How to Restore a Faded GRP Hull to a Shine (UK Small Boats) UK small boats take a real battering from the elements. Saltwater, rain, UV exposure, and long winter lay-ups can quickly leave a GRP (glass reinforced plastic) hull looking dull and chalky. Whether you own a small fishing boat, RIB, speedboat, or trailer […]
How to Safely Bring a Fish Aboard in a Small Open Boat Bringing a fish aboard a small open boat can be one of the most dangerous moments of the trip — especially when fishing alone or in rough conditions. Large fish, sharp hooks, and sudden movement can easily lead to injury or even capsize […]
How to Keep Bait Fresh on a Small Boat (Step-by-Step) Common Mistakes That Ruin Bait Quickly Avoiding these mistakes alone will dramatically improve bait quality. Quick Checklist Final Thoughts Fresh bait catches more fish — it’s that simple. With a bit of planning and these easy bait-keeping tips for small boats, you’ll spend more time […]
The Best Tools Every Small-Boat Owner Should Carry Meta title: Best Tools for Small Boat Owners | Essential Boat Toolkit UK Meta description: Discover the best tools every small-boat owner should carry. Essential onboard toolkit for small boats, fishing boats, and outboards in the UK. Whether you’re pottering along the coast, heading out fishing off […]
Common Causes of Poor Idle on Small Outboards 1. Dirty or Blocked Carburettor (Most Common) At idle, the engine relies on tiny idle and pilot jets. Even a small amount of dirt or old fuel varnish can block them. Symptoms Fix 2. Old or Contaminated Fuel Petrol goes stale quickly, especially with ethanol. Symptoms Fix […]
How to Wire a Basic 12V System on Small Boats A simple 12-volt system can transform a small boat. It allows you to run navigation lights, a bilge pump, USB chargers, a fish finder, or a VHF radio — all safely and reliably. This guide explains how a basic 12V system works, what components you […]
A Beginner’s Guide to Bilge Pumps If you own a small boat, a bilge pump is one of the most important bits of safety equipment onboard. It’s not glamorous, but when water starts collecting where it shouldn’t, a bilge pump can make the difference between a minor issue and a serious problem. This guide explains […]
UK Small Boat Safety Checklist (Inshore & Coastal) Whether you’re heading out for fishing, a short coastal run, or pottering about in sheltered waters, safety should always come first. This UK small boat safety checklist is designed for inshore and coastal boats under 24 metres, with a focus on small motorboats and open craft. Use […]
Fixing Common Pull-Start Problems on Small Engines Pull-start (recoil) systems are simple, reliable, and found on most small outboards, generators, and garden engines. When they fail, it’s usually due to wear, dirt, or corrosion rather than serious engine trouble. The good news? Most pull-start problems are easy and cheap to fix at home. This guide […]
Common Causes of Poor Idle on Small Outboards A small outboard that won’t idle properly — stalling, hunting, or needing throttle to stay running — is one of the most common problems boat owners face. The good news is that most idle issues are simple, cheap fixes once you know where to look. This guide […]
