Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. When, back in 2014, I saw the mainsail on Peter Kewish’s Jeanneau Sun Way 21, I found it hard to be…
Expert Answers
Rigging setup: Turning round a yacht’s performance
Little old boats can offer enormous fun for your money, but they often require some tweaking in order to be experienced at their best. Often a little bit of time…
Make a grounding system to protect your boat from lightning strikes
A surprising amount of research has been carried out into lightning strikes on yachts and boats, much of it in Florida but some in New Zealand, Australia and other countries.…
Lightning strikes at sea – advice from a marine surveyor
Over the years I’ve attended a few lightning strikes suffered by yachts on behalf of insurance companies. In the UK it’s not such a common issue as, say, in the…
How to climb your mast and work aloft safely
As much as I love sailing, there is one thing (besides rebuilding the head) that I really have a problem with, and that is the height of the mast. No,…
How and where to install a new windlass battery on your boat
PBO Ask the Experts is a free service for readers. Simply email us your question and we’ll find an expert to answer it for you: pbo@ti-media.com ‘I’d like to add…
Pat Manley tribute
Pat Manley, a long-time contributor to PBO and who regularly featured in our Ask the Experts pages, passed away on 5 September.
Lay up for winter – check list
Simple steps to make the winter laying-up process straightforward, painless and effective
What’s that boat?
PBO readers call for help to identify their newly-bought project boats...
How to make your jacket waterproof again – 7 products tested
PBO tests reproofing products
Make your own transom shower fitting covers
Put spice pot lids to a new use with this budget tip to make transom shower fitting covers
PBO Sail Clinic: free hands-on expert advice for readers
PBO Technical Editor David Harding offers ideas to help a Kelt 5.50 that won't beat upwind
Six DIY tips to make your boat sail better
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get an older boat going more efficiently
Surviving immersion
What happens to your body when you fall into the water?
How to mask a straight waterline
How to get your boot-top or waterline straight and wobble-free
How to repack a Stern Gland – step-by-step
How to repack a traditional stuffing-box type stern gland
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
How to test an old VHF antenna and cable
A reader's question about testing a VHF antenna and coaxial cable answered by one of PBO's experts
Sealing a hull-to-keel joint
A reader's question about sealing a keel root answered by one of PBO's experts