Oliver Chapple from Lincoln writes: “I have a very much loved 35ft Atlantic Ketch called Octopus, a splendid sea boat that has carried us safely to the Western Isles, Orkney,…
Top stories
Man overboard rescue procedure: An alternative approach
Can rigging your jackstays in a different way really save lives? PBO reader Willem Bijl reckons it can, so David Harding put his ideas to the test
How can I improve fuel filter efficiency? Ask the experts
Kirk Forrest writes: “I’ve been considering how to improve the fuel filter system on my 45-year-old Fisher 25 motor-sailer which has a Beta 28 engine. I bought the boat about…
Boat berth: forepeak conversion
Richard Rogers rethinks his twin V-berths to double configuration ‘without that annoying triangular insert’ aboard his Morgan Giles 30
Lifos Go 72 first look: New lithium ion battery packs a lot into a relatively small package
LiFePO4 batteries are cobalt free and don’t have the high fire risk associated with straight lithium-ion batteries, so are the chemistry recommended for use afloat. Nevertheless, it’s important to recognise…
How to make a simple deadeye tackle
Jay Renton devises a tackle for tensioning
Masthead crane replacement
Steve Gerry fabricates a new masthead crane
New marking technology for protected shipwrecks
For the first time in the UK, artefacts including cannons are being forensically marked underwater on some of the 57 Protected Wreck Sites in English waters which have the highest…
Soldering boat wire: joints and connections
Oliver Ballam and Pat Manley demystify boat electrics and explain the best techniques for soldering and de-soldering connections
Copland Harrier 20: ‘Puts a smile on your face’
As a sporty trailable sailer, the Copland Harrier 20 delivers the goods, says David Harding
Sailing the 3.3m Jack de Crow from the Black Sea to Venice
Sandy Mackinnon sailed the 10.8ft Jack de Crow across the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea to fullfil his dream of sailing from Romania to Italy
RM890: ‘Fast, fun and functional’
If you want an easy-to-handle performance cruiser that stands out from the crowd, have a look at the RM890, suggests David Harding
Channel Hopping: Alex Bevis gets an incurable case of the racing bug
PBO's resident YouTube aficionado Kass Schmitt celebrates niche sailing videos such as Alex Bevis Sailing and her enthusiastic take on Corinthian offshore racing
14 tips for single handed anchoring
Ben Meakins tries out some methods for dropping and recovering the anchor for singlehanded sailors in crowded anchorages
I captured Amazon: Sophie Neville shares tales from filming Swallows and Amazons
Sophie Neville, who played Titty in the 1974 film Swallows and Amazons, shares her experiences of sailing the Blackett’s dinghy and its special place in her heart
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 380: “excellent all-round sailing performance”
The 380 is one of the latest offerings in Jeanneau’s updated Sun Odyssey range. Peter Poland puts the boat through its paces
Best first boat guide: sail and power under 40ft
Duncan Kent chooses the best and most suitable sail and motor boats under 40ft for those buying a yacht for the first time
Sea trials of new acoustic deterrent device to keep orcas at bay
Sea trials are scheduled to be held off the Portuguese coast to test a new acoustic deterrent device which aims to keep orcas away from boats
Channel Hopping: Wilderness of Waves
PBO's resident YouTube aficionado Kass Schmitt shines the spotlight on Wilderness of Waves' latest video, which was shot in Lahiana, a town on Maui that needs support to rebuild following…
The 17ft trailer-sailer preparing to cross the Atlantic
A 17ft trailer-sailer rescued from the nettles is preparing to cross the Atlantic. Poppet, a 50-year-old Leisure 17 is owned by marine surveyor and electrician John-Kenenth (JK) Habbershaw who, together…