Practical Boat Owner

Originally launched in 1967, Practical Boat Owner is recognized as the leading publication globally for guidance on boat maintenance and repair. It offers valuable seamanship skills that cater to both beginners and experienced sailors.

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English

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Global

#287536

United Kingdom

#32681

Vehicles/Boats

#17

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Articles

Summer sailing: how to have the best time afloat!

5 days ago | pbo.co.uk | Alison Wood

Ali Wood gets some top tips from experienced cruisers on preparing for the perfect summer cruise TAGS: CruisingseamanshipTop stories When it comes to summer sailing, how much you prepare for a cruise is a matter of personal choice. We’re not talking transatlantic, and there will no doubt be stops en-route where you can refuel and stock up on provisions.
Dinghy Cruising Association at 70

4 weeks ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

The Dinghy Cruising Association may be 70 years old – but it’s never been so on trend, reports Laura Hodgetts TAGS: CruisingdinghyTop stories Long considered ‘a bit bizarre’ for sailing small boats into creeks and estuaries for adventurous nights of wild camping on board, the Dinghy Cruising Association (DCA) members now find their sport ‘increasingly fashionable’.
Defeating the Diesel Bug: One Tank, Two Clarke Pumps, an Inspection Hatch and a Lot of Elbow Grease

1 month ago | pbo.co.uk | Fox Morgan

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 TAGS: How toTop stories The Owner of this 35 foot sailboat had been fighting diesel bug for four long years. Four years of blocked filters, fear of the engine conking out, and enough biocide to start a small chemical lab.
'I smelled burning plastic and realised my plug was melting!'

1 month ago | pbo.co.uk | Fox Morgan

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.
Why Plan B is the route to success

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Katy Stickland

Katy Stickland meets the founder and students at Plan B to see how boatbuilding and sailing are giving teenagers a second chance Plan B, and how its staff and the programmes they run help to prevent dozens of children and teenagers from falling through the cracks, giving them a renewed purpose for the future, is clearly illustrated by the words of former student Adam Pankhurst. “I was a delinquent in the community when I was younger.
Five boats destroyed by fire at Portsmouth boatyard

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

A blaze involving several boats on land and a storage container at a boatyard in Tipner Lane, Portsmouth, Hampshire prompted around twenty 999 calls to the fire service. TAGS: boat fireTop stories Fire investigation officers are working to establish the cause of a fire that broke out at a boatyard in Tipner Lane in Portsmouth, Hampshire, destroying five boats.
Fitting a new toerail or grabrail on your sailboat or motorboat

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Rupert Holmes

Rupert Holmes explains the techniques for the removal and replacement of toerails and grabrails on our your boat TAGS: In the workshoppracticalTop storieswoodwork A worn wooden toerail, coachroof grabrail and rubbing strake are common problems for many owners of older boats. Most of these will originally have been teak, although lesser quality timber may subsequently have been substituted on some boats.
Yacht charter in Europe: where to sail

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

From bareboat to skippered or flotilla holidays, Laura Hodgetts looks at options for sunnier climes a few hours’ flight away TAGS: EuropeTop stories Just a short-haul flight away from the UK, warm sunshine and a sailor’s playground awaits. The Mediterranean coast stretches approximately 2,500 miles and encompasses 23 countries, boasting varied landscapes, cultural gems and countless islands, islets and bays.
2025 British Motor Yacht Show line-up announced

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Katy Stickland

A range of boats, from the Saxdor 340 to the Bavaria SR35 HT, will be making their UK debut at the 2025 British Motor Yacht Show TAGS: boat showTop stories The 2025 British Motor Yacht Show will feature UK debuts when it opens next month. The four-day show at Swanwick Marina in Hampshire is an appointment-only event, allowing boat buyers to meet brokers and find out more about new boats for sale.
Left for dead after falling overboard: how one sailor survived 5 hours lost at sea before rescue

2 months ago | pbo.co.uk | Laura Hodgetts

Roger Cottle was presumed dead after falling overboard a 27ft yacht and lost at sea for five-and-a-half hours in a holed lifejacket, at night in the Bay of Biscay TAGS: Man OverboardseamanshipTop stories Falling overboard, I discovered that what they don’t tell you on the sailing courses is that a safety harness is great until you fall in, and then you become a waterskier.