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...
Abandon Ship! Coast Guard Rescue Beneteau 523 in the Atlantic
What would cause the captain and crew to abandon ship in the Atlantic ocean? There was no sailboat disaster here, but a coast guard...
Latest Sailboat Review
J/109 Used Boat Review
The J/109 is a 35-ft. boat that races well and has some comforts for short term cruising. It is a true racer/cruiser. The first...