Watchkeeping, sleep patterns and short-handed passages – a guide to night sailing; Orca navigation system tested over a 450 mile voyage; Could you be a…
Practical Boat Owner
August 2026 – out on 2 July
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on the COLREG, single-handing and more; Boat building myths busted; 10 pilotage mistakes to avoid; Celebrating the Jester Challenge at 20; Spotlight…
Moving a diesel engine air filter
Stew Proud moves the vulnerable diesel engine air filter on his boat
Three pilothouse boats: Bella 703, Orkney Day Angler 20 and Drago Sunday Fishing
Three small, multi-purpose motorboats with simple accommodation tested. What's best, an inboard or outboard engine, a planing or displacement hull?
How I found the right electric engine for my boat after spending £25k
Felix Marks explains how he turned around the disastrous electric engine installation on his Tofinou day-sailer
Why rebuilding your self-steering gear will change your cruising game
Dena Hankins and James Lane explain how rebuilding your self-steering gear changes the cruising game
The Allures 45: crawl up creeks and dry out or cruise offshore
Peter K Poland takes the helm of the French-built, aluminium-hulled cruising Allures 45 yacht: a variable-draught aluminium-hulled blue water cruiser
How to replace a worn teak deck
Genevieve Leaper explains how friend Sokratis Kavallieratos laid a new teak deck on his Najad 320
July issue – 8 May
Navigation and your fingertips: an easy guide to digital charts, plotters and MFDs, How to sail around headlands, races and overfalls, 10 ways to save fuel, spotlight on the Pointer…
What to take on a sailing holiday: the ultimate onboard packing list
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
DIY engine replacement saves boat owner £1,500
When his Bukh DV20 engine fails, boat owner Richard Reed saves cash by installing a ‘new’ second-hand Beta 28 and doing a DIY marine engine replacement
Garcia Exploration 45: the ultimate go-anywhere 45ft yacht?
The aluminium-hulled Garcia Exploration 45 is the ultimate ‘go anywhere’ 45-footer, says Peter K Poland. With panoramic views onto the outside world.
Invicta 26: a long keel yacht for the price of a good dinghy
Based on the Folkboat, the GRP Invicta 26 is a classic long keel yacht that can often be bought for the price of a good dinghy.
Westons Point 27: the head-turning gentleman’s launch
A semi-bespoke gentleman’s launch in cedar strip construction, the Westons Point 27 is a real head-turner that oozes traditional craftsmanship, as David Harding reports
Stitelmann first to leave the Marquesas in Leg 2 of the Mini Globe Race
In the latest from the Mini Globe Race, Renaud Stitelmann (Capucinette) is the first to set out from the Marquesas Islands. After completing his 8 day pitstop on Hiva On,…
How to sail around the UK and Ireland
Sam Steele explains everything you need to know about a circumnavigation of Britain and Ireland
How to sleep sailing shorthanded
John Apps stresses the importance of sleeping sufficiently on long-distance single-handed passages, and explains how to snatch safe naps without leaving yourself vulnerable
How to cross a Traffic Separation Scheme
Sticky Stapylton explains the meaning and intended purpose of traffic separation schemes – and what you should know if your boat has to enter or leave one
How I achieved optimal propeller pitch
Correct propeller size and pitch offer smooth and economical progress under engine. Peter Hawkins explains how he calculated the best combination for his boat