For a low-tech, high-reliability solution to getting a large amount of water out of a small, fast-moving motorboat, there’s nothing quite as efficient as sock (or trunk) bailers. Jake Frith…
practical
How to winterise a boat engine
Engineer Stu Davies explains the steps you should take to make sure your boat’s engine is protected over the winter months
How to retrofit a bow thruster
Tony Moss and his wife, Marike, enhance the manoeuvrability of their Dufour 44 to make cruising life easier in their retirement years
How to fit an autopilot pump
Tony Davies demonstrates how to replace an electro-hydraulic autopilot pump
How to repair keel band corrosion on small boats
Galvanic corrosion is often something mainly associated with metal fittings on larger craft: however, David Parker has a cautionary tale about double-checking fixings on small boats too
Becoming a Day Skipper
From classroom conundrums to night-time navigation, dinghy instructor Margaret Norris decides to give big boats a go
How to replace a failed starter motor on a boat
When Colin Haines's boat won't start, he begins troubleshooting and ends up replacing his failed starter motor
How to make a spinnaker snuffer
John Connell keeps his spinnaker in check by devising and constructing a home-made spinnaker snuffer
How to replace boat headlining with PVC planking
Roger Hughes replaces old vinyl boat headlining with easy-to-clean white PVC planking
How to fit new rubber port light seals
David Parker describes the process involved in replacing the old rubber seals on his boat's port lights
Replacing gearbox oil seals: step-by-step
Outboard engine gearbox oil seals are vulnerable to damage and can be difficult to remove. Rupert Holmes explains how to change a typical set
How to replace ageing through-hull fittings
In preparation for an extended voyage, Kerry and Fraser Buchanan replace all below waterline through-hulls with composite fittings
Boat lightning strike checklist
The odds of your boat being struck by lightning are low in the UK, but it does happen. Andy Pag shares his lightning strike checklist
How to get the most from your yacht survey
Thinking of buying a new boat? A marine survey could save you a lot of heartache and money in the long run, says Ali Wood
Practical ideas from the Ocean Globe Race yacht Galiana WithSecure
Katy Stickland finds clever design features which can be adapted for cruising yachts while sailing the Swan 55, Galiana WithSecure
5 top causes of boat engine failure – and how to avoid them
Jake Kavanagh talks to Sea Start marine engineer Nick Eales about how to avoid the five major causes of an engine breakdown at sea
How to service an outboard engine: step by step
Stu Davies shares useful maintenance tips on how to keep your 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboard motors running sweetly
Rebuilding an outboard motor gearbox: step-by-step
Small outboard motors can often be a low priority when it comes to maintenance. David Parker found out the hard way that his trusty little engine had been ignored for…
How to repair a heavy-duty zip on a bow dodger
Tony Davies demonstrates how you can restore a broken heavy-duty zip to full working condition
How to rig a spinnaker on a small yacht – what you need and where to fit it
If you want a spinnaker, but don’t have the necessary fittings or equipment on your boat, where do you start?