Replacing old, tired lines is a critical job for any sailboat owner. Follow this step-by-step process for a full running rigging overhaul.
Practical
From stiff to ‘finger-light’: The DIY overhaul that saved our boat steering system
Battling with increasingly heavy steering on his yacht led Mike Coates to check out all the possibilities before eventually taking the whole lot apart for a refurbishment. Here he shows…
How to manage solar, hydro and wind power on your boat
Three transatlantic cruisers share valuable lessons about their onboard power setups, their marine battery choices, and where they went wrong.
Insurance cover for sailing high latitudes
Practical Boat Owner reader Martin Frobisher asks why it's so difficult to source yacht insurance for higher latitude sailing, Mollie Magrath, boat and travel account manager for Topsail Marine &…
Checking and replacing keel bolts on wooden boats
If a keel parts company from a yacht, capsize is the inevitable result, which is why checking and replacing keel bolts is essential. But keel bolt failure is not something…
How to build a boat with cold moulding: the secret to a hull that looks like GRP
Richard Johnstone-Bryden explains cold moulding, a time- and cost-effective method of combining the beauty of wood with the strength and practicality of GRP
Understanding metal fatigue: What causes rigging and engine failures?
Do you know the difference between a sudden fracture and a fatigue fracture? Understanding the characteristic 'beach marks' is the key to preventing catastrophic failure on your boat, says Vyv…
I installed a yacht air conditioning system in just a few hours
Wanting to upgrade the comfort of my 2004 Bavaria 38 with a yacht air conditioning system, I found the procedure to be remarkably simple. Here, I demonstrate how easy it…
The simple rebuild that saved a 50-year-old BMC diesel engine for less
When I started Tudor Rose’s old BMC (British Motor Corporation) 1.8 diesel engine one windless summer morning, a dense pall of grey smoke lingered incriminatingly over the anchorage. I slunk…
How I built a SCAMP boat so my sick dog could go sailing again
After my Australian Cattle Dog, Ozzie, had a health scar, I built a SCAMP boat, a popular dinghy cruiser design, so he could get back onto the water. Ozzie has…
How to link your smartphone to your navigation system
Considering a smart navigation system? The advance of electronics, and especially home automation, have given rise to a range of extremely powerful and affordable small wireless devices. This got me…
How to revamp your boat’s fuel system
It’s always a good idea to take a closer look at your boat’s fuel system. After we bought Noontide, our Albin Ballad 30, in Plymouth in April 2023, we spent…
Your best biocide-free antifouling options
Can you protect your boat in UK waters using foul-release coatings, ultrasonic or biomimetic technology? Rob Melotti investigates the antifouling options on the market.
How to service your outboard steering
After a midnight steering failure, one boat owner learns a hard lesson about the "fiddly" but essential maintenance of remote outboard steering
How to strip and tidy your boat deck
Discover how a boat owner uses a simple air compressor and a collection of versatile air tools to tackle a boat's toughest sanding and cleaning jobs.
Keeping your compass accurate: our expert advice
Ever wondered what you can do to maintain compass accuracy? You’re not the only one. Reader Sue Johnson sent in the following question: I have been advised that a VHF…
How I built a hull skirt to keep my boat dry while antifouling
Ever thought of making a hull skirt? Getting fed up with the yearly grind and expense of antifouling Koto’s bottom I decided to switch over to Coppercoat. Doing so would…
Replacing your boat’s engine mounts
Marine engine mounts are designed to isolate engine vibration noise from the boat’s structure. They’re susceptible to diesel and water leaks, should be checked regularly, and replaced every 10 years,…
The essential tools to keep on your boat
What tools do you really need for a boat? Say you now own a new or new-to-you boat, and you’re ready to get going. What happens if something breaks while…
Your guide to different cockpit styles, and how to best use the space
Whether you’re buying a new boat or refitting an older one, the cockpit deserves consideration; probably more than you think. While a spacious saloon or forepeak cabin is appealing, the…