Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Setting an Anchor in a Small Boat

In our ongoing study of ways to compare, and hopefully improve the way our anchors set, weve learned that it takes time and slow,...

Essential Sailing Gear that Lasts

Our long-term testing at Practical Sailor may have the initial appeal of a tortoise race, but things do heat up at the finish line....

Custom-Made Hard Top Biminis

I was wondering if there is any information regarding the protocol for replacing canvas with a rigid Bimini/dodger on a small 36-foot catamaran. I...

Regalvanizing G70 Chain

As high tensile G70 chain becomes more prevalent in the marine market, Practical Sailor has been busy testing the limits of this material, which...

Fixing Tears in Sunbrella Boat Canvas

Sooner or later, chafe, UV rays, and sharp edges take their toll on our canvas. A misplaced screw or simple friction will eat holes...

Using a Jordan Series Drogue for Steering

Thanks for this discussion of using drogues for controlling a boat with a rudder lost or jammed over (see Sailing Without a Rudder, Practical...

Controlling Jibes With Boom Brakes

Ten years ago, you may recall having seen the Walder boom brake demonstrated at sailboat shows. There wasn't anything quite like it. The device...

Tools to Tame the Jibe

The loads of a flying jibe in late summer squall are enough to shred sails, rip out deck or boom fittings, bend or break...

The Best Prevention is a Preventer

Ideally, you don't put yourself in a position where an accidental jibe can happen, but even an experienced sailor can get caught off guard...

Ideal Drogue setup will require experiments

For maximum maneuverability, the control lines-one port, one starboard-should attach at the widest part of the boat. This maximizes leverage and places the effort...

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

Martin 16 Used Boat Review

The Martin 16 is designed for adaptive sailing so people with disabilities can easily control sails and steering. It is an excellent choice for...