes: “I’ve been considering how to improve the fuel filter system on my 45-year-old Fisher 25 motor-sailer which has a Beta 28 engine. I bought the boat about…
Boat berth: forepeak conversion
Richard Rogers rethinks his twin V-berths to double configuration ‘without that annoying triangular insert’ aboard his Morgan Giles 30
Soldering boat wire: joints and connections
Oliver Ballam and Pat Manley demystify boat electrics and explain the best techniques for soldering and de-soldering connections
The 17ft trailer-sailer preparing to cross the Atlantic
A 17ft trailer-sailer rescued from the nettles is preparing to cross the Atlantic. Poppet, a 50-year-old Leisure 17 is owned by marine surveyor and electrician John-Kenenth (JK) Habbershaw who, together…
Winterising a boat: 61 point checklist
PBO experts offer their top tips for winterising a boat, helping to keep your vessel and gear in good condition over the colder months
Why isn’t more being done about pot markers? Ask the experts
Graham Gibbs writes: “When will something be done about pot markers? On a cruise west from Gosport this May, I estimated that around 1% of pot markers met legal requirements.…
Inflatable boat valve replacement: step by step
A failed inner valve could spell the end of an inflatable tender – but Jake Frith has a fix