Ground Tackle Inspection Tips
Your anchoring system is only as strong as its weakest component, which includes not only the rode, but also shackles, splices, mooring bitts, cleats—in...
Shoe Goo II Excels for Quick Sail Repairs
After various test during the last few years, we’ve found that sail repair tapes have proven durable for minor reinforcements and repairing worn spots...
When Should We Retire Dyneema Stays and Running Rigging?
About a decade ago, like many sailors, we began replacing wire and low-stretch double braid ropes with super strong single-braid ropes. These ropes were...
Rethinking MOB Prevention
Man overboard gear standards are behind the times because the sample size is tiny and the facts surrounding an accident are often clouded and...
Top-notch Wind Indicators
That fragile plastic wind vane at the masthead looks like a child's toy to a lubber. Its a nautical curiosity perched at the top...
The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline
Multihulls commonly have net or webbing trampolines that cover the large areas of deck. The trampoline is vital to both performance and seaworthiness. It...
In Search of the Snag-free Clew
Asmooth tack can be a thing of beauty, until a sheet hangs up and ruins it. A crew member must run forward to free...
The Cruising Sailor’s Argument for High-tech Fibers
We’re not racers. A few ounces doesn’t matter to us, so why should we be interested in Dyneema, or any of the other popular...
SNADs: Snaps Without Screws
No one likes drilling holes in their boat, and to drill holes for a simple snap seems like overkill. I love snaps for window...
Stickier Sail Tape with 3M Primer
Self-adhesive hardware-store hooks don’t stick well to bare fiberglass. Just last week we had one wash into the bilge-pump strainer on our test boat....