Brian Williams writes: “I read with great interest the article on different antifouling treatments in the May 2021 edition of PBO. “Based at Suffolk Yacht Harbour I had Coppercoat professionally…
Expert Answers
What is an in-hull transducer?
On our PBO Project Boat Maximus we need sonar simply for measuring depth, but the advanced electronics of fish finders and forward-looking sonar can show shoals of fish and give…
What is NMEA 2000, SeaTalk 2, STng, Simnet and other systems?
NMEA 2000 uses the CAN (control area network) designed originally for the automotive market, but adapted for the marine industry. The older version, NMEA 0183, allowed a GPS or chartplotter…
Joining chain links: Our expert explains the safest way to extend your anchor chain
Rod Stuart writes: “What is the safest way to join two equal galvanised chain links (I don’t just mean for going through the windlass)? A fat shackle or one of…
What is an undefaced ensign? And why does it matter? Ask the experts
Tjalling Halbertsma from Bergen, North Holland writes: “I sail a 28ft flat-bottomed Vollenhovense Bol, built in steel and a fine ship for the Waddenzee in the Netherlands with a draught…
Is my antifoul incompatible with my basecoat? Ask the experts
Mike Stanton from the Isle of Man writes: “I wonder if you could help with a suspected incompatible antifoul issue on my 2011 Beneteau First 40 which I race and cruise…
What’s the best trailer sailer for the Mediterranean? Ask the experts
Keith Mackie writes: “After 15 years working for the AA and RAC I achieved my RYA Level 2 powerboat handling certificate. “I was aiming to go for Competent Crew next…
Which paint for antifouling a bronze bracket? Ask the experts
Maureen Owens from Gosport asks: “The bronze prop shaft bracket on my boat regularly seems to foul up but I’m unsure what to use to coat it with antifouling. “Am…
Are folding or feathering propellers worth the extra cost? Ask the experts
Nicko Williams asks: “I wonder what your views are on folding versus feathering boat propellers. “My Jeanneau 379 carries a three-bladed prop which does its job perfectly satisfactorily but it…
Do I need to re-apply antifouling after a long lay-up? Ask the experts
PBO reader Ian Rice asks: “Do I need a barrier or primer coat before reapplying the same make and type of antifouling? “For many years I’ve used International 350 self-polishing…
Which electric sailboat outboard motor is best for a 17fter? Ask the experts
Philip Hodson of Newmarket, Suffolk writes: “For years I have been powering my 17ft, 1972 Lysander yacht Maywing with a stalwart British Seagull 6hp Kingfisher outboard motor. “But now, having…
Why does my Volvo Penta engine lack revs under load? Ask the experts
Simon Mitchell from Essex writes: “I have a Volvo Penta 2003T with 950 hours running time. It starts perfectly and runs smoothly. There is no oil or water consumption and…
Is it worthwhile fitting an automatic bilge pump? Ask the experts
James Brooking asks: “I have a 25ft bilge keel yacht, it is fitted with a large Whale pump in the cockpit to service the engine compartment and cabin. “I also…
Raymarine RL70C troubleshooting: Our expert solves a range problem
Peter Gaskin writes: “I have a problem with the Raymarine RL70C plotter on the boat – it won’t show below three miles range. “We suspected the card and got a…
How to remove gelcoat: Our expert’s advice on sanding back your boat
Antony Cole writes: “I have 50-year-old GRP trimaran with damaged gel coat undersides. “The gelcoat was left rough and pitted by grit blasting to remove the old antifouling and in…
Best trailer sailboats: Our trailer sailing expert offers his recommendations
Paul Adamson from the Isle of Man, writes: “My wife and I are looking to buy a trailer sailboat, mainly for coastal cruising with an overnight before returning to berth.…
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…
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…