An epic GRP motorboat restoration plus one couple's summer trip around Scotland and the final instalment of decade-defining yachts
Robert Melotti
July 2019
This month sees the return of the PBO Project Boat, 24 pages of practicals and a chance to get inside the mind of a surveyor as he reports on two…
PBO project boat – the Secret 20 kit – is back in build
Like many boat projects Harvey, the PBO Secret 20, has been the victim of circumstance. This unique, classic-style performance weekender that arrived as a flat-pack kit and took shape in…
PBO magazine covers of the 1990s
The final decade of the 20th Century: as told on the covers of Practical Boat Owner magazine! Note: There are two missing images (March 90 and 91) – get in…
PBO Small Craft Almanac corrections April 2019
You can download the pdf file of corrections for April 2019 here. Alternatively, if you don’t have a copy: Click here to buy a copy online from Bookharbour.com
June 2019
The best boats of the 1990s and a 60-year-old 25-footer that still feels solid as a rock
Free boat plans – update plus extra plans and photos published
Four weeks on from the relaunch of the Nigel Irens designed Western Skiff, we offer our first round of updates. In addition to the 39-page set of A-zero paper plans…
3. Fitting the frames, fitting cockpit seats and foredeck beam
The previous article in this series (Part 2: Birth of a boat – truing stem and stern) saw the keel set up with stem and sternpost – and not much…
Dusseldorf Boat Show celebrates 50 years
In terms of size, scope, ambition, number of exhibitors – pretty much any measure you care to mention – Dusseldorf Boat Show (19-27 Jan) is one of the world’s biggest.…
October 2018
Brilliant ideas from the Golden Globe race and top tips from Honda on maintaining 4-stroke outboards, plus build your own daysailer with Nic Compton.
Golden Globe Race 50-year anniversary parade of sail in pictures
Dateline Falmouth UK: 14th June 2018 A 200-strong armada and spectators on every headland witnessed a celebratory parade of sail around Falmouth Harbour yesterday. The event marked 50 years to…
Summer 2018
Prepare your boat for the adventure of a lifetime – a cruise round Britain – and the PBO Seadog Special: your guide to getting the ship's dog ready for a
July 2018
Safe sailing strategies and practical ideas, this month, including a step-by-step to repairing spongy foam-cored decks and how to epoxy sheathe a small powerboat hull...
53 days – Jude Massey on the ups and downs of rowing across the Atlantic
What does it take to row every day for 53 days, living in a tiny capsule, bobbing about on the ocean waves? More people have flown in space than have…
June 2018
Grab a copy of the June issue of Practical Boat Owner magazine for summer DIY tips, a used boat comparison test between the Feeling 36 & 39 plus so much
Hythe Marina boat jumble
Lots of interesting boaty bits at knockdown prices with the income being allocated to local good causes by the Hythe Marina Association
May 2018
In the May issue of Practical Boat Owner magazine we unveil the secrets of vacuum infusion boatbuilding and review some of the best new and second-hand trailable daysailers...
Ask the Experts LIVE: Line-up announced for Beaulieu Boatjumble 2018
Enjoy an action-packed line-up of free boating advice and adventurous tales when PBO’s Ask the Experts LIVE! returns to the 41st Beaulieu Boatjumble. Europe’s biggest outdoor sale of maritime items…
April 2018
Pick up a copy of the April issue of Practical Boat Owner magazine for amazing new practical ideas, to brush up on some basic seamanship manoeuvres or enjoy a taste…
Trading under sail – could you make a living from transporting cargo on board?
On December 14, 1907 a 475ft seven-masted steel-hulled schooner went aground in a fierce gale off Annet, Isles of Scilly, with the loss of 17 souls. The wreck of the…