If you have trouble with a small outboard motor it can often be attributed to the fuel. David Parker describes how he saved a lot of money with a careful…
Practical
Epoxy infusion video: learn how to build a canoe with PBO and West System International
The traditional method of glassfibre boat building has been to hand-roll liquid resin into reinforcing fibre as it sits in a mould, adding one layer after another and all the…
How to check your rig while the mast is down over winter
When boats are out for the winter and have been chocked and winterised, it’s the ideal time to thoroughly check – and if necessary upgrade – the standing rigging. Around…
Rescuing Essex Melody – a classic cruiser purpose built for the East Coast
John Rogers describes the heritage and restoration of Essex Melody, a classic, Maldon-built 23-footer which originally took to the water in 1959
Applying antifouling safely
Ben Meakins discovers the importance of wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when antifouling a hull – and issues some propitious advice
Refurbishing a Yanmar 1GM10 water pump
The Yanmar 1GM10 is a great little engine, which starts first time and runs reliably: but there are one or two design flaws. The worst is that the raw water…
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.
Turn a boat coolbox into a fridge
Chill out with David Rainsbury by following his step-by-step guide to converting a coolbox into a fridge
Six IKEA hacks for your boat
Whether it's making an instrument panel from a tablet stand, turning bed slats into a dinghy floor, creating a wine rack from a book case, assisting with cockpit locker organisation…
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
Golden Globe race: Refitting Black Sheep
In 1968, the original Golden Globe Race was widely regarded as ‘a voyage for madmen’. But where does that leave the 34 men and one woman who are signed up…
Don’t let the sun shine in! Making a hatch shade board
You can keep cool in hot weather without resorting to amp-chewing fans and air-conditioners. Richard Hare shows how to make a simple hatch blanking plate
PBO Skipper’s Handbook
Your quick reference guide to safety and seamanship, still available in digital format
How to replace your sprayhood windows
Do you have a foggy view? Don’t throw away your expensive sprayhood or awning – you can replace the windows for just a few pounds, says Jake Kavanagh
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…
How to check keel bolts
Colin Brown describes a series of checks you can carry out to assess the structural integrity of the bolts which attach the keel to your boat
10 top causes of engine breakdown – and how to avoid them
During his 15 years as a marine engineer with the breakdown service Sea Start, Nick Eales has seen it all. He talks to Jake Kavanagh and offers PBO readers tips…
Making a boat tent from a polytunnel
John Owen constructs a versatile and economical boat tent from a polytunnel
Renovating boat windows
Stephen Wallace demonstrates how he went about removing, resealing and reinstalling the windows on his Sadler 32
The truth about teak decks
Shipwright Robin Benjamin says modern, thin teak decks need lots of regular care, and so it’s vital to follow his advice on how to keep them looking good