After a chainplate snapped on his Albin Cumulus 85, Joe Magee explains how he designed and fitted new ones
Top stories
Animated weather, tides and currents now available on Orca
UK Met Office forecast data is now available free to all Orca users, with animated weather, tides and currents overlaid directly onto charts
Transatlantic rigging failure: how a professional skipper managed the emergency with a young family onboard
Broken shrouds and two young children onboard during a transatlantic crossing is the ultimate test of seamanship for Vicky Ellis
We sailed from London to the Netherlands, leaving the city for the sea locks
Matthew Kenyon and crew sail a Jeanneau Attalia from London’s South Dock to Amsterdam via the East Coast of England
We tested 10 wifi gateway options under £250 to find the best smartphone navigation system
With modern tablets and smartphones becoming an increasingly popular choice for electronic navigation, we investigated the core of any onboard wifi network: the multiplexer wifi gateway. This little box of…
How secure is your boat’s mast spreader?
When was the last time you had your mast spreader checked? PBO reader Jane Burton was shocked to find the spreader on her boat was not secured
The best used boats for cruising the Mediterranean this summer
Phil Clandillon looks at the most suitable sub-45ft second-hand yachts for sailing the Mediterranean. Models: Beneteau Oceanis 311 | Bavaria 32 Cruiser | Elan Impression 344 | Jeanneau Sun Odyssey
Why a simple bucket of fresh water is the secret to making a small outboard engine last
If your outboard engine is struggling with salt build-up, follow these essential maintenance steps to keep the cooling channels clear
The expert advice on picking the right sails and keeping them healthy
The new season’s approaching, and your sails are in tip-top condition, right? You’ve had them laundered and the UV strips checked; no frays or mildew, the canvaswork’s gleaming… What? You…
Weather helm: what is it and how do you reduce it?
Cruising instructor Ben Lowings delves into the common causes of weather helm – and looks at what can be done to control it
Boat improvements that won’t cost the earth
Ali Wood compiles a list of easy ideas to make life better on board
Boom droop and other start of season ailments
Beware the insidious boom droop and your crew will thank you for it – and don’t forget to dig out suitable attire before setting sail.
Yacht club using AI community watch system to combat boat crime
Sailing club members are using MoorMesh – an AI-boosted community watch system to tackle thieves targeting yachts on remote moorings
Sailors’ Choice Awards: Nominate the gear that really works for you
Be part of Practical Boat Owner's Sailors’ Choice Awards – as we put the best sailing equipment, gear and customer service in the spotlight.
Why the Wayfarer Weekender is the ultimate stable family boat
Ali Wood is treated to a factory visit and a blustery family sail in this latest iteration of the classic large dinghy, the Wayfarer Weekender, from Hartley Boats.
Do I really need a boat bow thruster?
Is a boat bow thruster necessary kit? Experienced offshore and bluewater sailor Rupert Holmes has this answer for one PBO reader
Why you need to join the Cruising Association’s Lobster Pot Campaign
The Cruising Association has launched its new lobster pot campaign, Marked Gear = Safe Gear, which calls for existing guidance around the marking of static fishing gear to be mandatory…
Is it best to use marine diesel that is FAME-free?
PBO reader Paul Fay has struggled to find marine diesel that does not contain FAME (fatty acid methyl ester). He asks the PBO experts for help
Is this the failsafe method for picking up a boat mooring single-handed?
Chris Hitchins demonstrates the easy and reliable method he uses for picking up swinging moorings when sailing single- or short-handed
Retrofitting a waste holding tank: Solving the 1980s design dilemma
Harbour foreman and boatbuilder Mike Pickles explains that with a little imagination, you can find space on most boats for a waste holding tank