Spuds going in the water.

My useless (I have other words that I prefer to use) Setanta spuds turn to mush if I so much as show them a pot of boiling water.

Can they be used without them turning to grey slop ? I don't do chips so thats out and they're so badly scabbed I really don't think I could bring myself to bake them.

Is there a secret knack for stopping it ?

Hypothetically speaking 

In a poorly equipped, shoe box style, none cooks kitchen - how would one go about achieving steamed potatoes ?

I did the same till someone gave me a steamer!    

Big pan of water and sit colander over it - making sure that contents won't touch the water - very important.  Take colander out and shove lid on, bring to boil.  put spuds in colander (with sprig of mint if liked), quickly over water and use pan lid over spuds.  Keep the water boiling along and steam for maybe 15 mins and test.  Keep going till done.  Lift off, stand for a minute or so without lid to dry and serve ...

easy .... 

And we think that low carbon one pot cooking is a new thing!