Crossing the Channel: 10 factors for a trouble-free voyage
“Significant change” in laws for non-EU sailors cruising in Greece
Arthur Beale jumpers tested: the Guernsey
How to get a crew place sailing around the world
UK National Service: RNLI says it will need to “consider carefully what any involvement in a scheme which mandated volunteering might look like”
My verdict after testing Red’s new 30L waterproof backpack over four months
The new 30-litre Red Adventure Waterproof Backpack is designed to be comfortable to wear, and versatile for use on land and on the water. Katy…
Lithium iron phosphate batteries: myths BUSTED!
Duncan Kent looks into the latest developments, regulations and myths that have arisen since lithium-ion batteries were introduced
Rheos sunglasses: we test the new Cora floating polarised eyewear
James Wood tests a pair of the Cora Rheos sunglasses to see how comfortable they are to wear and if they float
Boat maintenance
Do-it-yourself mast stepping
Should I register my boat in an EU country to avoid paying VAT again?
15 boat fixes at sea: sailors share how to deal with torn sails, rudder damage, chafe & more
How to get more life out of sailboat lines: step-by-step
Lightning strikes at sea – advice from a marine surveyor
Six DIY tips to make your boat sail better
Maintenance
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
Make your own hose adapter stowage on your boat
Federico Ramirez has a simple idea for handy hose adapter stowage
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
Amazing adventures
Aina Bauza sets new solo transatlantic record
Freya Terry rescued following the knockdown of her yacht just days after starting her solo circumnavigation around Great Britain and Ireland
Jenny Decker: ‘Why I am in a race against time to sail alone around the world before it’s too late”
Meet Talan Skeels-Piggins, the paraplegic sailor planning to sail around Great Britain in a non-adapted boat
Gear tests
Mediterranean sailing: the essential kit you need
Two years of owning my electric outboard: long term test of the Torqeedo 603
Buying a new or used outboard motor? Professionals share their tips to make sure you avoid the pitfalls
ePropulsion X Series electric outboards: first look
What sailing boat kit do you need for an Atlantic crossing? Cruisers share the gear that really worked for them
How to find the best boat insurance
Practical Projects
Great tips and ideas to improve your boat from PBO readers
How to make an anti-vibration mount for your wind turbine
How to keep an easy-to-release anchor secure and prevent it from jiggling free
Installing a transducer on a boat
DIY crew headset for efficient anchoring
Easy berthing with a boat pick-up line
How to make a simple deadeye tackle
PBO Project Boat
Shore power: solving tripping problems
Ali Wood gets a crash course in reverse polarity and smart charging when Project Boat Maximus’s shore power gets trippy…
Sail design – using 3D software and laser technology to cut new sails
During the survey of our Maxi 84, the PBO Project Boat Maximus, we were warned by a marine surveyor that…
How to measure your yacht for new sails
Measuring your boat for new sails is a job for the sailmaker, so when our PBO Project Boat Maximus needed…
Restoring a vintage Sailor radio
Ali Wood’s Sailor radio is given the VIP treatment
Seajet Bioclean silicone antifoul review: Our verdict after one year on the water
Does silicone antifouling work? It’s not flying off the shelves yet, according to suppliers, but the results from our Project…
Securing mast cable on our Maxi 84
With the help of ACM Marine, Ali Wood goes about securing mast cable on the Maxi 84 PBO project boat
Family sailing safety gear: TESTED!
Ali Wood discusses the sailing safety gear she chose for their first family cruise on board their Maxi 84, and…
Marine alternator troubleshooting
Ali Wood gets to grips with Maximus’s faulty electrical system after some unexpected failures made an appearance on passage