Jerry Armitage is planning to replace his boat engine, but will the old propeller work? PBO expert Tony Davies has the answer
Practical
Is the old dynastart a good charger?
PBO reader Will Kerr has an old dynastart and wants to know if it will be able to charge his batteries. Stu Davies has the answer
Jimmy Cornell: How I’ve learned to fix my own problems at sea
The challenge of finding solutions to practical problems is something I have enjoyed as far back as I can remember. This was certainly the case when I began fitting out…
Impeller cover o-rings
Where can I find replacements for discontinued impeller cover o-rings? PBO's engine expert, Stu Davies has some suggestions
Where is the best place to install a boat vent?
Where is the most effective place to install a boat vent? Surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies has some tips
Overcoating Coppercoat antifouling: ask the experts
What do I need to do when overcoating Coppercoat? The former technical manager for International Paint, Richard Jerram has the answer
Who owns a boat write-off?
Where does the responsibility for a boat write-off lie? RYA paralegal Lucy Rutter has the answer
Diesel shelf life and the infamous bug
Julian Orchard wants to know what the shelf life is for diesel and what he can do to prevent diesel bug. Stu Davies answers his question
How to choose the right electric boat engine
Electric propulsion is clean, near silent and can even be self-refuelling, but is it worth the investment? Jake Kavanagh considers the options
How do I tell if an old boat engine is beyond repair?
Is it worth buying a boat with a non-running engine? Vyv Cox has some tips on what to look for before deciding if it’s a viable project
Boat exhaust temperature alarm: how to fit one to your boat
Gilbert Park installs a temperature monitor and alarm to prevent costly exhaust hose damage in the event of impeller failure
Refurbishing a boat alternator
James Wood removes Maximus’s alternator and gets it repaired
Boat battery bank and electrics upgrade
After mid-Atlantic battery failure, John Willis decides it’s time to upgrade his battery bank and electrics
In-mast roller furling problems: how to rebuild a Seldén furling gearbox
Mark Ryan rebuilds his Seldén furling gearbox after wrestling with stiff roller furling for a year and discovers stress-free and easy reefing
What can I use to lubricate metal?
Colin Staples wants to know what is the best product to lubricate metal to keep his stiffened outboard bracket moving freely
How do I get rid of a mystery boat smell?
PBO reader Constantin Demner is struggling to get rid of a strange boat smell, which is permeating her clothing and her tools. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies answers her question
Best antifouling paint: 8 leading options in head-to-head test
In June 2021 we coated the hull of a Hardy Commodore 42 with eight of the best antifouling paint products. The motorboat Raymariner, which is the test boat for Raymarine,…
Maintenance on a boat: 71-point skipper’s checklist
Make sure your boat is ready to go back in the water with Practical Boat Owner's comprehensive guide
How to remove mouldy stains from interior woodwork – Ask the experts
Kevin Woods from Dublin writes: “I have a 1991 Feeling 286 Special. Some of its timber interior is stained by black lines in the grain – as you can see…
Loss of engine power under load: expert advice to solve the problem
Anne Cees Houtman has a problem with a loss of engine power under load. PBO's engine whisperer, Stu Davies thinks he has the answer