DIY Projects

Another Look at ‘Dustless’ Sanding

In “Dustless Sanding,” (see PS April 2016), we described a simple modification to a 5-gallon bucket that would make collecting dust from bottom painting...

What’s The Best Bottom Paint?

We consider two years to be the practical limit for antifouling paints, and we like to haul our boats every two years for other...

Sailing Triteia: Budget Bluewater Cruising

If I were to sum up, in one word, how James Frederick has managed to create his sailing life, I’d say “resourcefully.” The 49-year-old...

Why Choose the Wharram Design?

Gathered on the sofa, I fumbled with the HDMI cable, trying to connect my laptop to our TV. “What’s this movie about?” Ryder, our eldest,...
Replacing AGMs with Blue Nova lithium batteries. This was way above my pay grade! After trying to install twice with the help of "mates," I eventually found a brilliant young engineer in Cape Town. (Photo/ Brett Campbell)

Boat Improvements for the Technically Illiterate

My wife Amanda often asks fellow cruisers the question: Would you prefer to sail with an experienced mechanic who knew little about sailing, or...

Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?

Preserving a clear view through clear plastic on dodgers or enclosures is one of the most challenging tasks in boat maintenance. Restoring a vinyl...
A V-Guide in use on stainless pulpit railing. V-Guides keep your drill bit from walking off either side of the curved surface. They are a helpful tool in this scenario since stainless requires steady, slow, lubricated pressure to drill properly.

Mastering Precision Drilling: How to Use Drill Guides

Poking a ⅜-in. bit into wood is simple enough. Place the bit on the mark, sight the drill from two directions at 90 degrees...

Giving Bugs the Big Goodbye

We're not naturally bug phobic, but when they eat our food, clothes or boat, something needs to be done. Since we don't like heavy...

Windlass Replacement on an Island Packet 40

At first I thought that standing on the V-head toilet and climbing awkwardly into the chain locker was funny. I tried not to think...
Using only what they had available onboard, the cruisers rebuilt a broken clue on their genoa which lasted for thousands of miles of sailing.

Getting a Clue for the Blown-Out Clew

How do you manage major sail repairs in remote locations? By using whatever you have onboard to get you home—or beyond. After an easy three-day...

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

Morgan Out Island 36 Used Boat Review

Most are familiar with Charles Morgan and his Out Island 41, primarily made to cruise and charter in the Bahamas, but not many are...