Duncan Kent looks into the latest developments, regulations and myths that have arisen since lithium-ion batteries were introduced
practical
Do-it-yourself mast stepping
If you’re thinking of hiring a boatyard crane to step your mast, why not consider this low-tech, low-cost alternative? Rupert Holmes shows how it’s done
15 boat fixes at sea: sailors share how to deal with torn sails, rudder damage, chafe & more
Transatlantic sailors tell Ali Wood how they used their ingenuity – and sometimes bravery – to cope with emergencies on passage and make boat fixes at sea
How to get more life out of sailboat lines: step-by-step
Dena Hankins shares how to make your running rigging last that little bit longer
Six DIY tips to make your boat sail better
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get an older boat going more efficiently
Can diesel bug fuel treatments work together?
PBO reader Nick Houlding wants to know if different diesel bug fuel treatments can be mixed. Peter Wielde from Marine 16 has the answer
How to build your own boat stand
Zoran Glozinic builds a boat stand for haul-out use
Boat anodes: a practical guide for sailors
Metallurgist Vyv Cox’s guide to anodes, explaining how they work, debunking the myths and showing ways of improving performance
How to make an anti-vibration mount for your wind turbine
Feb up with the sound of rumbling from his wind turbine, Chris Mardon makes an anti-vibration mount for a quieter time on board his boat
How can I improve the faded gelcoat on my boat?
PBO reader Peter Clubbe wants to know how he can improve the faded gelcoat on his elderly Hardy Navigator
“Why restoring an old boat at the age of 71 was one of my better ideas”
At 71, Richard Hare embarked on a year-long renovation of a 30-year-old Westerly Konsort. He shares why it was one of his better ideas.
Should the pressure relief valve on my boat calorifier have a spring and plunger?
While repairing his hot water boat calorifier, Chris Mardon found it had a spring and one-way plunger. But what purpose do they serve? Stu Davies has the answer
Painting and varnishing a boat: how to get the perfect finish
Kit boat builder Polly Robinson shares her tips for painting and varnishing a plywood-epoxy boat
How to keep an easy-to-release anchor secure and prevent it from jiggling free
Trevor Martin shares his simple solution to keep his anchor secure when not in use
Buying a new or used outboard motor? Professionals share their tips to make sure you avoid the pitfalls
From horsepower to shaft length and tilt-angle to 2- or 4-stroke, Ali Wood highlights the different features you should consider when buying a new or used outboard motor
What is the best way to stick down teak planking?
PBO reader Les Broughton is struggling to glue his teak planking to the fibreglass in his cockpit. Boat builder Lyndon March has the answer
What difference do new sails make?
New sails are a big investment – but are they worth it? The PBO team compared the old with the new on a Snapdragon 23
How I built my own 18ft motorboat
Having already built a dinghy and a dayboat, Ben Russell decided to design and construct an 18ft Selway Fisher Clyde motorboat
Osmosis on a boat: will it cause my vessel to sink?
Katy Stickland talks to surveyor Ben Sutcliffe-Davies about why osmosis can be an indicator of high moisture content in fibreglass
Boat launch checklist: all the jobs you need to do for a hassle free start to the season
Take the stress out of the big day with practical tips from Practical Boat Owner's Ali Wood