After mid-Atlantic battery failure, John Willis decides it’s time to upgrade his battery bank and electrics
Practical
In-mast roller furling problems: how to rebuild a Seldén furling gearbox
Mark Ryan rebuilds his Seldén furling gearbox after wrestling with stiff roller furling for a year and discovers stress-free and easy reefing
What can I use to lubricate metal?
Colin Staples wants to know what is the best product to lubricate metal to keep his stiffened outboard bracket moving freely
How do I get rid of a mystery boat smell?
PBO reader Simon Bennett is struggling to get rid of a strange boat smell, which is permeating his clothing and his tools. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies answers his question
Best antifouling paint: 8 leading options in head-to-head test
In June 2021 we coated the hull of a Hardy Commodore 42 with eight of the best antifouling paint products. The motorboat Raymariner, which is the test boat for Raymarine,…
Maintenance on a boat: 71-point skipper’s checklist
Make sure your boat is ready to go back in the water with Practical Boat Owner's comprehensive guide
How to remove mouldy stains from interior woodwork – Ask the experts
Kevin Woods from Dublin writes: “I have a 1991 Feeling 286 Special. Some of its timber interior is stained by black lines in the grain – as you can see…
Loss of engine power under load: expert advice to solve the problem
Anne Cees Houtman has a problem with a loss of engine power under load. PBO's engine whisperer, Stu Davies thinks he has the answer
When to treat boat osmosis
When does boat osmosis need treating? PBO reader Alastair Hutchison Dorchester asked our experts
How to make a budget boat water tank and sink
Fitting out a boat of any size can quickly get pricey, so Zoran Glozinic repurposes some ‘non yachting items’ for a small sailing cruiser’s new plumbing system
Petrol or diesel, inboard or outboard: which boat engine is best?
When it comes to a boat engine, which is best? Petrol or diesel, inboard or outboard? Stu Davies answers your questions
Replacing a rotten companionway step
James Wood gets to grips with epoxy when repairing a rotten step support on Maximus's companionway
Leaking boat: how one sailor traced the source
When Alan England’s Moody 376 developed an unexplainable leak, he used detective work to find the source... but it wasn’t easy
I need help understanding my marine alternator! Ask the experts
PBO reader Paul Farr wants help in understanding his marine alternator. Engine whisperer Stu Davies comes to his aid
DIY watermaker for your own fresh water supply
In his most ambitious practical project yet, liveaboard boat owner Owen Moorhouse build his own DIY watermaker
Fitting a cockpit cover for a boat
Michael Wright makes life more comfortable by creating an extra ‘room’ on board with a smart new cockpit cover for his Nicholson 31
Boat berth upgrade: a cheap and simple way
Barry Pickthall makes a cheap and simple sleeping comfort upgrade - a double boat berth
Choosing a marine toilet for the PBO Project Boat
Choosing a marine toilet isn’t as straightforward as you think – and after looking at the options it may be that refurbishment rather than replacement could be the answer. With…
Hull insulation: a DIY guide
Richard Rogers explains how to insulate the hull of a small yacht for high latitudes sailing to cold, remote and beautiful places
Can I rebuild a Spectra watermaker?
Andy Pag attempts to rebuild a Spectra watermaker on a budget