Watchkeeping, sleep patterns and short-handed passages – a guide to night sailing; Orca navigation system tested over a 450 mile voyage; Could you be a…
Practical Boat Owner
August 2026 – out on 2 July
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on the COLREG, single-handing and more; Boat building myths busted; 10 pilotage mistakes to avoid; Celebrating the Jester Challenge at 20; Spotlight…
Bermudan vs gaff rigs: Which rig setup wins for coastal cruising?
How better to compare the handling and performance of Bermudan and gaff rigs than on two boats that use the same hull? PBO’s David Harding did exactly that
Sailors’ Choice Awards: Vote for the best marine equipment and services
The finalists of the Sailors’ Choice Awards have been announced – vote for your favourite
When a fouled prop leads to saildrive failure (and the costly solution)
Alan Weavers recalls experiencing a fouled prop, a lifeboat tow, and saildrive failure aboard his Dufour
Buyers Guide: the best marine antennas for your boat
When considering whether you should fit a splitter or not, to enable your AIS to share the same aerial as your VHF radio, antenna expert James Turner emphatically advises: “If…
“Lobster pots need to be properly marked”: Sailors support the CA’s Lobster Pot campaign
After sailing through a field of lobsters pots and getting entangled, Gerard and Gina Versluis explain why they are backing the Cruising Association’s Lobster Pot Campaign
Charter to tackle sports clothing impact
Overproduction, underuse and the disposal difficulty of sports clothing, including the technical challenge of marine garments, are to be tackled in the UK.
Musto EVO Crew jacket: how breathable and waterproof is it while day sailing and walking?
The Musto EVO Crew waterproof jacket is designed for day sailing and every day use. Katy Stickland puts it to the test while sailing and walking
eNav in a Nutshell: Passage planning in the digital age
Using digital sources to answer basic navigational questions can take some of the hard work out of passage planning and making… explains Craig Burton, head of training operations at the…
How to make low-cost collision mat
Gilbert Park takes steps to prevent a sinking by making his own collision mat
Buoycatcher Boat Crook Review: Is This The Ultimate Mooring Tool?
If you find mooring against high walls or picking up tricky loops stressful, this clever stainless steel tool might change everything.
Have your say on the future of nautical paper charts
The UK Hydrographic Office has developed a more efficient way to print nautical paper charts on demand, using electronic chart data. How will it affect you?
August 2026 – out on 2 July
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on the COLREG, single-handing and more; Boat building myths busted; 10 pilotage mistakes to avoid; Celebrating the Jester Challenge at 20; Spotlight on the new trailerable Duchy…
The will to survive: how one sailor spent two hours lost at sea without a lifejacket before rescue
Overboard without a lifejacket in the dark Irish Sea, Prue Nash had to tread water for two hours before she was rescued. But what was she really thinking as her…
Boat launching and recovery without the drama
Launching a boat off a trailer should be a piece of cake, but tricky slipways can easily turn your dream day out into a disaster. Ben Meakins pulls on a…
Fair winds to George Taylor – the co-founder who put the ‘practical’ in PBO
George Taylor, co-founder, assistant editor and later editor of Practical Boat Owner magazine has passed away in his 90th year.
UK volunteer coastguard ‘under threat’
Thousands of coastguard rescue officers will no longer be paid for emergency call outs or training exercises following a Maritime and Coastguard Agency decision
The Grey Boat: A masterclass in DIY dinghy design
Sometimes the most inspiring craft can come in modest forms. Clive Marsh looks at The Grey Boat
Chat 18: the economical camper cruising cat that can be launched in 15 minutes
Designed for simple home-building in plywood, the Chat 18 is a versatile and economical daysailer-cum-camper cruising cat. David Harding gets on board
Where to fit a VHF AIS antenna
Jake Kavanagh gets expert advice about the best place to fit antennas, the pros and cons of splitters, plus emergency options
How to make your own ensign flagstaff
Don Fitzroy Smith finds a new way to 'raise the flag' by building his own flagstaff for his ensign