A routine Channel crossing became a nerve-shredding passage when a ferocious storm hit, as Ron Stride recalls
Practical Boat Owner
New big boat vs old small boat: which is best?
Based on his experience, Saša Fegić examines whether new, larger yachts are better than older, smaller models
My trailer-sailer cruise in the Baltic
Ever been on a trailer-sailer cruise? Charles Erb shares his story. The Baltic Sea is well suited to a small yacht. There are many beautiful islands close together and whatever…
Fit for the future: the pioneering boat by BlueTree
Annie Means talks to the founders of BlueTree about their innovative approach to boatbuilding design and construction
Avoiding boat collisions: understanding COLREGS
If you’re at the helm, can you spot a risk of collision with another boat? Do you know when to ‘stand on’ and when to ‘give way’?
Improving the continuous rope splice
Roger Hughes shares his new technique for making a smooth, continuous rope splice in double-braided line
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How I installed a smart engine monitoring system on my sailboat
Ever considered adding an engine monitoring system to your boat? This article follows on from my introduction Smart Boat article, which showed how to use Home Assistant (HA) and a…
Prop walk: how to use it to your best advantage
Daria and Alex Blackwell share the close-quarters manoeuvring techniques they’ve picked up at the helm of a 57ft, heavy-displacement classic ketch
How important is headsail trim?
PBO reader Jenny Spear wants advice on how to improv the performance of her boat's headsail. Ian Brown has this brief guide to headsail trim
How to create additional berth space on your boat
To make the most of available space for overnight trips, David Parker shows how he built additional cockpit berths on his Seaward 23
Embracing electronic navigation – one reluctant boater’s tale
Celestial navigation instructor Paul Jones reluctantly got to grips with electronic navigation and is now "out of the fog and into the future"
How to install a boat inverter
Roger Hughes explains how he installed a boat inverter to have a powerful new source of silent AC power for his yacht.
Skin fittings and seacocks explained
Surveyor Nick Vass examines the different types of skin fittings and seacocks on the market and shares advice on how to maintain them.
Clinker-built boat repair: step-by-step
Richard Johnstone-Bryden explains the basic principles of clinker construction and the method of replacing damaged hull planking
Sailors urged to help protect the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece
Sailors visiting Greece can help protect one of the world's rarest seals by reporting sightings or checking and avoiding restricted breeding areas while cruising the Ionian or Aegean
How does a boat bow thruster work?
How does a boat bow thruster work? Mike Attree explains, and shares how he repaired this handy bit of kit on his own yacht
Contaminated fuel problems: keeping your marine diesel clean
Got contaminated fuel problems? Much has been written about the issue, particularly the advice from Marine 16’s Peter Weide piece in the PBO November 2023 issue and Nick Houlding’s piece…
Sailing in a hurricane: How I escaped Hurricane Beryl
When I bought my first boat, I didn’t imagine that I’d soon be sailing in a hurricane, writes Ben Williams. The anchorage in Tyrell Bay was perfection. Good holding for…
How to install a Halyard Aquadrive in a Contessa 32
A boat owner installs a Halyard Aquadrive antivibration system for smoother, quieter cruising and reduced wear on his marine engine and gearbox