Getting a Grip on Velcro
We think of all stick-and-rip, hook-and-loop fasteners as Velcro-just as we ask for Kleenex after a sneeze-and most tend to have uniformly low performance...
Applying Dielectric Grease
I'm confused about how to apply dielectric silicone compound or LPS-3 (spray) to electrical connections. These are dielectric substances (i.e., insulators), which would suggest...
Mailport: April 2016
More DIY PasserellesThis is in response to your article Art of the Passerelle in the February 2016 issue of Practical Sailor and your request...
Where Credit is Due
Gill North AmericaId like to offer kudos to Becky in the customer service department at Gill North America (www.gillna.com). I sent Gill a note...
Bottom Paint Checkup 2016
A fairly significant change has taken place in the world of antifouling paint for recreational boaters in the United States. Last year, multi-national chemical...
Respect for the Mighty Barnacle
While gathering data for this months bottom paint report I took comfort in the notion that Im not the first to have barnacles on...
Spiffy Teak Tips for the Penny Pincher
Most teak cleaners don't just clean; they also remove weathered woods surface fibers and expose new wood. As much as 0.010 inches of surface...
Long-term Test Gear Updates
Many of Practical Sailors tests move from the lab (workshop/garage/driveway) to our fleet of test boats, where we can evaluate the top products in...
DIY Fiberglass Hatch Covers
The ProcessThe first order of business was to create templates from the existing hatch windows; we did this using freezer paper, confirming measurements carefully....
Too Much of a Good Thing?
I read the September 2015 article about algae control and thought the Clorox Pool and Spa Algae Eliminator would be just the thing to...
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...