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…

PBO’s unique annual guide features 259 coastal marinas around the British Isles with regional and national price rankings, plus information on the facilities available. Compiled by Laura Kitching

The dehumidifier test

Keeping dampness at bay from boat interiors is an ongoing battle: Alex Bell assesses nine dehumidifiers for efficiency, power consumption and portability

METS

Six category winners were presented with their awards at METS after being chosen from a shortlist of 45 products, whittled down from 116 entries

Western Islands

David Rainsbury encounters otters, puffins, Fingal’s Cave and fell-walkers on a leisurely cruise among the glorious Western Isles

In the December 2014 issue of Practical Boat Owner...

A

A-Bracket A metal bracket which supports a propeller shaft beneath the hull, just ahead of the propeller.In form it is more like a V than an inverted A. A single-legged…

B

B Flag The single-letter signal means, ‘I am taking in, or discharging or carrying dan¬gerous goods’. The flag is a plain red swallow-tail and you will see it on vessels…

C

C (letter) In the International Code of Signals the single letter C means Yes (or AffIrm¬ative). Charlie in the phonetic alphabet -0-0 in Morse code. Cabin cruiser Invariably a powered…

D

D (Delta) The single-letter signal means, ‘Keep clear of me; I am manoeuvring with difficulty’. Few yachtsmen are likely to make it, if only because they would hardly find time…

E

E (Echo) In the International Code of Signals the single letter E means, ‘I am altering my course to starboard’. Echo in the phonetic alphabet, and just a single dot…