Practical Boat Owner

Britain's biggest-selling boating magazine

  1. How to sail tidal estuaries safely

    Tidal estuaries around The Blackwater
    Navigating estuaries, like The Blackwater, involves tidal navigation and sailing narrow channels, but the rewards are immense. Credit: Richard Langdon

    On tidal estuaries boat owners can become explorers. Ken Endean has advice for potential creek crawlers

    On tidal estuaries boat owners can become explorers. Ken Endean has advice for potential creek crawlers

  2. Defeating the Diesel Bug: One Tank, Two Clarke Pumps, an Inspection Hatch and a Lot of Elbow Grease

    Four years of diesel bug misery made PBO's tech editor go full exorcism: remove the fuel tank, clean it properly, and banish the bug once and for all. This video is powered by Machine Mart tools

    The Owner of this 35 foot sailboat had been fighting diesel bug for four long years. Four years of blocked …Continue reading »

  3. Moving a diesel engine air filter

    Part of a boat engine
    The original filters were vulnerable to damage. Credit: Stew Proud

    Stew Proud moves the vulnerable diesel engine air filter on his boat

    Stew Proud moves the vulnerable diesel engine air filter on his boat

  4. How I found the right electric engine for my boat after spending £25k

    An electric engine on a boat
    The new Voltsport motor installed on Felix Marks' boat. Credit: Felix Marks

    Felix Marks explains how he turned around the disastrous electric engine installation on his Tofinou day-sailer

    Felix Marks explains how he turned around the disastrous electric engine installation on his Tofinou day-sailer

  5. Why rebuilding your self-steering gear will change your cruising game

    a woman standing next to windvane self-steering gear on a boat
    Rebuilding the Monitor self-steering gear took over a week, but it made a marked difference to the Baba 30’s performance. Credit: Dena Hankins and James Lane

    Dena Hankins and James Lane explain how rebuilding your self-steering gear will make for a more pleasant passage on board

    Dena Hankins and James Lane explain how rebuilding your self-steering gear changes the cruising game

  6. How to replace a worn teak deck

    Two men laying a teak deck on a yacht
    Replacing a teak deck is costly, time-consuming and sometimes, backbreaking work. Credit: Genevieve Leaper

    Genevieve Leaper explains how friend Sokratis Kavallieratos laid a new teak deck on his Najad 320

    Genevieve Leaper explains how friend Sokratis Kavallieratos laid a new teak deck on his Najad 320

  7. I’m a commercial skipper and this is my onboard essentials list for a Mediterranean Yacht Charter

    Two yacht sailed past the coast as part of a yacht charter in Europe
    Surprisingly predictable and gentle winds in the summer months are a draw of the Greek Ionian. Credit: www.sunsail.com/uk

    Whenever the summer breeze starts calling, I know it’s time to get back to the Med. Whether I’m sailing for work or for pleasure, here's my Mediterranean Yacht Charter essentials list

    After several seasons working as a commercial skipper, I’ve got my onboard essentials locked in. Whether you’re a sailor or …Continue reading »

  8. Can VHF and AIS run on the same aerial?

    VHF radio aerial, yes, but do you really need an AIS antenna at the top of the mast? Credit: LecartPhotos/Alamy

    Boat owner Robert Campbell is considering fitting a splitter so his AIS transceiver can share the same aerial as his VHF radio. Is it a good idea?

    Boat owner Robert Campbell is considering fitting a splitter so his AIS transceiver can share the same aerial as his VHF radio. Is it a good idea?

  9. ‘I smelled burning plastic and realised my plug was melting!’

    Fire crews tackle fire at boatyard in Tipner Lane, Portsmouth. Credit Ashley Simmonds
    Five boats were destroyed by the blaze. Photo credit Ashley Simmonds

    Every year we see shocking pictures of boats destroyed by a boat fire, the majority of them are electrical. I've had my own brush with potential boat fire due to electrical faults and failure to check on them. Here's some personal advise to all boat owners on what to look for and check regularly.

    Electrical and faulty appliances – 52% risk factor in boat fires Electrical fires make up over half of all boat …Continue reading »

  10. Propeller care: everything you need to know

    A gleaming boat propeller, dismantled for servicing
    Regularly service your propeller to keep it running smoothly. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Credit: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images

    Stu Davies has valuable tips on how to maintain your prop – and explains how this vital bit of kit works, and why propeller care is needed

    Stu Davies has valuable tips on how to maintain your prop – and explains how this vital bit of kit works, and why propeller care is needed