Is it time to swap your boat batteries? We look at the pros and cons of lithium-ion vs standard, installation dos and don’ts, bust the…
Practical Boat Owner
May issue – out 14 March
15 fixes at sea: sailors share how to deal with a range of problems afloat from a dismasting and rudder damage to chafe, the essential…
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
Orkney Longliner & Sussex beach boat
Clive Marsh sails from Rye Bay upriver to Bodiam Castle in East Sussex by Orkney Longliner and Sussex beach boat
Family sailing safety gear: TESTED!
Ali Wood discusses the sailing safety gear she chose for their first family cruise on board their Maxi 84, and how it performed
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
Double carbon monoxide tragedy sparks warning
Exhaust gas, containing CO, had likely been funnelled into the cockpit between the boat’s transom and an inflatable waterskiing ringo suspended from it
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
Marine alternator troubleshooting
Ali Wood gets to grips with Maximus’s faulty electrical system after some unexpected failures made an appearance on passage
SigneT dinghies to mark 60th anniversary of channel crossing
Intrepid dinghy sailors will be honouring a significant event in the SigneT class history with a cross-Channel expedition.
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
Slastik sunglasses: tried and tested
Ali Wood tries out a pair of Slastik sunglasses to see if the continuous strap is a help or hindrance on the water
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
Clarisse Crémer has new sponsor for 2024 Vendée Globe
After being dropped by Banque Populaire, Clarisse Crémer now has a new sponsor for the 2024 Vendée Globe, with the support of Alex Thomson
Calor Gas: Longer phase out time for 4.5kg & 3.9kg cylinders
Calor Gas has confirmed that although it will discontinue its 4.5kg butane and 3.9kg propane cylinders, the phasing out period has been extended
Best heavy duty tarp? We test Yuzet tarpaulin to find out
Jake Frith discovers that many so-called ‘heavy duty’ tarps really aren’t – but this tarpaulin from Yuzet just might be
ePropulsion electric outboard – long-term test
An electric outboard motor is a very different beast to a petrol one. It’s lighter, quieter and cleaner but does have some drawbacks, such as speed, range and cost. Testing…