DIY Projects

Best Boat Soaps for Regular Washdowns

Sticking to a regular boat bath regimen has multiple benefits. It not only keeps a boat looking good, but it also helps protect it...

Nonskid Test Update

Practical Sailor recently tested a nonskid mat from Soft Deck Inc. as a followup to our January 2012 report on do-it-yourself options for replacing...

Stuck Like Glue

Photos by Ralph Naranjo 300 Just about every sailboat owner has at some point mixed up a batch of epoxy to fill a hole, glue parts...

Ralph’s Great Adventures in Laminating

Technical Editor Ralph Naranjo equates spare time with boat projects. His basement shop/test facility has spawned a wide range of boats, boards, and parts...

Ralph’s Great Adventures in Laminating

Technical Editor Ralph Naranjo equates spare time with boat projects. His basement shop/test facility has spawned a wide range of boats, boards, and parts...

Antifouling for Aluminum Boats

Application and PerformanceApplication is difficult compared to conventional paints for fiberglass boats. If the boat has another type of coating or is uncoated, sandblasting...

What’s In the Practical Sailor Toolbag?

Milwaukee M12 right-angle drill/driver kitBoring holes in hard to reach spaces often requires a right-angle drill, and this compact Milwaukee cordless tool fits the...

What’s In the Practical Sailor Toolbag?

Milwaukee M12 right-angle drill/driver kitBoring holes in hard to reach spaces often requires a right-angle drill, and this compact Milwaukee cordless tool fits the...

Bottom Paint Stripping

My husband, Ken was in the fiberglass business for over 25 years. We intend to take off all of our boat’s bottom paint (about...

A Better Way to Mount Deck Hardware

Improperly mounted stanchion and pulpit bases are a major cause of gelcoat cracks in the deck radiating from the attached hardware. The cracks are...

The ALL NEW Catalina 426 Full Tour

The Catalina 426 is the latest addition to Catalina’s renowned fleet, designed for sailors seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. This 42-foot...

Latest Sailboat Review

Martin 16 Used Boat Review

The Martin 16 is designed for adaptive sailing so people with disabilities can easily control sails and steering. It is an excellent choice for...