Vyv Cox busts the myths surrounding the use of dezincification resistant (DZR) seacock materials.
Gear
The Garmin chartplotter + 7 other options
Ali Wood weighs in on the Garmin chartplotter and other electronic navigation options from Furuno, Raymarine, B&G, Lowrance, Simrad, and Orca. Furuno Furuno’s NAVNet TZtouch 3 range is available in…
Skin fittings and seacocks explained
Surveyor Nick Vass examines the different types of skin fittings and seacocks on the market and shares advice on how to maintain them.
A beginner’s guide to the chartplotter
Whether you’re new to boating or looking to enhance your navigation with a phone, tablet or MFD, Ali Wood runs through the different chartplotter options
Best marine sealants and adhesives for boat jobs
With help from adhesive and sealant expert Laurie Brebner, PBO’s Ali Wood explains which works best for different jobs on a boat
How I switched to electronic charts
Ali Wood recalls her first sailing passage using electronic charts
How to install a Halyard Aquadrive in a Contessa 32
A boat owner installs a Halyard Aquadrive antivibration system for smoother, quieter cruising and reduced wear on his marine engine and gearbox
How to replace polarising film on your instrument screen
Andy Pag tries to fix the display screen on his Raymarine ST6001 autopilot control unit
Your skipper-recommended onboard essentials for a Mediterranean Yacht Charter
After several seasons working as a commercial skipper, most recently in Lampedusa, I’ve got my onboard essentials locked in. Whether you’re a sailor or a guest, the key to packing…
Can VHF and AIS run on the same aerial?
Boat owner Robert Campbell is considering fitting a splitter so his AIS transceiver can share the same aerial as his VHF radio. Is it a good idea?
‘I smelled burning plastic and realised my plug was melting!’
Electrical and faulty appliances – 52% risk factor in boat fires Electrical fires make up over half of all boat fires according to insurance information obtained by Boatus.com I’m no…
Propeller care: everything you need to know
Stu Davies has valuable tips on how to maintain your prop – and explains how this vital bit of kit works, and why propeller care is needed
Can I trust this boat mooring?
Most sailors use traditional moorings without knowing about their condition or how they are made. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies explains
Where to recycle old sails and end of life kit – drop off points across the UK and Europe
Got old sails and old rope that you don't want to put into landfill? The ReSail platform allows sailors to find free drop-off points to give new life to end-of-life…
Overhauling the DC boat electrics on a 38ft boat
Richard Thomson explains how he gave his 1983 Trident Marine Voyager 38’s electrical system a complete and cost effective overhaul.
New AIS MOB device rule affecting sailors
Big changes to marine radio device rules are planned to be brought into the UK. The only MOB AIS devices allowed will be those that incorporate DSC on Ch70.
Boat battery care: the do’s and the don’ts
Stuart James of Predator Batteries shares his expert tips for achieving optimum battery performance on board your boat
Do you really need an active radar reflector on your boat?
Simon Hampton-Matthews, chair of the Cruising Association’s RATS committee, discusses radar reflectors and whether they’re still the best way to be seen on the water
Is foiling really the future of cruising?
Foiling technology has revolutionised the world of sailboat racing, but can it make its way to cruising yachts too? Saša Fegić reports
French canal boating: the essential kit
Julian and Vanessa Dussek took their Southerly 115 down through France to the Med, about 1,000 miles. Listed here are items they found essential or desirable