After his boat executes an unexpected hard-over turn, Paul Newell diagnoses and repairs a problem with his tiller pilot
practical
Understanding metal fatigue: What causes rigging and engine failures?
Do you know the difference between a sudden fracture and a fatigue fracture? Understanding the characteristic 'beach marks' is the key to preventing catastrophic failure on your boat, says Vyv…
The simple rebuild that saved a 50-year-old BMC diesel engine for less
When I started Tudor Rose’s old BMC (British Motor Corporation) 1.8 diesel engine one windless summer morning, a dense pall of grey smoke lingered incriminatingly over the anchorage. I slunk…
How I built a SCAMP boat so my sick dog could go sailing again
After my Australian Cattle Dog, Ozzie, had a health scar, I built a SCAMP boat, a popular dinghy cruiser design, so he could get back onto the water. Ozzie has…
How to link your smartphone to your navigation system
Considering a smart navigation system? The advance of electronics, and especially home automation, have given rise to a range of extremely powerful and affordable small wireless devices. This got me…
How to revamp your boat’s fuel system
It’s always a good idea to take a closer look at your boat’s fuel system. After we bought Noontide, our Albin Ballad 30, in Plymouth in April 2023, we spent…
Your best biocide-free antifouling options
Can you protect your boat in UK waters using foul-release coatings, ultrasonic or biomimetic technology? Rob Melotti investigates the antifouling options on the market.
How to service your outboard steering
After a midnight steering failure, one boat owner learns a hard lesson about the "fiddly" but essential maintenance of remote outboard steering
How to strip and tidy your boat deck
Discover how a boat owner uses a simple air compressor and a collection of versatile air tools to tackle a boat's toughest sanding and cleaning jobs.
Replacing your boat’s engine mounts
Marine engine mounts are designed to isolate engine vibration noise from the boat’s structure. They’re susceptible to diesel and water leaks, should be checked regularly, and replaced every 10 years,…
The essential tools to keep on your boat
What tools do you really need for a boat? Say you now own a new or new-to-you boat, and you’re ready to get going. What happens if something breaks while…
Your guide to different cockpit styles, and how to best use the space
Whether you’re buying a new boat or refitting an older one, the cockpit deserves consideration; probably more than you think. While a spacious saloon or forepeak cabin is appealing, the…
How to service a two-stroke outboard motor
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he demystifies the maintenance of a classic two-stroke outboard, sharing essential tips, common problem fixes, and the surprising appeal of these lightweight workhorses.…
How to revamp and protect your engine leg
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he runs through the checks and maintenance needed to revamp and protect an outboard engine leg to keep it running in tip-top condition.…
How to re-reeve a halyard: If your in-mast halyard has broken here’s how to fix it
Steve Langton threads a new line down through a mast
Marine gas system maintenance
Peter Draper explains what’s required for a marine gas system to be safe and legal, and how to assess the condition of the gas system on your boat
Never stop sailing! Practical ways to make it easier as you age
Gilbert Park explains the tweaks he has made to his boat to future-proofing his time afloat
How I replaced my boat’s shaft seal
When we were having issues with our boat’s shaft seal, every marine engineer we talked to has said that you need to realign your engine with the stern tube when…
How I pump fresh water for a galley sink
I recently wanted to fit a small Whale electric water pump into my water container to supply the galley spout of my boat here in Taupo, New Zealand. But to…
Understanding and mastering boat rigging
Your yacht’s rig remains upright thanks to the right balance of compression and deflection, as Owen Brown explains