Rupert Holmes takes an in-depth look at the practicalities and pitfalls of choosing electric propulsion, or even an all-electric boat
engines
Alternator belt tensioning: step-by-step
Every boat owner should know some basic engine maintenance. Stu Davies shares how to tension the alternator drive belt
How to winterise a boat engine
Engineer Stu Davies explains the steps you should take to make sure your boat’s engine is protected over the winter months
How to replace a failed starter motor on a boat
When Colin Haines's boat won't start, he begins troubleshooting and ends up replacing his failed starter motor
Casting a cutless bearing housing
Don Fitzroy Smith turns to the experts when an obsolete fitting can’t be found
How to change a water pump impeller
Stu Davies shows you how to check and replace an engine’s raw water pump impeller, and explains why it’s an important job
Backflushing an outboard motor: step-by-step
You’ve replaced your impeller, but the engine’s still not pumping cooling water as it should. Jake Frith recommends chemical backflushing
Replacing gearbox oil seals: step-by-step
Outboard engine gearbox oil seals are vulnerable to damage and can be difficult to remove. Rupert Holmes explains how to change a typical set
5 top causes of boat engine failure – and how to avoid them
Jake Kavanagh talks to Sea Start marine engineer Nick Eales about how to avoid the five major causes of an engine breakdown at sea
How to service an outboard engine: step by step
Stu Davies shares useful maintenance tips on how to keep your 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors running sweetly
Rebuilding an outboard motor gearbox: step-by-step
Small outboard motors can often be a low priority when it comes to maintenance. David Parker found out the hard way that his trusty little engine had been ignored for…
“Why changing to an electric motor was a disaster”
Felix Marks attempts to embrace a green future for his Tofinou 7, but his experiment with an electric motor proves costly when damp conditions prevail
Milky oil in my saildrive. What do I do?
While changing his engine oil, Chris Mardon noticed milky oil in his saildrive. Will it have caused damage to the leg? Stu Davies has the answer
How to service a marine engine cooling system
Is your boat's engine beginning to run hotter than normal? It may be time to service the cooling system, suggests Tony Davies
Why an oil test is vital for boat engine health
Gilbert Park and Larry Rumbol explain why regular a regular oil test can increase the life and reliability of your boat engine – and save you money
Can diesel bug fuel treatments work together?
PBO reader Nick Houlding wants to know if different diesel bug fuel treatments can be mixed. Peter Wielde from Marine 16 has the answer
Two years of owning my electric outboard: long term test of the Torqeedo 603
Hamish Southby-Tailyour explains the modifications he’s made to make his Torqeedo 603 electric outboard work better for him
Buying a new or used outboard motor? Professionals share their tips to make sure you avoid the pitfalls
From horsepower to shaft length and tilt-angle to 2- or 4-stroke, Ali Wood highlights the different features you should consider when buying a new or used outboard motor
Why is my outboard so unreliable?
Colin Staple's unreliable outboard is spoiling his sailing. Stu Davies suggests how to improve its performance
Managing E5 and E10 petrol problems
E5 and especially E10 petrol requires much more ‘fuel husbandry’ than older, ethanol-free petrol blends, as Jake Frith has discovered