Spares for an engine water pump, namely an impeller, are one of those ‘must have items’ most boat owners would probably label as essential. Also when it comes to general…
Practical
Build your own Western Skiff – part 3: Interior fitting and finish
The filleting on the inside took much, much longer than expected,” said a slightly weary-looking Jeremy Butler as he described the latest progress on building his 14ft Western Skiff. In…
Build your own Western Skiff – Part 2: Sheathing and filleting the hull
Boatbuilding can be a lonely business, especially if you’re stuck on your own in a cold garage trying to figure out how to hang your garboards. Download your own set…
How to replace hydraulic steering hoses and refill the system with fluid
I bought my three-year old Jeanneau Merry Fisher 855 in November. After a full survey I sailed her back to Emsworth a few days later, with no problems. She sat…
Build your own Western Skiff – part 1: the first steps
Finally, after months of planning and discussion, the moment of truth had arrived: the first Western Skiff MkII kit, put together by Jordan Boats, was being delivered to its first…
How to design and fit a 50lt holding tank for a Westerly Konsort
My Westerly Konsort Koto was built in 1980 and featured a loo outlet connected direct to the sea via a 1.5in Blakes seacock. But having decided to join the Emsworth…
Free boat plans – Build your own Nigel Irens 14ft rowing and sailing skiff
Fancy building your own Nigel Irens-designed 14ft rowing/sailing skiff? Nic Compton explains how to get the plans for free
How I designed and built my own 24ft sloop in steel
Mike Camp charts the trials and tribulations of designing and building his 26ft steel sloop
Building an outboard well in a 14ft rowing and sailing boat – the Western Skiff
In many ways, the 1990s were a good time for me: I had a nice terraced house within commuting distance of London; a great job editing a boating magazine I…
DIY electric outboard motor: How to build your own electric engine
Olly Epsom explains how (and why!) he built his own 1kW electric outboard motor for under £600
Paint your boat like new
Professional paint finishes look stunning but can be eye-wateringly expensive. A DIY job can achieve a tough, glossy result for a fraction of the cost...
Outboard maintenance tips – step by step 4-stroke guide
Wind, weather and the elements are the usual culprits when it comes to boat maintenance, however the 4-stroke outboard engine is best tended to from the inside out. Changing the…
How to convert analogue engine data and battery levels to show on your chartplotter
Just about every engine installed in a yacht or power boat has some degree of instrumentation, ranging from the basic rev counter, warning lights and audible alarm (as in this…
10 practical projects – crafty ideas to improve your summer cruise
The extra miles of sailing on a summer cruise, or days at anchor can highlight new issues on board or exacerbate existing problems. To aid your voyage this year –…
DIY aluminium sloop: how to make your own metal cruising yacht
Occasionally you have the rare privilege of reading a sentence or two that capture your sentiments much better than you yourself could. There Be No Dragons: How to Cross a…
How to clean an outboard motor carburettor step-by-step
If you have trouble with a small outboard motor it can often be attributed to the fuel. David Parker describes how he saved a lot of money with a careful…
Epoxy infusion video: learn how to build a canoe with PBO and West System International
The traditional method of glassfibre boat building has been to hand-roll liquid resin into reinforcing fibre as it sits in a mould, adding one layer after another and all the…
How to check your rig while the mast is down over winter
When boats are out for the winter and have been chocked and winterised, it’s the ideal time to thoroughly check – and if necessary upgrade – the standing rigging. Around…
Rescuing Essex Melody – a classic cruiser purpose built for the East Coast
John Rogers describes the heritage and restoration of Essex Melody, a classic, Maldon-built 23-footer which originally took to the water in 1959
Applying antifouling safely
Ben Meakins discovers the importance of wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when antifouling a hull – and issues some propitious advice