A Better Chain Grabber
Like most long-range cruising boats, Calypso is anchored on an all-chain rode. Deep water, windy anchorages and uncertain bottom conditions-including rope-eating coral heads-make chain...
That Old Nasty Problem Caused by Dissimilar Metals
A lot of boats depend on a large Edson diaphragm pump as a last ditch emergency pump. Pumps are either permanently mounted or bolted...
The Waltz Rates a Best Buy Among Gimbaled Backstay Radar Mounts
The September double issue contained the first of three articles on radar antenna mounting choices. That first report was on mast mounts. This one...
Offshore Log: Up the Mast, One at a Time
Many PS readers undoubtedly found our articles on going aloft alone (July 1, 1998 and August 15, 1998) a little esoteric, but for the...
PS Advisor 01/01/99
Cutting Rope Can Be ToughBeing retired comfortably enough to indulge in some enjoyable and expensive foolishness, weve bought a big old yawl in magnificent...
A Busted Mast Step and a Popped Shackle
Shortly after we published the July 1, 1998 article on mast steps, reader Jim Lyons mailed off a little box. He lives in...
In Sand, The Spade and Bulwagga Rank at the Top of 15 Anchors
Round 2 of Practical Sailor’s continuing series of anchor tests produced some surprising results. The holding-in-sand tests revealed that:1. Two relatively unknown anchors—one called...
PS Advisor 01/15/99
Adding a StaysailCan you advise where I can find basic design parameters for adding an inner forestay to my 40-footer? Jim FitzgeraldHollywood, FloridaAdding an...
Whence Thou Comest, Highfield?
Because increasing numbers of serious sailors have become interested in retrofitting inner forestays for heavy weather headsails, a look at quick-detach hardware is in...
Whats Going On With Sailmakers?
During our recent cruises through boat shows and seminars, we were surprised that changes in sailmaking are occurring as rapidly as consolidations in the...