Tiller Extensions: Forespars Cobra and Spinlocks E-series
Wheel steering or tiller? If theres an option, which should you choose? Which is better? Wheel steering once was for large yachts and big...
Busy Hands in Switzerland
We have reported several times in the past about instruments imported by an entrepreneur named David Laylin. He keeps a few Swiss working (some...
Mailport 05/01/00
Battery BurnupIn your January 1, 2000 issue, Mr. Dale Botwin reported his experience with an inexpensive Group 24 starting battery getting very hot and...
Comings and Goings
Weve been aware for some years that the Loran navigation system is presumably on the way out, this despite the fact that the global...
GMDSS: Mass Confusion?
Recently we received the following e-mail from reader Gerard Lacroix, asking questions about radio communications that must be on the minds of others. Your...
Moisture Meters: Can You Trust Them? We Test Five Models
Youve made an offer on a used boat and have retained a marine surveyor to examine the vessel prior to completing the transaction. One...
Handbearing Compasses: Plastimo Iris
One of the most time-consuming chores at Practical Sailor is finding, selecting and assembling the products to be tested. Even before we figure out...
Standard HX350S Is Top-Rated Waterproof Handheld VHF Radio
Waterproof VHF handheld radios just make sense. For many of us, they are only used during emergencies. Making them waterproof for the marine environment...
ChartView Edges MaxSea in Nav Software Matchup
Charting/navigation software for laptop computers are extremely powerful, although not every program does exactly the same things in the same way. Navigation software can...
Cabin Fan Test: Hella, Caframo Blow Best Breeze for the Buck
There are lots of things that can make being aboard a boat unpleasant. Among them: Too little wind, seasickness, crowded waterways, rain, guests with...
Truth About Grease – Boat Maintenance Must Do Tips
Sailboat Maintenance is a big topic so we're breaking it down into bite sized boat maintenance tips in our Everything You Need to Know...
Latest Sailboat Review
Beneteau 393 Used Boat Review
Beneteau is one of the few builders (along with perhaps Catalina, Hunter and its own corporate cousin, Jeanneau) whose volume of production can generate...