Wheel Thimbles for Synthetic Line Terminals
This is not a completely new concept. Spool thimbles have long been used on multi-pulley block beckets to increase the pin diameter to better...
Pre-Purchase or Insurance Survey: Which One Do I Need?
You’ve been bitten by the sailing bug and every spare minute is spent searching online for that perfect vessel. You’ve narrowed it down to...
Do Twin Sheets Control the Mainsail Better?
The main traveler is one of those love-hate pieces of gear on a boat. We love that it separates control of twist and angle...
Shock Cord Hardware for Sailors
Every rope we have on board has its quirks when you’re trying to form a knot that won’t slip or come untied.
Dyneema is a...
Haul Out Tips to Avoid Confusion and Delays
Every fall, we sailors living in the colder, wintery parts of the world, must haul out our beloved boats and set them gently onto...
Checking Rope Strength
We like nylon for docklines, anchor rode and chain snubbers because it stretches, absorbing jolts that would otherwise be transferred to the boat and...
Lashing for Strength
Standing rigging, stays, and lifelines; these have always been steel cable, terminated with a shackle or ball at one end and a turnbuckle at...
Are Wrinkles Killing Your Sail Shape?
Polyester sails stretch. Sailmakers add resin to the cloth in order to stabilize the fibers. Sailmakers then cut the sail to arrange the load...
Superlight Anchors: Not Just for Racers
How important is an anchor aboard a racing sailboat? Just ask Swiss sailor Bernard Stamm who was disqualified from the 2008-2009 Vendee Globe Around-the-World...
Refining Furling Line Fairleads
There was a time when headsail handling meant snapping on bronze piston-hanks and hauling on a smooth-running halyard. Times have changed, and now it's...
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
Morgan Out Island 36 Used Boat Review
Most are familiar with Charles Morgan and his Out Island 41, primarily made to cruise and charter in the Bahamas, but not many are...