The Best Gloves for the Boatyard

Maintaining a sailboat involves dealing with a host of chemicals, paints, varnishes and solvents. Learn which gloves are best suited for each boat task to ensure you protect yourself and stay as comfortable as possible for short and longterm jobs.

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Leather gloves stand out for their durability and protection. The material stretches to fit over time, so initial fitting should be snug.

We choose our sailing gloves and deck shoes with great care, because they are our interface with the boat. The same goes for work gloves, and choosing the right pair for the job is a tricky balance. In addition to dexterity, we demand physical and chemical protection, durability and comfort. There is no perfect work glove, but rather a family, each with the optimum properties for the task at hand. 

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Drew Frye
Drew Frye, Practical Sailor’s technical editor, has used his background in chemistry and engineering to help guide Practical Sailor toward some of the most important topics covered during the past 10 years. His in-depth reporting on everything from anchors to safety tethers to fuel additives have netted multiple awards from Boating Writers International. With more than three decades of experience as a refinery engineer and a sailor, he has a knack for discovering money-saving “home-brew” products or “hacks” that make boating affordable for almost anyone. He has conducted dozens of tests for Practical Sailor and published over 200 articles on sailing equipment. His rigorous testing has prompted the improvement and introduction of several marine products that might not exist without his input. His book “Rigging Modern Anchors” has won wide praise for introducing the use of modern materials and novel techniques to solve an array of anchoring challenges.