A Sure Way to Secure the Boom
When the wind really blows, the pleasant chiming of a marina takes on a different character. Above the howling of the wind is the...
Making Sail Repairs Last
Polyester has long been the workhorse sail fabric; durable, easy to sew and handle, and relatively stretch resistant. It is also relatively easier to...
Dyneema Abrasion Test
As outlined in our previous report on lifelines, high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fiber rope has revolutionized sailboat rigging during the past decade (see Fiber...
Long-term Clear Vinyl Protection
When the clear vinyl on one of our multihull test boats began to crack and fade after approximately 10 years, the costs estimates for...
Best Sailing Gear of 2018
3)]DebondersIn an update to our January 2017 wide-ranging test of adhesive removers, we zeroed in on 3M 5200, looking for an antidote to its...
What Chain Connector Will Fit My Gypsy?
Regarding your recent article on joining chain segments (see Reliable Chain Connections, PS June 2018), I've been coastal cruising from Canada to Panama since...
A Riveting Report: Spar Fasteners
Every sailor eventually feels the pull to add hardware to their spars. Maybe a piece of hardware has broken off, or the fasteners look...
Deft Theft: Make & Find Your Own Marine Gear
Heres a bet: Someone at the next boat show will try to sell you something you already have. With more time than money on...
The Penny-Pinching PhD Sailor
For more than 30 years, Practical Sailor has provided serious sailors and DIY boat owners an unbiased source of evaluations. We've done our best...
Inspecting Rivets and Screws for Trouble
Drew Fry
One of the interesting conclusions from our testing was the surprising strength among all of the test fasteners when loaded in the shear....
The ALL NEW Catalina 426 Full Tour
The Catalina 426 is the latest addition to Catalina’s renowned fleet, designed for sailors seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and versatility. This 42-foot...
Latest Sailboat Review
MacGregor 26M Used Boat Review
MacGregor 26 has been a staple in the trailerable sailboat market for decades, and company literature claimed more than 7,000 of the original model...