Sailing on sunshine: how to get the most out of your solar panels; Latest advice on installing lithium batteries that every boat owner should read;…
Practical Boat Owner
December 2025 issue – out on 23 October
From steering to rigging (and all the things we forget!) – the essential checks for the prepared skipper; Displacement theory and how it affects the…
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.
Clive’s Boats: comparing two Smacks Boats
In my quest to find the perfect trailer-sailer I’ve owned two Smacks Boats – one was fast, the other more comfortable. I’ve loved both, and purchasing the same model twice…
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…
Stitelmann keeps the lead as Mini Globe Race 2025 leaves for Mauritius
Spirits high and water-tanks freshly topped up, the last of the Mini Globe Race 2025 fleet is setting off for Stage 3 of Leg 3, a 1,500 stretch from the…
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…
Sunsail’s Funding the Future winner to refurbish five old Laser dinghies
Otley Sailing Club from West Yorkshire, will use the Sunsail's Funding the Future grand prize of £6,000 to revitalise old Laser dinghies to make sailing more accessible for adult club
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…
Crisis in the canals as drought hits boaters
Boats have been left stranded in canals, navigation restricted, and businesses “exceptionally quiet” during peak summer months across the inland waterways of England and Wales.
Ella Hibbert: first British woman to sail the Northwest Passage solo
28-year-old Ella Hibbert is the first British woman to sail solo through the Northwest Passage during her Arctic circumnavigation
boatfolk marina group is now owned by Premier Marinas’ owner Wellcome
Premier Marinas has confirmed the acquisition of Boatfolk's 11 marinas – bringing its combined portfolio to 22 sites across the UK
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…
How to service a two-stroke outboard motor
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he demystifies the maintenance of a classic two-stroke outboard, sharing essential tips, common problem fixes, and the surprising appeal of these lightweight workhorses.…
How to revamp and protect your engine leg
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he runs through the checks and maintenance needed to revamp and protect an outboard engine leg to keep it running in tip-top condition.…
How to re-reeve a halyard: If your in-mast halyard has broken here’s how to fix it
Steve Langton threads a new line down through a mast
Reversing a boat trailer: a quick guide
Reversing your trailer is daunting, but with practice can be satisfying. David Pugh explains the knack
Boat rudders: everything you need to know
Delivery skipper Ben Lowings examines how different popular rudder designs affect handling, and explains how to maintain them
Royal Yachting Association: what it has done for British boating
In its 150th year, Laura Hodgetts explores the Royal Yachting Association’s evolution from ‘gentlemen racers’ to a world-leading national boating body
Marine gas system maintenance
Peter Draper explains what’s required for a marine gas system to be safe and legal, and how to assess the condition of the gas system on your boat
Never stop sailing! Practical ways to make it easier as you age
Gilbert Park explains the tweaks he has made to his boat to future-proofing his time afloat