Best inflatable kayaks for families and beginners - Practical Boat Owner
Ali Wood has fun on the water with 5 friends, 3 kids and one eager pup with these touring inflatable kayaks from Decathlon| Practical Boat Owner
Ali Wood has fun on the water with 5 friends, 3 kids and one eager pup with these touring inflatable kayaks from Decathlon| Practical Boat Owner
Choosing the right inflatable paddleboard for kids and adults depends on budget, weight and your intended use. Ali Wood explains all...| Practical Boat Owner
From boarding to sculling, hull type and maintenance, John Tylor shares some sensible advice about using small boat dinghies| Practical Boat Owner
Electric outboards fall into three distinct categories with some overlap. We take a closer look at 9 of the best electric outboard motors| Practical Boat Owner
Table of facts and figures 3D Twin V shape 230 air deck tender Crewsaver Air Deck 230 Excel Ventura SL200 Force 4 O2Lite 2.35 Quicksilver Tendy Airfloor 240 Seago Go Lite 230 Talamex Superlight SLA230 YAM 200T YAM 240 (STI) Air Deck External dimensions (cm) 230 x 130 230 x 130 200 x 130 230 x 130 240 x 132 230 x 135 230 x 135 200 x 126 240 x 123 Internal dimensions (cm) 175 x 63 155 x 60 120 x 60 172 x 63 160 x 65 169 x 60 165 x 70 116 x 60 148 x 65 Pack dimensions (cm) 90 X 45 X 40 95 x 55 x...| Practical Boat Owner
If you plan to keep a boat in Europe, it must either be EU VAT paid or have Temporary Admission (TA) status. Credit: Robert Harding/AlamySimon Hampton-Matthews of the Cruising Association’s Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) Group discusses keeping a boat to Europe, VAT and Temporary Admission Simon Hampton-Matthews of the Cruising Association’s Regulatory & Technical Services (RATS) Group discusses boat VAT in Europe| Practical Boat Owner
A charter holiday was ideal for introducing family to sailing. Credit: Katy SticklandKaty Stickland introduces her non-sailing family to life afloat on a charter holiday in Greece’s spectacular Ionian Sea Katy Stickland introduces her non-sailing family to life afloat on a charter holiday in Greece’s spectacular Ionian Sea| Practical Boat Owner
Repeater used wirelessly on the chart table (a portable power pack is advisable to run it). Photo: Dagnall Clutterbuck.Multihull sailor and retired electronics professional Dagnall Clutterbuck shares his affordable method for linking smart devices to his navigation system. Considering a smart navigation system? The advance of electronics, and especially home automation, have given rise to a range of …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Think about where your crew sit; move them so the boat is as flat, fore and aft, as possible. Photo: David Harding / Future.Delivery skipper Ben Lowings explains how you can make your yacht handle better with efficient helming, sail trim, and routine upkeep to improve boat performance when cruising. Expert delivery skipper Ben Lowings offers his top tips to help improve boat performance and handling. Efficient helming Sailing starts …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
The interconnections were made from copper pipe and fire-resistant marine fuel hose to BS EN ISO 7840. The check valve can be seen in the foreground. Photo: Russell Seaton.Onboard his Albin Ballad 30, Russell Seaton incorporates novel race car technology into a fuel supply and polishing setup into his boat's fuel system. It’s always a good idea to take a closer look at your boat’s fuel system. After we bought Noontide, our …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
HRH The Princess Royal was given a tour of the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis by Director Will Reed (left) and met past and present students. Photo: Philippa Gedge Photography.A royal visit to the Boat Building Academy was an opportunity to highlight the urgent need to preserve and promote marine heritage crafts. On 6 October, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis to learn about …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
The Oyster 406’s centre cockpit provides excellent all-round visibility for those on the helm. Photo: David Harding.Rupert Holmes looks at a selection of comfortable and capable centre cockpit cruising yachts with big owner’s suites and a large guest cabin. Models: Oyster 406 | Hallberg-Rassy 42E | Scanmar 40 | Westerly Oceanlord | Bowman 40 Contest 42 | Nicholson 39 | Moody 425 | Amel Sharki. Lovers of the Oyster 406 and other centre cockpit concepts will know that the style has largel...| Practical Boat Owner
After 16 months on the water, Maximus’s Seajet Bioclean Eco-covered hull just needed a quick power wash to remove very light fouling. Photo: Ali Wood.Can you protect your boat in UK waters using foul-release coatings, ultrasonic or biomimetic technology? Rob Melotti investigates the antifouling options on the market. Can you protect your boat in UK waters using foul-release coatings, ultrasonic or biomimetic technology? Rob Melotti investigates the antifouling options on the market.| Practical Boat Owner
Illustration by Claudia Myatt.Chris and Ron Colverson were enjoying an idyllic first river trip aboard their new Freeman 22 Mk2 cabin motorboat – until Ron fell into a lock! Looking back at our disastrous first trip aboard our motorboat Kay, we were under-equipped and complete novices who were convinced …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
The motorboat buyer is spoilt for choice, but how you plan to use your boat will quickly narrow the field. Photo: Richard Langdon/Ocean Images.Jake Kavanagh looks at the main buying choices for your first motorboat, including interior layout options, style of hull, type of engine, and new vs used. There are many reasons why people want to buy a motorboat – the recent Covid-19 pandemic (and a generally unstable …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
The Dazcat 9.2 catamaran, Razzmatazz, has flat decks which are good for easy access and make it easier for Tony and Ann. Credit: ony Montgomery-SmithTony and Ann Montgomery-Smith have been sailing for almost 60 years. Now both in their 80s, and with Ann’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Tony explains how they have continued to cruise Tony and Ann Montgomery-Smith have been sailing for almost 60 years. Now both in their 80s, and with Ann’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Tony explains how they have cont...| Practical Boat Owner
A fouled prop can strip gears in the gearbox, so make sure the boat is thoroughly checked. Credit: Jim Gibson/MBYSailors and boaters are being asked to report lobster pot and fishing gear entanglement and sightings of poorly marked static gear around the UK coast, as part of efforts to gather more information about the scale of the problem Sailors and boaters are being asked to report lobster pot and fishing gear entanglement and sightings of poorly marked static gear around the UK coast, as ...| Practical Boat Owner
Rupert Holmes looks at the Sadler 34, one of the most desirable cruising yachts of the Sadler era, and some alternative models.| Practical Boat Owner
Rupert Holmes looks at the key issues to consider when the time comes to prepare a boat for a winter lay-up period ashore| Practical Boat Owner
After a midnight steering failure, one boat owner learns a hard lesson about the "fiddly" but essential maintenance of remote outboard steering After a midnight steering failure, one boat owner learns a hard lesson about the "fiddly" but essential maintenance of remote outboard steering| Practical Boat Owner
Discover how a boat owner uses a simple air compressor and a collection of versatile air tools to tackle a boat's toughest sanding and cleaning jobs. Discover how a boat owner uses a simple air compressor and a collection of versatile air tools to tackle a boat's toughest sanding and cleaning jobs.| Practical Boat Owner
Fast - Clive's modified Smacks boat Neva showing off her large North Sea Sails mainsail. Credit: Clive Marsh.All Smacks Boats are fitted to the owner's specifications. Clive compares two that he has owned, one fast and one comfortable. In my quest to find the perfect trailer-sailer I’ve owned two Smacks Boats – one was fast, the other more …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Answering a reader question on maintaining compass accuracy. Should you keep a VHF radio and its aerial cables well away from the boat’s compass? Ever wondered what you can do to maintain compass accuracy? You’re not the only one. Reader Sue Johnson sent in …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Jasmine Harrison on Numbatou in Antigua. Credit: Don McIntyre / CG580T/ MGR2025Catch up on the latest updates from the Mini Globe Race 2025 Leg 3, including highlights from the stopover and strategic choices from the race's top contenders. Spirits high and water-tanks freshly topped up, the last of the Mini Globe Race 2025 fleet is setting off for …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Neil Fuller’s antifouling skirt in place ready for work to begin. Photo: Neil Fuller.Neil Fuller keeps his boat dry while antifouling with a simple DIY hull skirt made of waste pipe, fittings, and a polythelene dust sheet. Ever thought of making a hull skirt? Getting fed up with the yearly grind and expense of antifouling Koto’s bottom …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Round the world yachtswoman Dee Caffari and Otley Sailing Club's Rob McCandless with a Sunsail marketing executive Lucy Castle at the Southampton International Boat Show. Credit: SunsailOtley Sailing Club from West Yorkshire, will use the Sunsail's Funding the Future grand prize of £6,000 to revitalise old Laser dinghies to make sailing more accessible for adult club members. Otley Sailing Club from West Yorkshire, will use the Sunsail's Funding the Future grand prize of £6,000 to revitalis...| Practical Boat Owner
One of the failed engine mounts Ben Sutcliffe-Davies shares with the audience at his awareness talks. Photo: Ali Wood.Engine mounts are crucial but often overlooked part of your boat. Ben Sutcliffe-Davies explains how often you should replace them, and what happens when they break down and fail. Marine engine mounts are designed to isolate engine vibration noise from the boat’s structure. They’re susceptible to diesel and water …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Contents of a Sunsail technician’s toolbox to cover many jobs on board. Photo: Katy Stickland.Stu Davies explains the essential tools for a boat, and what he keeps handy to make sure he can tackle (almost) any job on board. What tools do you really need for a boat? Say you now own a new or new-to-you boat, and you’re …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Excessively low water levels have left hundreds of boats stranded, including Adam McKinstry’s 45ft Oakwood at Gargrave since May"We need sustained rain over a number of weeks to recover" say Canal & River Trust experts, as drought causes challenges for boaters, marine businesses, holidaymakers and the UK's largest canal charity. Boats have been left stranded in canals, navigation restricted, and businesses “exceptionally quiet” during peak summer months across the inland waterways of En...| Practical Boat Owner
Ella Hibbert is attempting to sail solo around the Arctic Circle28-year-old Ella Hibbert is the first British woman to sail solo through the Northwest Passage during her Arctic circumnavigation 28-year-old Ella Hibbert is the first British woman to sail solo through the Northwest Passage during her Arctic circumnavigation| Practical Boat Owner
The formerly boatfolk-run Haslar Marina is among those now under the ownership of Premier Marinas. Credit: boatfolkPremier Marinas has confirmed the acquisition of boatfolk's 11 marinas – bringing its combined portfolio to 22 sites across the UK Premier Marinas has confirmed the acquisition of Boatfolk's 11 marinas – bringing its combined portfolio to 22 sites across the UK| Practical Boat Owner
Is the wheel a comfortable size for the helm? Photo: Nic Compton. Ali Wood explains the different kinds of cockpits available, and how to upgrade the space so that you can stop battling with deck gear and tripping over ropes. Whether you’re buying a new boat or refitting an older one, the cockpit deserves consideration; probably more than you think. …Continue reading »| Practical Boat Owner
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he demystifies the maintenance of a classic two-stroke outboard, sharing essential tips, common problem fixes, and the surprising appeal of these lightweight workhorses. This video is powered by Machine Mart tools Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he demystifies the maintenance of a classic two-stroke outboard, sharing essential tips, common problem fixes, and the surprising appeal of these lightweight workhorses. This video is powered by Machine Ma...| Practical Boat Owner
Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he runs through the checks and maintenance needed to revamp and protect an outboard engine leg to keep it running in tip-top condition. This video is powered by Machine Mart tools Join PBO's engine expert Stu Davies as he runs through the checks and maintenance needed to revamp and protect an outboard engine leg to keep it running in tip-top condition. This video is powered by Machine Mart tools| Practical Boat Owner
Could you replace your in-mast halyard line?Steve Langton threads a new line down through a mast Steve Langton threads a new line down through a mast| Practical Boat Owner
Never be afraid to pull forward and give reversing another go!Reversing your trailer is daunting, but with practice can be satisfying. David Pugh explains the knack Reversing your trailer is daunting, but with practice can be satisfying. David Pugh explains the knack| Practical Boat Owner
Peter Draper explains what’s required for a marine gas system to be safe and legal, and how to assess the condition of the gas system on your boat| Practical Boat Owner
After 11 years under the harsh Australian sun John Tylor’s sail cover was falling apart. Here’s how he brought it back to life...| Practical Boat Owner
Practical Boat Owner was launched in 1967 - since when it has consistently outsold every other yachting magazine in Britain.| Practical Boat Owner
How we fund the content that you read on Practical Boat Owner| Practical Boat Owner
Nobody gets every tricky marina berthing manoeuvre right first time – but what do you do if things don’t go as planned? David Harding shares an escape route| Practical Boat Owner
James Wood picks his favourite shipwrecks, from warships and ill-fated expeditions to Bronze Age cargo vessels and Spanish treasure troves| Practical Boat Owner
Practical Boat Owner reader Tom Fox ponders if a qualified welder could weld anchor chain. Metallurgist Vyv Cox explains what to consider| Practical Boat Owner
Ben Meakins finds out why – and how – PBO readers go racing in their cruising boats, and finds it is a fun way to gain some boat handling skills| Practical Boat Owner
PBO reader Jenny Spear wants advice on how to improve the performance of her boat's headsail. Ian Brown has this brief guide to headsail trim| Practical Boat Owner
Ian Wyllie has completed a solo circumnavigation of the UK and Ireland in the Vancouver 27, Trilleen, he restored in parallel to his own rehabilitation.| Practical Boat Owner
Surveyor Nick Vass examines different skin fittings and seacocks on the market and shares advice on how to maintain them.| Practical Boat Owner
Genevieve Leaper explains why, in some circumstances, using a shore line to keep the boat secure makes perfect sense| Practical Boat Owner
Jazz Turner's highs and lows of a record-breaking voyage – including Ben Ainslie and dolphin support while battling chronic pain and challenging weather| Practical Boat Owner
Abandoned boats and end-of-life vessels are a growing problem and environmental concern, agree UK harbour authorities, sailors and community groups.| Practical Boat Owner
Rob Melotti and the PBO test team put some lightweight, portable inflatable dinghies through their paces in Lymington to find the best inflatable boat| Practical Boat Owner
Ben Lowings looks at the pros and cons of multihulls and monohulls, covering handling, sailing performance and accommodation| Practical Boat Owner
The correct boat propeller can have a dramatic effect on performance. Ali Wood learns how you can save fuel, reduce drag and go faster| Practical Boat Owner
Ali Wood explains how with windvane self-steering gear, you can harness the power of the wind and sea to cruise efficiently| Practical Boat Owner
