The stern tube was flushed first with vinegar and then with water to remove marine growth. Photo by Stu Davies
Stu Davies explains how he used a commonly found condiment to free up his prop, accidentally finding a marine growth solution
Sometimes life throws us a curveball, and last year it happened to us. Our boat is based in Portugal. We …Continue reading »
Epoxy sheathing is long-lasting. Credit: Richard Johnstone-Bryden
Epoxy sheathing offers a long-lasting alternative to canvas for covering a traditional plywood coachroof or deck, as Richard Johnstone-Bryden explains
Epoxy sheathing offers a long-lasting alternative to canvas for covering a traditional plywood coachroof or deck, as Richard Johnstone-Bryden explains
Half an old bath was the ideal shape for a doghouse mould. Credit: Jake Kavanagh
When traditional plywood didn't match the curves of his Corribee 21, Jake Kavanagh found an ingenious—and free—solution at the local scrapyard
When traditional plywood didn't match the curves of his Corribee 21, Jake Kavanagh found an ingenious—and free—solution at the local scrapyard
Fed up with trying to reach the primary fuel filter (far left in picture) on his Hanse 301, Paul changed it to a R12T installation, which is easier to access. Credit: Paul Diamond
Paul Diamond explains how he upgraded his primary fuel filter to make it easier to get at and change
Paul Diamond explains how he upgraded his primary fuel filter to make it easier to get at and change
The Bavaria 34’s grab rails by the companionway allow the holding straps to be easily slid out of the way. Credit: Libby Earle
Keep your cabin dry and private with this simple canvas companionway cover project that anyone with a robust sewing machine can tackle. Libby Earle explains
Keep your cabin dry and private with this simple canvas companionway cover project that anyone with a robust…
Joe and Linda Magee experienced a port-side chainplate failure on their Albin Cumulus 85. Credit: Joe Magee
After a chainplate snapped on his Albin Cumulus 85, Joe Magee explains how he designed and fitted new ones
After a chainplate snapped on his Albin Cumulus 85, Joe Magee explains how he designed and fitted new ones
Fellow ARC entrants, Sue and Chip Ogilvie were able to provide the Ellis family with extra fuel, in case they needed to motor the rest of the way across the Atlantic. Credit: Vicky Ellis
Facing an Atlantic crossing with broken shrouds and two young children onboard is the ultimate test of seamanship for Vicky Ellis.
Broken shrouds and two young children onboard during a transatlantic…
Photo by Dagnall Clutterbuck
Want to navigate using your smartphone or tablet? Duncan Kent and Dagnall Clutterbuck look at a selection of wifi gateways under £250
With modern tablets and smartphones becoming an increasingly popular choice for electronic navigation, we investigated the core of any onboard …Continue reading »
This spreader root has come out as the screws loosened over time. The screws were not drilled through the spreader arms connecting to the mast. Credit: Ben Sutcliffe-Davies
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
When was the last time you had your mast spreader checked? PBO reader Jane…
Even after 20 years of use, regular flushing of Stu Davies’s outboard motor means the cooling channels remain remarkably clear of salt build-up. Credit: Stu Davies
If your outboard engine is struggling with salt build-up, follow these essential maintenance steps to keep the cooling channels clear
If your outboard engine is struggling with salt build-up, follow these essential maintenance…
Downwind sails in the ARC rally 2025. Photo by Paul Wyeth
Ali Wood gets some top tips from sailmakers on choosing and caring for your yacht’s most valuable assets
The new season’s approaching, and your sails are in tip-top condition, right? You’ve had them laundered and the UV strips …Continue reading »
A powerful bow thruster can make manoeuvring easier – especially when short-handed. Credit: Paul Wyeth
Is a boat bow thruster necessary kit? Experienced offshore and bluewater sailor Rupert Holmes has this answer for one PBO reader
Is a boat bow thruster necessary kit? Experienced offshore and bluewater sailor Rupert Holmes has this answer for one PBO reader
Marine diesel is becoming increasingly difficult to source for some boat owners
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
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
Cupboard doors mean you can get at the tank to check the level or for access if necessary. Credit: Mike Pickles
Harbour foreman and boatbuilder Mike Pickles explains that with a little imagination, you can find space on most boats for a waste holding tank
Harbour foreman and boatbuilder Mike Pickles explains that with a little imagination, you can find space on most boats for a waste…
Cabin soles newly vanished and ready for non-slip work at home. Photo by Colin King
With a (literal) pinch of salt on his cabin sole, Colin King creates a better grip underfoot
The cabin sole on my Contessa 32 has a lot of nicely varnished hardwood-faced ply joinery. But part of the …Continue reading »
Slamming causes vibrations which pump tiny amounts of water along bolts on windows and deck fittings, no matter how tight they are, unless they are properly sealed. Credit: David Harding
Boat leaks are the bane of a sailor’s life, but with patience their source can be traced. Here are some ideas of where to start...
Boat leaks are the bane of a sailor’s life, but with patience their source…
All connected up. Access to the filter and fuel cock is now under a saloon bench, while the day tank itself is reached by folding down the saloon berth and lifting an access hatch. Photo by Richard Thomson
After his engine dies while motoring in a swell, Richard Thomson decides to install an auxiliary diesel day tank on his vintage yacht
The wind was dying with the light after a lively…
Sugar Plum’s bridle configuration, which Greg has designed so it can cope with the boat violently pitching, heaving and yawing. Credit: Greg Manning
Greg Manning explains how he made a bridle to ensure his Fairey Atalanta remains safe in a storm while on a swinging mooring
Greg Manning explains how he made a bridle to ensure his Fairey Atalanta remains safe in a storm while on a swinging…
At Hunter's Yard in Norfolk, boats are still hauled out and slipped in the traditional way. Credit: Richard Johnstone-Bryden
In a quiet Norfolk backwater a fleet of classic yachts is still fished out of the water and slipped the traditional way – with chip fat – writes Richard Johnstone-Bryden...a story from the archives
In a quiet Norfolk backwater a fleet of classic yachts is still fished…
Plywood veneer can enhance the appearance of most boats. Credit: Richard Johnstone-Bryden
Wood veneer can revitalise and add a touch of class to many boats. Richard Johnstone-Bryden shares advice on techniques for cutting, gluing and fitting ply veneer
Wood veneer can revitalise and add a touch of class to many boats. Richard Johnstone-Bryden shares advice on techniques for cutting, gluing…
Minestrone after leaving the shed, with stanchions and toerail fitted. Note the short inboard legs that help support the stanchions. Creidt: Rupert Holmes
Rupert Holmes shares how he redesigned and refitted the deck hardware on his Quarter-Tonner, Minestrone
Rupert Holmes shares how he redesigned and refitted the deck hardware on his Quarter-Tonner, Minestrone
You just need to be a competent DIY-er to build a bathing platform for your boat. Credit: Richard Johnstone-Bryden
If you want to get the best from the British summer, a smart bathing platform can be a fabulous addition to your boat. Richard Johnstone-Bryden shows how it’s done
If you want to get the best from the British summer, a smart bathing platform can be a fabulous addition to your…
Tighten the nut with a spanner while holding the joint with another to complete the job. Credit: Tony Davies
Tony Davies shares his step-by-step guide to making a compression joint for fuel systems
Tony Davies shares his step-by-step guide to making a compression joint for fuel systems
Bob pulled off the covers to see what his £1 had bought. Photo by Bob Shillito
Bob Shillito saves the 1953 Yachting Monthly three-tonner, Sparrow, from being scrapped and gets her sea-ready with a budget-friendly boat renovation.
‘How are you getting on with selling your boat?’ It was a simple question, which launched an endeavour to grant …Continue reading »
The new Volvo pump fitted. Photo by Mike Attree
Mike Attree explains how he fixed his engine's sea water pump, and the part-replacement lessons he learned in the process.
Before we bought a yacht, I hadn’t realised that boat parts wore out so quickly, much less my engine’s sea …Continue reading »
The starboard prop was badly pitted, but after repairs it was as good as new. Credit: Gilbert Park
Gilbert Park refurbishes a pitted starboard propeller on his Seaward 29 motor cruiser and gets some advice on how to refit it
Gilbert Park refurbishes a pitted starboard propeller on his Seaward 29 motor cruiser and gets some advice on how to refit it
Attempting to lower a mast with the help of two other boats and their skipper should only be done in calm conditions. Credit: Genevieve Leapaer
Genevieve Leaper shows how to lower a mast while your boat is on the water
Genevieve Leaper shows how to lower a mast while your boat is still afloat
WIth windlass removed the cracked deck was plain to see. Credit: José-Maria Molina
José-Maria Molina extends the life of his ageing anchor winch
José-Maria Molina extends the life of his ageing anchor winch
Half a day’s effort and voila – easier access from the pontoon. Credit: Mark Prior
Mark Prior makes a step using £10-worth of material (which could be salvaged free)
Mark Prior makes a step using £10-worth of material (which could be salvaged free)
Make sure you use the correct thickness of wire when replacing wiring; generally, the thicker the wire, the more current it can carry and vice versa. Credit: Katy Stickland
Engineer Chris Mardon demystifies onboard electrics and explains how you can troubleshoot electrical systems
Engineer Chris Mardon demystifies onboard electrics and explains how you can troubleshoot electrical systems