First published in 1967, Practical Boat Owner is acknowledged as the best title in the world for boat maintenance and repair advice, together with seamanship skills relevant to both novices and seasoned sailors alike.
It provides trustworthy advice and information for boaters by highly experienced marine journalists.
Our editorial team members are also typical readers – buying a boat for £500 on eBay and slowly restoring it through a series of published features over four years.

A man hauling out a boat

In a quiet Norfolk backwater a fleet of classic yachts is still fished out of the water and slipped the traditional way – with chip fat – writes Richard Johnstone-Bryden

Plywood veneer on a boat

Wood veneer can revitalise and add a touch of class to many boats. Richard Johnstone-Bryden shares advice on techniques for cutting, gluing and fitting ply veneer

A man sailing a Trapper 500 yacht

Looking for a reasonably-priced and solidly-built second-hand cruising yacht, Richard Reed was smitten by the Trapper 500

June 2026 issue of Practical Boat Owner magazine

Boat Owners’ Antenna Buyer’s Guide, How to make a bridle for secure mooring, Designing and making your own sails, 48 launch checks for skipper and crew, Learn to whip a…

Crew sailing a w1DA yacht with a red hull and black sails

From the archive, David Harding test sails the w1DA - a boat unlike any other that he has sailed and that marked a new approach to the production yacht