Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Shockles Snubber Test

The string of anchor tests weve carried out in the last year (PS, May 2012, February 2013, April 2013, and May 2013) presented a...

Summer Sailing Gear

Summers warm breezes and lazy weekends have arrived, so PS testers have put together a lineup of cool toys and tools for the dog...

Mailport: June 2013

How thick is too thick for the buildup of old layers of bottom paint? This question arises because I have just finished painting the...

Anchor Tests: Bending More Shanks

Benefits of BuryingBy comparing these field tests to the controlled, graduated loading tests that we carried out for the April 2013 article, it seems...

Bends and Breaks: Anchor Shank Strength

As more and more anchor-makers source their materials and move their fabricating offshore, Practical Sailor has been fielding an increasing number of questions regarding...

A Second Look at Anchor Tests

Anchor testing at Practical Sailor has always been a controversial enterprise, sure to fire up someone. As one reader commented in response our most...

The Hassles of Hockles

Taking the advice of a PS review, I installed a Lewmar V2 windlass on my boat in 2008. I went with the installers recommendation...

Anchor Resetting Tests

Practical Sailor has carried out dozens of anchor tests over the years. The majority of these tests have compared the ability of various anchor...

Attack of the Zebra Mussel

For 20-plus years, I have removed my mooring buoy from the water at the end of the sailing season on Lake Champlain. This year,...

Life Rafts, Pride, and Prejudice

My cruising life often seems like a string of disasters narrowly averted-storms, reefs, mechanical failures, bad enchiladas-but the most frightening near miss (apropos of...

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...