Cleaning Waxing

Treating Vinyl for Long Life

Vinyl protection is about the long run. In the Practical Sailor January 2014 issue, we reported on the performance of a host of clear-vinyl...

Long-term Testing Clear Vinyl

Our long-term test of clear vinyl and clear-vinyl treatments includes environmental outdoor tests with controls, as well as some real-world testing on one of...

Cleaning the Holding Tank

Weve noticed an odor and a buildup of caked-on solids in the holding tank. My thought is to fill the holding tank with fresh...

Fighting Mildew, Mold, and Lichen

Most boat owners regard their boat as a living, breathing thing, but when real living things-especially the microscopic variety-move aboard and start occupying large...

Searching for Spray Shine

Is there a quick, easy way to get a glossy shine on the deck and topsides between the grueling wax-and-buff efforts? To find out,...

Restoring Clear-vinyl Windows

ConclusionAll of the test products dramatically improved the clarity of weathered vinyl test panels, typically improving clarity by two to four times. None removed...

Restoring Vinyl Windows: DIY or Hire a Pro?

If your vinyl dodger windows are more than five to seven years old and looking tired but your canvas is still looking good, its...

Heavy-Duty Rubbing Compounds

Gelcoat provides a fiberglass boat with a hard, water-resistant protective shell. When new, its polished and waxed to a bright shine, but after a...

Tired Daysailer Hull Serves as Test Platform

Practical Sailor tested the compounds on the badly oxidized hull of a neglected 1974 ODay Javelin daysailer that has been stored uncovered in the...

Shurhold Buffing Pad Cleaner

During our April 2014 performance test of rubbing compounds, we sullied a dozen brand-new wool buffing pads, all of which were Shurhold brand. Since...

The UNIQUE Maxus 26 Lifting Keel Trailer Sailor

What is the best trailerable sailboat? One big feature is the mast stepping system. Today we look at trailer sailors like the Catalina 275,...

Latest Sailboat Review

Beneteau 40.7 Used Boat Review

Beneteau began building boats in France in 1884 when Beneteau opened shop for the purpose of constructing trawlers at Croix-de-Vie. Eighty years later, under...