The talks schedule has been confirmed for the PBO Ask the Experts Live event at Beaulieu Boatjumble.

Taking place on Sunday 26 April 2015, the event will run from 9.15am to 5pm and is free to attend with a Beaulieu Boatjumble ticket.

For decades, PBO has offered a free expert advice service through our magazine pages, now we’re bringing it to life for the first time in the beautiful grounds of the Beaulieu country estate in the New Forest.

We’re teaming up with the RYA Active Marina team and a dozen marine industry experts to provide boatjumble visitors with a marquee area offering non-stop practical presentations, demonstrations and the chance to quiz experts on a range of topics.

We’ll also be showcasing the PBO Project Boat, Hantu Biru – a Snapdragon 23 that was bought as a wreck on eBay and restored over two-and-a-half years.

When we were at the Southampton Boat Show with the PBO Project Boat, one of the most frequently asked questions was ‘How did you achieve that amazing paintwork?’ At the forthcoming Beaulieu Boatjumble, we’ll show you!

TALKS SCHEDULE

9.15am: Be your own surveyor

Independent surveyor Nick Vass will be talking about common problems that arise during surveys of secondhand boats.

PBO contributor Colin Brown will then give a corrosion-specific talk.

10am: Sail greener

Royal Yachting Association Green Blue development officer Kate Fortnam will be sharing advice on environmental best practice for recreational boating.

Throughout the day, Kate will be on hand to answer questions about oil/fuel spillage; reducing the spread of non-native invasive species; environmentally-friendly boating products; and removing and applying antifouling.

10.30am: Essential sealant tips and tricks

Sika‘s technical services expert Gareth Ross will give a talk with demonstrations on how to use sealants for bonding and waterproofing on board.

11am: How to read the skies

Met Office weather forecaster Penny Tranter will share her knowledge of how to prepare for and respond to impacts from the weather.

11.30am: Liferaft demonstration

Ocean Safety will be demonstrating the importance of getting your safety equipment serviced, complete with liferaft inflation.

They will also be on hand to assist and give advice on all aspects of marine safety, as well as answering your servicing enquiries.

12pm: Crowd-sourced charting

Navionics will be sharing their expertise on the future of charting, how they use social mapping/crowd-sourced elements and their compatibility with PC, iPad and plotter.

12.30pm: Engine trouble-shooting

Golden Arrow Marine experts will share top tips on how to keep your inboard and outboard engines running smoothly.

1pm: Preparing your boat for long distance cruising

World Cruising Club director Jeremy Wyatt will be offering advice on how to get your cruiser ready for extended voyaging.

1.30pm: Basic fibreglass skills

Wessex Resins will share their expertise with some hands-on demonstrations of using epoxy and fibreglass to refit and repair your boat.

2pm: Using tablets for navigation

Visitmyharbour.com‘s Steve Bryant and the team’s harbour research man Don Thomson will give a talk about using tablets for navigation on boats, accompanied by plenty of demonstration equipment.

2.30pm: Professional paint job made easy

Experts from International Paint will show you how to roll-on and tip-off paint to get a mirror-shine on your new paint job!

3pm: Polishing and restoring faded gelcoat

Silky Marine will share their expertise with hands-on demonstrations showing how to make your gelcoat shine again.

3.30pm: How to check your rig

DIY rig checks to keep your spars and rigging in tip top order.

4pm: Essential radar skillsIndependent expert Alan Watson will show you how to get the most out of your radar.

Other attractions

Lifejacket clinic

RNLI sea safety events supervisor Mike Hannam will show how to service your inflatable lifejacket, as well as keeping it in good order and some safety tips. 

Bring your lifejackets and check your new Boatjumble purchases!

Cruising clinic

RYA cruising manager Stuart Carruthers will be available throughout the day to answer any cruising questions you might have and to tell you all about the new RYA SafeTrx App.

Practice your knots – and learn new ones

The RYA Active Marina team will bring along a knot wall with 4 knots to challenge both adults and children

The talks will be free to attend but visitors are encouraged to register their attendence to secure a space. Details of how to register will soon be announced on the event website: www.pbo.co.uk/expertslive

Discount ticket code

Visit the Beaulieu Boatjumble website. Don’t forget to quote PBOMAG15 to get a 15% discount on advance boatjumble tickets valid from now until 19 April 2015.

Beaulieu Boatjumble is taking place on Sunday, 26 April 2015.

Related articles:

Beaulieu Boatjumble 2014 gallery

Fantastic finds at Beaulieu Boat Jumble