Measuring Anode and Cathode Degradation
The anodes were cleaned, weighed, and installed on 2-foot lengths of 3/4-inch, copper pipe (type M), which were also weighed. We hung the samples...
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...
Durabak Nonskid Coating Long-term Test Update
In the January 2012 issue, we evaluated the application ease and traction performance of do-it-yourself nonskid options. A few months prior to the report,...
Editors Picks: Winter Reading for Sailors
Practical Sailor editors have put together a roundup of marine-related books that we think are deserving of a spot in your library. Most are...
Bottom Paints for Freshwater Sailors
I am a relative novice to sailing, and my new-ish boyfriend is thinking about bringing his boat to Lake Superior, Mich. He's one of...
Caught Between Two Homers
Technical Editor Ralph Naranjos report on risk management in this months issue sent me scouring the Internet for the origins of risk. Most dictionaries...
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...
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,...
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...
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...