Surveyor Nick Vass examines the different types of skin fittings and seacocks on the market and shares advice on how to maintain them.
Top stories
Clinker-built boat repair: step-by-step
Richard Johnstone-Bryden explains the basic principles of clinker construction and the method of replacing damaged hull planking
Sailors urged to help protect the Mediterranean monk seal in Greece
Sailors visiting Greece can help protect one of the world's rarest seals by reporting sightings or checking and avoiding restricted breeding areas while cruising the Ionian or Aegean
A beginner’s guide to the chartplotter
Whether you’re new to boating or looking to enhance your navigation with a phone, tablet or MFD, Ali Wood runs through the different chartplotter options
How to use a shore line to secure a boat at anchor
Genevieve Leaper explains why, in some circumstances, using a shore line to keep the boat secure makes perfect sense
How does a boat bow thruster work?
How does a boat bow thruster work? Mike Attree explains, and shares how he repaired this handy bit of kit on his own yacht
“I crawled 50m across rocks with an anchor on my back”: Jazz Turner’s record voyage
Jazz Turner reflects on her circumnavigation achievement of being the first disabled person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the UK and Ireland
Best centre cockpit sailboat designs: the Moody 34 and 346 + 5 alternative yachts
The Moody 34 and 346 were the smallest and best-selling of Moody’s centre cockpit sailboat models in the 1980s. Rupert Holmes weighs in on their merits and offers 5 alternative
The versatile Helly Hansen Crew Insulator Jacket 2.0 tested
Not wanting to wear foulies on the water all summer, Katy Stickland tests the mid-layer Helly Hansen Crew Insulator Jacket 2.0
The Adjustable Fender Mate for easier mooring
The Adjustable Fender Mate aims to eliminate the need for knots when setting your fenders. Katy Stickland puts it to the test
Abandoned boats and end-of-life vessels – a growing problem
Abandoned boats and end-of-life vessels are a growing problem and environmental concern, agree UK harbour authorities, sailors and community groups.
Best marine sealants and adhesives for boat jobs
With help from adhesive and sealant expert Laurie Brebner, PBO’s Ali Wood explains which works best for different jobs on a boat
Jazz Turner becomes first wheelchair user to circumnavigate Britain solo
At around 13:45 on Monday, 30th June, Jazz Turner, a GB para-athlete and engineer from Seaford, East Sussex, has become the first wheelchair user to sail solo, unassisted, and non-stop…
Contaminated fuel problems: keeping your marine diesel clean
Got contaminated fuel problems? Much has been written about the issue, particularly the advice from Marine 16’s Peter Weide piece in the PBO November 2023 issue and Nick Houlding’s piece…
How I switched to electronic charts
Ali Wood recalls her first sailing passage using electronic charts
Sailing in a hurricane: How I escaped Hurricane Beryl
When I bought my first boat, I didn’t imagine that I’d soon be sailing in a hurricane, writes Ben Williams. The anchorage in Tyrell Bay was perfection. Good holding for…
Jazz Turner’s Project Fear is sailing at its “most compelling”
Jazz Turner's Project Fear solo, non-stop and unassisted round-Britain circumnavigation attempt is sailing at its "most compelling."
Craig Wood completes solo, non-stop and unsupported Pacific voyage
Triple amputee Craig Wood has achieved his goal of becoming the world’s first triple amputee to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted across the Pacific Ocean.
Eight bells for Japanese sailing legend Minoru Saito
Japanese sailor and eight-time solo circumnavigator Minoru Saito has died. He made history in 2011 as the oldest person to sail solo around the world
How to install a Halyard Aquadrive in a Contessa 32
A boat owner installs a Halyard Aquadrive antivibration system for smoother, quieter cruising and reduced wear on his marine engine and gearbox