Functional Fabrics
What We FoundLooking at a nicely fit dodger built from either Sunbrella or WeatherMax will leave many consumers with a hard-to-make decision. Pick up...
Pushing Marine Fabrics Beyond Their Limits
Two years ago, we sewed up our own dodger and assorted deck covers made from Sunbrella and WeatherMax fabrics and monitored how well the...
Caring for Marine Fabrics
To keep your Biminis, dodgers, and sail covers clean and in service for the long haul, regular maintenance is a must. Here are some...
After-market Cordage Treatments
Fabric SoftenerTesters used Ultra Downy fabric softener; however, a quick study of manufacturer MSDS information suggests that any common fabric softener would likely perform...
Field Testing Treatments
Approximately 150 feet of 7/16-inch rope will fit in a five-gallon bucket. This requires one 500-milliliter bottle (17 ounces) of Rope Proof or 4...
Is Titanium an Everyman Metal?
Through the commotion of a 30-knot squall, I heard the chainplate pop. It was not an unusually loud pop. The result was impressive, nonetheless....
Titanium in the Marine Chandlery
Titanium’s high price is only one thing that is keeping in the realm of mega-yachts and Cup boats. Some of the essential roles that...
Maintaining Stainless Steel
Most of a chainplate is hidden from view by a toggle and where the chainplate lives below deck level. In these areas, deterioration grows...
Practical Sailor’s 2011 Gear of the Year Picks
Pressure CookerOur Gear of the Year galley pick is the Kuhn Rikon Duromatic spring-valve pressure cooker. Pressure cookers are the cruiser’s answer to the...
West Marine Issues Rocna Spec Notice
In the wake of questions about the tensile strength of steel used in the shafts of Rocna anchors, West Marine has issued “product specification...
X Yachts X43 Sailboat Tour
Are you interested in a 40 foot performance cruising sailboat? Looking for an X-Yachts sailboat? Join us today for a sailboat tour of the...
Latest Sailboat Review
Island Packet 350 Used Boat Review
The current tally of Island Packets—"More than 1,800 sold"—is impressive for any boatbuilding company. Just over 20 years ago the first boats in the...