Safety & Seamanship

When Water Makes Sense Against Fire

We’ve never been entirely satisfied with dry chemical fire extinguishers for marine use. We’ve used them on petroleum and electrical fires in refinery settings,...

In Search of the $50 Rescue Float

Recovering a person in the water is a daunting problem. If the seas are rough enough to fall overboard, it’s not easy to hold...

Rhumb Lines: Kill Switches Save Lives

In the wake of a terrible tragedy that struck a few days before Thanksgiving in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program...

The Tragedy of the Driverless Dinghy

In the wake of a terrible tragedy that struck a few days before Thanksgiving in Sarasota, Florida, home of the Sarasota Youth Sailing Program...

Underwater Epoxy Test

Although laminating epoxies can tolerate some moisture, we know that excessive moisture can prevent a good cure. So how can we manage an emergency...

Rhumb Lines: Saluting the Practical Sailor Staff

It’s that time of year when I express my heartfelt appreciation for people behind this magazine. This year, I’m especially grateful for two sailors...

New Safety Switches for Outboard Motors

Buried deep within the recesses of the 2020 US Coast Guard reauthorization bill is a requirement that if a boat is planing or moving...

Rhumb Lines: Focusing on the Essentials

I truly believe that the experience of a long ocean passage on a small boat can change one’s view of the world and inspire...

Are Chart Lights Steering Us Wrong?

As the sun goes down your eyes begin to adapt. At first your pupils dilate. Then photo-sensing chemicals needed in daylight drain away, and...

Kayak Test Update

Our previous favorite kayak in this category was the Walker Bay Airis, which we reviewed in two different evolutions (PS July 2008 and October...

AMAZING Sailboat Drones, US Navy Deploys 65 Foot Sailing Drone

Sailing Drones are WILD! The New Jersey drone sightings aren’t the only things making waves in the world of unmanned vehicles. Sailing drones are...

Latest Sailboat Review

Catalina 42 Mk I and Mk II

Under the guidance of Frank Butler, who founded the company in 1969, Catalina Yachts’ philosophy is to offer “as much boat for the money...