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Safety & Seamanship

We asked insurance companies how much it would cost to insure the popular Beneteau Oceanis 37.1 so readers could see the benefit of shopping around to find the company that best suits their needs and price point. Photo courtesy of Beneteau.

What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for My Cruising Sailboat?

There are plenty of exciting things to buy in the world of sailing. Nabbing all the gear, gadgets, upgrades and essential marine accoutrement is...

Refurbishing the Inflatable Dinghy

Inflatable tenders have become the family car for many cruisers. They haul groceries, take us to snorkeling spots, shuttle guests, haul out second anchors,...
You don't need to keep a full-size SCUBA tank onboard for underwater emergencies. Mini SCUBA tanks like this Spare Air don't take up much storage space, and offer sailors the ability to dive on an anchor or work on the prop longer than you'd be able to with snorkel alone.

Compact Scuba Kits for Sailors

In general, many cruisers prefer the freedom of snorkeling to scuba diving, yet there are situations when extending the time you can spend underwater...

Safety: Lights and Shapes that Signal Status and Intentions

We have the minimum required lights, including running lights for sailing and motoring, and an anchor light. We might even have an electronic distress...
Patricia Dallas and David Sapiane are the experienced and caring voices behind Gulf Harbour Radio (ZMH286). They work from their home near Auckland, New Zealand supporting sailors who are crossing the Pacific.

A Radio Lifeline for Cruisers

Speaking with Patricia Dallas and David Sapiane of Gulf Harbour Radio is a little like speaking to a great-aunt and uncle. Like someone who’s...

An Argument for Plain Nautical Language

I never like writing filled with subtle allegory, puzzles, and hidden meaning. But in the hands of a master, creative use of language is...
Propane tank valve and pressure gauge. Since a propane leak can be catastrophic, make sure to schedule in a propane tank and fitting check into your maintenance calendar. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Propane Leak: How to Detect, Locate and Fix

There isn’t much that scares or worries me when it comes to all things about boats. Except two: large amounts of water coming in...

What’s the Best Sunscreen?

Social media seems to be stirring up fear that sunscreen is more than harmful than beneficial, without legitimate studies to support this fear mongering....
Peter Mott has nine years of volunteer experience supporting bluewater sailors on their voyages via Passage Guardian. He holds New Zealand Boat Master and Coastal Skipper certifications

Safeguarding Sailors via Passage Guardian

Peter Mott has been working with radio his entire life. But only upon retiring did he start to combine his love of sailing and...

How (Not) to Tie Your Boat to a Dock

No sailor can resist the temptation to look over another sailor's work, and nothing draws the eye faster than your neighbor's docklines. We like...

Diesel Overheating Dinghy Pump Hack

Bert Vermeer tells his story of an overheating Beta Marine 20 diesel sailboat engine with clogged sail drive intake ports and how he used...
Catalina 34 Used Boat Review video from Practical Sailor

Catalina 34 Used Boat Review

Latest Sailboat Review

Caliber 40 LRC Used Boat Review

Brothers George and Michael McCreary, and Marshall Jones, formed Caliber Yachts Inc. as a backyard boatbuilding company in 1979. No strangers to the sailing...