When was the last time you had your mast spreader checked? PBO reader Jane Burton was shocked to find the spreader on her boat was not secured
expert answers
Why a simple bucket of fresh water is the secret to making a small outboard engine last
If your outboard engine is struggling with salt build-up, follow these essential maintenance steps to keep the cooling channels clear
Do I really need a boat bow thruster?
Is a boat bow thruster necessary kit? Experienced offshore and bluewater sailor Rupert Holmes has this answer for one PBO reader
Is it best to use marine diesel that is FAME-free?
PBO reader Paul Fay has struggled to find marine diesel that does not contain FAME (fatty acid methyl ester). He asks the PBO experts for help
Is electrically bonding seacocks a good idea?
Should you be electrically bonding seacocks on your boat? Vyv Cox has this advice
How to patch flowcoat to protect a corroded stern tube
Ken Fawell asks: This is a picture (above) taken inside my yacht. Apparently, the coating on the stern tube has been worn away by the black vibrating water hose. Can…
Can I use composite wood for boat repairs?
PBO reader Colin Doyle needs to make repairs to his cabin sole. Is using composite wood a good idea? Boat builder and finisher Lyndon March has the answer
What is the best adhesive for sticking down Dek-King?
The Dek-King installed on the benches of Brian Stirling's yacht is coming unstuck. What is the best adhesive for making repairs
Rigging tension on a fractional-rigged trailer-sailer
What considerations should you be aware of for setting the rigging tension on a mast that is frequently lowered and raised? OneSails's Wilf Chaplin has this advice
Can you make zinc anodes from car wheel weights?
Can zinc anodes be made using old melted down car tyre balance weights? Vyv Cox has the answer
Why the collapse of a critical Atlantic current would impact sailors
The collapse of a critical Atlantic current can no longer be considered a low-likelihood event, a study has concluded.
Insurance cover for sailing high latitudes
Practical Boat Owner reader Martin Frobisher asks why it's so difficult to source yacht insurance for higher latitude sailing, Mollie Magrath, boat and travel account manager for Topsail Marine &…
Lifespan vs. Warranty: why your liferaft is no longer serviceable
Not sure what to do with an old liferaft? Reader Tony Raven asks: In 2009, I bought a four-man Seago liferaft. It has been serviced every three years, the last…
When should I replace standing rigging on my boat?
When does standing rigging on your boat need to be replaced? Surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies has this sage advice
Is it a good idea to weld anchor chain to lengthen it?
Practical Boat Owner reader Tom Fox ponders if a qualified welder could weld anchor chain. Metallurgist Vyv Cox explains what to consider
How important is headsail trim?
PBO reader Jenny Spear wants advice on how to improv the performance of her boat's headsail. Ian Brown has this brief guide to headsail trim
Should I move the mainsheet traveller?
What should you consider if you want to move the mainsheet traveller? OneSails' Wilf Chaplin and surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies share their thoughts
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?
Is the AIS Net Location Beacon App a good investment for coastal cruising?
Alan Eves is considering using an AIS Net Location Beacon app as a cheaper useful additional aid in poor visibility. Is it a good idea?
Why is my boat battery not holding a charge?
Chris Mardon is struggling to understand why his boat battery is not holding a charge. Duncan Kent has some suggestions