Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Source for Yachting Advice and Boat Ownership Tips
Practical Boat Owner has been the UK's leading yachting magazine since 1967, providing authoritative advice and in-depth information for power and sail boat owners. Our editorial team combines decades of hands-on maritime experience with technical expertise, delivering practical guidance on boat maintenance, safety, and seamanship. We prioritise reader-driven content, offering step-by-step tutorials, gear reviews, and boat tests to help sailors maximise their leisure activities. With a heritage of excellence and a commitment to evolving with modern boating needs, we maintain rigorous editorial standards while embracing digital innovation. Our team includes certified professionals with extensive sailing, racing, and technical backgrounds, ensuring content reflects real-world challenges and solutions.We adhere to strict journalistic ethics through IPSO regulation, maintaining transparency in both editorial and commercial practices. Through print and digital platforms, we serve a global audience while retaining our British yachting heritage. Our contributors include experienced sailors, marine engineers, and award-winning journalists dedicated to advancing boating knowledge. We actively engage with the sailing community through events, training initiatives, and environmental stewardship programs. This combination of tradition, expertise, and innovation establishes us as a trusted authority in maritime publishing.
Services
Boat Maintenance Guides
Gear Reviews
Sailing Tips
Boat Tests
DIY Projects
Details
- Year established: 1967
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in yachting journalism
- Our team includes certified marine engineers and experienced sailors
- We provide hands-on, tested advice from real-world scenarios
- Our content is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation
- We combine traditional maritime knowledge with modern technological insights
Services
Boat Maintenance Guides
Practical Boat Owner provides detailed maintenance guides covering engine care, hull maintenance, and systems checks. Our step-by-step tutorials help owners prevent common issues and extend their boat's lifespan. Expert contributors share proven techniques for both traditional and modern vessels.
Gear Reviews
We conduct thorough evaluations of marine equipment, from safety gear to electronics. Our reviews combine technical specifications with real-world performance assessments. Readers receive unbiased recommendations based on extensive testing by qualified professionals.
Sailing Tips
Our sailing guidance covers navigation, weather interpretation, and handling techniques. Expert contributors share insights from competitive racing and long-distance cruising. Content focuses on improving safety and efficiency for all sailing conditions.
Boat Tests
We provide comprehensive assessments of new and used boats, including performance metrics and design analysis. Our tests evaluate practical aspects like storage, comfort, and systems layout. Readers gain insights into real-world vessel capabilities beyond manufacturer specifications.
DIY Projects
Our DIY section offers practical projects for boat improvement and repair. From simple fixes to major refits, instructions include required tools and safety considerations. Projects are tested by experienced boat owners before publication.
People
Katy Stickland
Editor
With 25 years in journalism, Katy has worked with BBC, Caribbean publications, and marine services. She co-founded Store Bay Marine Services in Tobago and brings extensive editorial experience from Yachting Monthly and PBO.
Ali Wood
Features Editor
A yachting journalist with expertise in outdoor and travel writing, Ali contributes sailing and watersports content. She owns the PBO Project Boat Maximus and shares hands-on refit experiences with readers.
Laura Hodgetts
Cruising Editor
Qualified to day skipper level, Laura combines journalism with practical sailing experience. She has covered Olympic sailing events and contributes technical content based on her extensive maritime qualifications.
Toby Heppell
Digital Editor
A former competitive dinghy racer, Toby brings digital expertise from covering global sailing events. He has written for racing and cruising publications since 2005, including Olympic Games coverage.
Fox Morgan
Digital Tech Editor
An STCW qualified maritime professional and photojournalist, Fox contributes technical content with a background in engineering and marine operations. They combine practical yachting experience with digital expertise.
Questions
What topics does Practical Boat Owner cover?
We cover boat maintenance, sailing techniques, gear reviews, boat tests, and DIY projects for both power and sail boats.
How can I access Practical Boat Owner content?
Available in print, digital editions for tablets, and through our website's extensive archive.
Does PBO cater to both novice and experienced sailors?
Yes, our content addresses all skill levels from beginner maintenance to advanced seamanship techniques.
Are the gear reviews impartial?
All reviews follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure unbiased, real-world testing results.
How does PBO ensure content accuracy?
Our team includes certified marine professionals and experienced sailors who verify all technical information.
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