PS Tests Adhesive Removers
Many years ago, one of our editors had an old wooden boat with lovely wooden handrails just inside the companionway that his sailing partner...
Marine Sealant Adhesion Tests
We expect a lot from adhesive sealants for the marine environment. They must stick to a wide variety of surfaces, including gelcoat, aluminum, wood,...
A New Spin on Dependable Crimps and Splices
Our test focused primarily on the small-wire connections tensile strength, with and without solder, but we also looked at their durability under tough environmental...
Small Wire Connections: Part II
Connecting two standard-size wires is pretty straightforward: Grab a ratchet crimper, adjust it to fit the crimp connector, strip the two wires to fit...
Winter Sailing Tips for Diehards
For many seasonal sailors, the winterizing routine is already well underway. But there are more than a few diehard sailors in the mid-Atlantic regions,...
Testing Winches with Dale
Part 2 of our winch test this month brought back fond memories of the man who helped steer me into my position as Practical...
Making a Do-it-Yourself Jerry Can Drip Catcher
The previous owner of our test boat swore by using a funnel. Of course, the funnel was too small to catch nozzle leaks, reduced...
Winch Grease Corrosion Tests
When it comes to most mechanical things-like wheel bearings on a car-its miles that wears em out, as my grandfather used to say. And...
Winch Servicing Basics
While using the right winch grease is important, servicing the winch before the grease turns to gum, washes out, or the pawls start to...
Unsticking Molds
Our boats are molded, heart and soul, from fiberglass resin. And while sailors will argue for hours over the best splice, multi-function display, or...