Crimestoppers is offering a £5,000 reward for information that leads to a stolen lighthouse lantern, one of only three in the world, being recovered
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NCA renews warning of criminals targeting small boats
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has renewed an appeal to the UK maritime industry to beware of organised crime groups targeting them to obtain small boats for people smugglers.
“It’s alarming how quickly the fire grows” – Warning over camping stove use on boats
A quick brew turned into a frightening fire aboard a classic wooden boat for PBO contributor Max Liberson.
How to tidy up boat electrics? Ask the experts
PBO reader John Anderson writes: “I have the mast out of my 30 year old Malo to solve an in-mast furling problem, but this has revealed that the electrical cabling…
Channel Hopping: A Green Heading go on an SUP, surf and sail tour of Europe
A Green Heading is a new YouTube channel following the travels of 30-somethings Leo Stephan (German) and Pernille Hvolgaard (Danish) aboard their 1986 Hallberg-Rassy 352. Leo is the son of…
Shackleton’s ship discovery – “most complex subsea project undertaken”
The incredible discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance has made polar history. Scientists have discovered the 107-year-old wreck at the bottom of the Weddell Sea. The discovery, announced this…
Plea to Irish Sea boaters to help stop the spread of non-native marine species
When boaters and paddlers travel our coastlines and oceans, they often accidentally transport non-native marine species. By filling in this short biosecurity survey, you can help boating organisations and policy…
Giant shark spine found in Bournemouth – species revealed
A giant shark spine found near Bournemouth, Dorset, on Tuesday has been identified as a basking shark. PBO editor Ali Wood discovered the grisly 4ft shark spine whilst cycling along…
Large spine found on Bournemouth beach could be from a shark
It’s not every day you come across what might be a shark’s spine. I love beach-combing for fossils and shark’s teeth, and have even swum with seals and dolphins, so…
Marine engine videos with Stu Davies – top tips on servicing your boat engine
When we acquired our 43-year-old cruiser Maximus, we asked PBO’s engine expert Stu Davies and wife Laura to show us how to service the Volvo MD2020 engine. They drove all…
Is expanding foam suitable for plugging moisture traps? Ask the experts
Allen Brunton asks: “Our 1983 Sigma 41 has some spaces which trap water and which would be very difficult to drill limber holes into. They’re awkwardly shaped, often irregular and…
Volvo saildrive seal replacement: How often do you need to do it?
Simon Johnson asks: “I’m planning to sail my boat Zeno back to Britain from Corfu next spring and as the Volvo Penta 130S saildrive seal was due to be changed…
Eight bells for ‘sailing maverick’ Les Williams
Les Williams, one of sailing's pioneering mavericks from the 1960s - 1980s passed away in late January.
Gonna need a bigger boat shed… Dave Selby’s Mad About the Boat column
No matter how many times I’ve measured my 18ft Sailfish 18 I’ve never once managed to park it in the 60ft by 20ft boat shed I rented...
Les Powles tribute: Fair winds to the Corinthian sailor
Corinthian sailor Les Powles who successfully sailed solo around the world three times during the 1970s and ‘80s and was a recipient of the British Yachtsman of the Year award,…
How to install a Victron BMV-712 marine battery monitor
Despite fitting solar panels I still worry about my batteries going flat when I’m at anchor or in a marina with no electricity. Not only will domestic equipment not work…
Teak alternatives: How to make your decks look as good as the real thing
However, according to a recent report by the Environment Investigation Agency, there are grave questions over the sustainability and sourcing of teak. Jessie Rogers, of Jeremy Rogers Boatyard works in…
What safety kit do you need for watersports?
Having the right safety kit for watersports is essential. I kayak every day and I also have a small motorboat which I use for coastal sailing. Often I sail alone,…
Beware “lethal exhausts” unsuitable for boats
Very cheap exhausts bought online and fitted to marine diesel heaters risk fires and fatal fumes, warns a marine surveyor and former boatbuilder.
How to fit Flexiteek decking: Swan 43 owner explains how he did it
When we bought Elisabeth, our Nautor’s Swan 43ft ketch, in 2006 she was already nearly 30 years old. At the time we bought her the deck had just been repaired,…