PBO reader Chris Marden wants to know if he can repair the outer case of his boat heat exchanger with epoxy. Stu Davies has the answer!
practical
How a boat solar hot water system works
Jon Walmsley explains how to heat water without a diesel engine
Surface preparation for polishing or varnishing a boat
Mirka’s Andy Mierau shares trade tips on how to prepare surfaces for polishing or varnishing
Beware using non-marine gas regulators
"This warning has become even more valid after the Calor Gas U-turn as some owners will be swapping back again and buying yet another regulator."
Cracked gelcoat repair: step by step
Having accidentally drilled screws through the moulded non-slip surface of his boat’s deck, Jake Frith repairs the cracked gelcoat
Fixing boat engine cooling system problems
Stu Davies solves niggly Volvo Penta 2030 engine cooling problems
Servicing a hydraulic steering helm on a boat
After finding a hydraulic oil leak in the steering of his Nauticat 331, Mike Corp services the yacht’s helm pump and steering ram
How to sell your boat: one owner’s experience
Andy Hazell shares his experience of buying and selling a family boat
How to sell a boat & get the best price
Ali Wood gets tips from the trade on how to sell your boat from a marine surveyor and a yacht broker so you can get the best price to spend…
Tiller to wheel conversion: step by step
If you have a tiller-steered boat and would rather have a wheel, how would you go about converting it? David Harding sees how it’s done to a Hanse 315
Boat galley improvements on a sailing yacht
Mike Reynolds transforms the galley area aboard his cruiser-racer by installing a new fridge box, drinks locker, sink and worktops
Spinnaker repair: how to do it yourself
Andy Pag saves thousands of pounds on a replacement by mending his shredded sail himself using a domestic sewing machine
Boat maintenance: jobs to tackle over the winter
Now’s the time to tick-off those jobs you’ve been putting off all season and get a head-start on the spring rush, says Ali Wood
How to find an engine oil leak in a Volvo 2002
David Moody is struggling to find the cause of an engine oil leak in his Volvo 2002. Stu Davies has the answer
Is there a better diesel fuel?
Would gas to liquid (GTL) fuel work better than diesel fuel? PBO's engine whisperer, Stu Davies ponders the question
Boat wood: a complete guide for yacht owners
Boatbuilder and finisher Lyndon March explains which types of wood work best for different repairs and modifications on board
Antifouling: Everything you need to know
Here’s PBO’s guide to preparing for, choosing and using antifouling paints
Shore power: solving tripping problems
Ali Wood gets a crash course in reverse polarity and smart charging when Project Boat Maximus’s shore power gets trippy
Boat berth: forepeak conversion
Richard Rogers rethinks his twin V-berths to double configuration ‘without that annoying triangular insert’ aboard his Morgan Giles 30
Soldering boat wire: joints and connections
Oliver Ballam and Pat Manley demystify boat electrics and explain the best techniques for soldering and de-soldering connections