Sailing in squalls? How to protect your rig and sails; DIY rudder checks; How to service your outboard engine; Get the best out of your…
Practical Boat Owner
Summer issue – out 6 June
Troubleshoot engine problems at sea, the 30 best ways to get afloat if you don’t have a boat, how to find crew, essential DIY rig…
Cruising chute or spinnaker? We compare both sails on the same boat on different points of sail
Many cruising sailors favour a cruising chute over a spinnaker – but how do the two sails compare on different points of sail? David Harding tried both on the same
Sunk by the rocks – an anchoring misadventure
When Jeff Middleton got into difficulties with a stuck prop shaft while trying to anchor in Bull Bay on Anglesey, he never imagined it would result in the loss of…
July issue – out 9 May
110 ways to save money on your boating costs, from mooring and maintenance to rigging and sails! PLUS 12 anchor designs to consider, how to replace thru-hull fittings, 100 years…
No killcord or lifejackets were worn during a powerboat crash which killed a woman and child
An investigation into the deaths of a woman and a child following a powerboat accident has found that killcords and lifejackets were not in use when the boat lost control
Flagships of the Year announced by National Historic Ships UK
Four historic vessels from around the UK have been designated as the National Historic Ships UK's Flagships for 2024
Tips for drying out in a motorboat
Gilbert Park shares his tips for allowing motorboats to dry out safely
Dorset sailing club in £4m bid to save outdoor centre
Hengistbury Head Outdoors Centre (HHOEC), on the shores of Christchurch harbour, closed during Covid, after decades of running sailing and adventure courses for the community. Now, in what would be…
“What was I thinking?” Riding out a two-day blow on my Atlanta 25
Ray Lein tries to outrun Storm Babette in his Atlanta 25, before taking shelter behind Worm’s Head in the Bristol Channel
Can diesel bug fuel treatments work together?
PBO reader Nick Houlding wants to know if different diesel bug fuel treatments can be mixed. Peter Wielde from Marine 16 has the answer
Make your own hose adapter stowage on your boat
Federico Ramirez has a simple idea for handy hose adapter stowage
How to build your own boat stand
Zoran Glozinic builds a boat stand for haul-out use
Boat anodes: a practical guide for sailors
Metallurgist Vyv Cox’s guide to anodes, explaining how they work, debunking the myths and showing ways of improving performance
“End the discharge of raw sewage” – Sports join forces to demand clean UK water
The issue of water pollution has led to seven UK organisations, including the Royal Yachting Association, to join forces as The Clean Water Sports Alliance and call for change.
How to make an anti-vibration mount for your wind turbine
Feb up with the sound of rumbling from his wind turbine, Chris Mardon makes an anti-vibration mount for a quieter time on board his boat
How can I improve the faded gelcoat on my boat?
PBO reader Peter Clubbe wants to know how he can improve the faded gelcoat on his elderly Hardy Navigator
Vita Power Seal and Sea Dog: the new electric RIBS which can run at 6-8 knots for 10-25 hours
With a reputation for ‘plug and play’ electric propulsion, Vita Power has launched electric RIBs of its own design. Jake Frith drives them to see how they handle
Warning to check the shore power cable every time you plug it into your boat
Boat owners are being urged to check the shore power cable before plugging in to stay vigilant against wet wiring
British sailor Pip Hare’s Vendee Globe ‘full throttle’ challenge is in jeopardy
Vendee Globe 2024 challenger Pip Hare may have to "throttle-back on performance" and jeopardise a world sailing record bid unless new funding can be found
“Why restoring an old boat at the age of 71 was one of my better ideas”
At 71, Richard Hare embarked on a year-long renovation of a 30-year-old Westerly Konsort. He shares why it was one of his better ideas.
Plan for Endurance 2 – a replica of Ernest Shackleton ship
Marine archaeologist Mensun Bound has teamed up with round-the-world sailor Enda O'Coineen for a global philanthropic project to build a modern-day replica of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance