Sodablasting 101
Owning a boat is an exercise in perspective. A gale can make a sailboat feel like a canoe, while the prospect of bottom paint...
A Mathematical Decision-maker
An easy way to compute the do-it-yourself labor commitment involved is by timing how long it takes to scrape clean two 1-square-foot patches. The...
Past Adventures with Chemical Strippers
Our foray into sodablasting follows years of testing several different ways to remove bottom paint. Although you can simply attack the bottom paint with...
Mailport: October 2011
In regards to your article on chafe protection (PS, July 2011): I have used orthopedic grade leather (Boat Leather, Seattle, www.boatleather.com) for chafe protection....
Where Credit is Due: October 2011
When I bought my 1992 Catalina 28 in 1994, it came equipped with a Boomkicker from Seoladair (www.boomkicker.com). Just recently, the fitting that connected...
Practical Sailor’s 2011 Gear of the Year Picks
Pressure CookerOur Gear of the Year galley pick is the Kuhn Rikon Duromatic spring-valve pressure cooker. Pressure cookers are the cruiser’s answer to the...
Maintenance All-Stars
Multi-Purpose CleanersWe set out looking for one do-it-all cleaner, because really, who wants to buy every pricey specialty cleaner on the market? As it...
The Best Marine Varnish: Exterior Wood Finish Tests
Like spotting land after a long passage, were glad to say that the end of our long-term exterior wood finishes test is finally on...
Whey Overdue for a Recoat
Practical Sailor often supplements panel testing with product challenges aboard our test boats to see whether top products still earn their keep in the...
Which Batteries Would I Buy TODAY for my SAILBOAT?
What is the best battery for a sailboat? What is the problem with lithium batteries on boats? Is AGM or lithium better for a...
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...