Discover how a boat owner uses a simple air compressor and a collection of versatile air tools to tackle a boat's toughest sanding and cleaning jobs.
Practical
Keeping your compass accurate: our expert advice
Ever wondered what you can do to maintain compass accuracy? You’re not the only one. Reader Sue Johnson sent in the following question: I have been advised that a VHF…
How I built a hull skirt to keep my boat dry while antifouling
Ever thought of making a hull skirt? Getting fed up with the yearly grind and expense of antifouling Koto’s bottom I decided to switch over to Coppercoat. Doing so would…
Replacing your boat’s engine mounts
Marine engine mounts are designed to isolate engine vibration noise from the boat’s structure. They’re susceptible to diesel and water leaks, should be checked regularly, and replaced every 10 years,…
The essential tools to keep on your boat
What tools do you really need for a boat? Say you now own a new or new-to-you boat, and you’re ready to get going. What happens if something breaks while…
Your guide to different cockpit styles, and how to best use the space
Whether you’re buying a new boat or refitting an older one, the cockpit deserves consideration; probably more than you think. While a spacious saloon or forepeak cabin is appealing, the…
How to service a two-stroke outboard motor
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he demystifies the maintenance of a classic two-stroke outboard, sharing essential tips, common problem fixes, and the surprising appeal of these lightweight workhorses.…
How to revamp and protect your engine leg
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he runs through the checks and maintenance needed to revamp and protect an outboard engine leg to keep it running in tip-top condition.…
Boat rudders: everything you need to know
Delivery skipper Ben Lowings examines how different popular rudder designs affect handling, and explains how to maintain them
Marine gas system maintenance
Peter Draper explains what’s required for a marine gas system to be safe and legal, and how to assess the condition of the gas system on your boat
Never stop sailing! Practical ways to make it easier as you age
Gilbert Park explains the tweaks he has made to his boat to future-proofing his time afloat
How I replaced my boat’s shaft seal
When we were having issues with our boat’s shaft seal, every marine engineer we talked to has said that you need to realign your engine with the stern tube when…
How I pump fresh water for a galley sink
I recently wanted to fit a small Whale electric water pump into my water container to supply the galley spout of my boat here in Taupo, New Zealand. But to…
Understanding and mastering boat rigging
Your yacht’s rig remains upright thanks to the right balance of compression and deflection, as Owen Brown explains
How to attach deck fittings securely
Rupert Holmes explains how to strongly attach new or replacement fittings to decks – and how to fill redundant old bolt or screw holes
Sail cover repair you can do yourself
After 11 years under the harsh Australian sun John Tylor’s mainsail cover was falling apart. Here’s how he brought it back to life...
How I replaced my sailboat’s mast
Every had to go through a sailboat mast replacement? Phil Taylor has. Well past her 50th birthday, he writes, my Sabre 27 Tabitha’s original mast had served me well for…
When should I replace standing rigging on my boat?
When does standing rigging on your boat need to be replaced? Surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies has this sage advice
How I made my own DIY fridge
Richard Hare describes how he built the ply/epoxy fridge during the reconstruction of his Westerly Konsort galley
Improving the continuous rope splice
Roger Hughes shares his new technique for making a smooth, continuous rope splice in double-braided line