Small inshore boats are great fun and perfectly capable—but only when properly equipped. Conditions close to shore can change quickly, and having the right safety gear on board can turn a bad situation into a manageable one. This guide covers the essential safety equipment every small inshore boat should carry. Lifejackets (One Per Person – […]
How to Buy a Used Small Outboard Without Getting Stung Buying a used small outboard can save you a lot of money—but only if you know what to look for. A tidy-looking engine can hide expensive problems, and once money changes hands, you’re often on your own. This guide will help you avoid the common […]
Setting the Perfect Trailer Height for Your Small Boat Getting the trailer height right for your small boat is one of those things that’s often overlooked—but it makes a huge difference to safety, towing stability, and how easily you can launch and recover your boat. Why Trailer Height Matters Incorrect trailer height can cause a […]
How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk Have you got an old, broken, or non-running outboard lying in the shed? Don’t scrap it just yet — there’s money to be made. Many boaters are desperate for used spares […]
The UK’s Marine Marketplace & Knowledge Centre A UK marketplace dedicated to small boats, outboards and marine spare parts. Whether you’re searching for a replacement propeller, a hard-to-find carburettor, a complete outboard engine, or simply looking for advice on repairing your boat, you’ve come to the right place. OutboardBits has been created specifically for the […]
Painting Over Antifoul: What You Should and Shouldn\’t Do Antifoul paint protects your boat’s hull from marine growth, but over time it builds up, flakes, or loses effectiveness. Painting over old antifoul is possible — but only if you prepare the hull correctly and use compatible paint. Here’s what boat owners should know before starting. […]
How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk How to Strip Down an Old Outboard and Sell It on outboardbits.co.uk Have you got an old, broken, or non-running outboard lying in the shed? Don’t scrap it just yet — there’s money to be made. Many boaters are desperate for used spares […]
How to Repair Fibreglass Damage on a Small GRP Hull A step-by-step, practical guide for small-boat owners: from minor gelcoat chips to larger fibreglass repairs. Clear instructions, materials, and safety tips so you can get back on the water. Overview GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is durable, but chips, cracks and small holes happen. Repairs range from […]
Diagnosing No‑Spark Problems on Small Outboards A practical, step‑by‑step HTML guide for small‑outboard owners — find the cause, run safe tests, and decide when to call a mechanic. Quick summary No spark at the plug is a common reason small outboards won\’t start. Usually it’s one of a handful of issues: kill switch/immobiliser problems, battery/charging […]
The Best Way to Flush Your Outboard After Saltwater Use Why flushing matters, and a clear step-by-step guide to protect your outboard from corrosion and salt buildup. Why you should flush your outboard Saltwater is corrosive — it eats at metal, blocks cooling passages with salt deposits, and shortens the life of your outboard. Flushing […]
