Is racing across the Atlantic in a boat bought with a student loan really feasible? Here's the story of PBO reader Will Sayer's preparations to compete in the OSTAR in…
Ben Meakins
Frank Cowper – Sailing Tours the forefather of modern cruising
Frank Cowper published the first amateur cruising guides 120 years ago. Ben Meakins reads Cowper’s Sailing Tours and plans his own passage, reflecting on sailing then and now
Antares Charts: One man’s mission to update Scottish charts
In a bid to bring archaic navigation information into the 21st century, Bob Bradfield has been on a one-man crusade to update charts of Scottish anchorages
How to swing a compass
Before GPS sets became so ubiquitous, swinging a compass was a yearly ritual for most boat owners, and the compass was the most important navigational tool onboard. After all, even…
How to calibrate your boat’s speed, depth and wind instruments
There are two main methods for calibrating your boat’s speed instrument: The measured mile or the SOG check. The simplest way these days is to use the GPS speed over…
How to carry out basic lifejacket checks at home
It’s recommended that you take your lifejackets for a full service every year, but for many boat owners this job is near the bottom of the ‘to-do’ list and often…
Tips and tricks for sailing on rivers
Expert advice for tricks and tips for better sailing on rivers
Dripless shaft seals – PBO Buyer’s Guide
The once-ubiquitous stuffing-box stern gland still has much in its favour – it’s simple, tried-and-tested and easy to repair and service. But even a well-adjusted stuffing box should drip into…
How to make your jacket waterproof again – 7 products tested
PBO tests reproofing products
October issue out now!
Download Practical Boat Owner instantly to your iPad or iPhone
International Ocean Film Festival hits the UK
17 UK towns and cities to host ocean film festival in September
Drogues
Find the full article in the Summer 2014 issue of PBO
How long can you survive in a liferaft?
As the deadline for the Cheeki Rafiki search looms, we look at cases of survival in liferafts
Beaulieu Boat Jumble 2014
Mud, mud glorious mud interspersed with glorious sunshine made the 2014 Beaulieu Boatjumble one to remember for bargain hunters and jumble sellers alike.
Dave Selby Podcast: June 2014
'He thought it would be easier than refixing his mainsheet cleats the right way round...'
Correction to PBO Skipper’s Handbook
Foreign Affairs update available for download
It’s the Beaulieu Boatjumble on Sunday!
The largest outdoor sale of boating items in Europe
How to mask a straight waterline
How to get your boot-top or waterline straight and wobble-free
How to repack a Stern Gland – step-by-step
How to repack a traditional stuffing-box type stern gland
Colne Flood Barrier work starts today
Gates under restoration until 30th June