Subscriber Only - Practical Sailor

Mooring line with shock absorbers and sock sleeves. Plain, white socks keep the shock absorbers from marking your hull. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Boat Hook and Fender Hacks

Subscriber Only October 14, 2024

Point me to any boat, anywhere, anytime and I can guarantee you I will find a few tricks or particular set-ups made by its...

Island Packet 350 Used Boat Review

Subscriber Only October 8, 2024

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...

Affordable products that you can find beyond the chandlery help make boat life more comfortable. Velcro strips, Bounce dryer sheets, LED pool lights and anti-skid material are all small fixes that have a big impact. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Product Hacks: Velcro, Bounce, Anti-Skid Mats and Pool Lights

Subscriber Only October 7, 2024

Here are a few product hacks to help keep your boat organized, bug free and lit properly. 3M COMMAND© VELCRO® STRIPS If you’re like me and...

This flight in the travel lift from the water to the stands cost at Brunswick Landing Marina cost $814 with a pressure wash of the bottom included. (Photo/ Alex Jasper)

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Sailboat in Georgia?

Subscriber Only October 7, 2024

When planning my trip from Rhode Island down the ICW to the Bahamas, I knew I didn’t want to come all the way back...

Multiple cockpit enclosures were essential to make the cockpit comfortable in varying conditions. These shade flaps helped to keep temperatures down. Alex made them in a marina while waiting for a storm to pass. (Photo/ Alex Jasper)

ICW Gear Must-Haves

Subscriber Only September 30, 2024

After several weeks on the ICW (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway), I decided that I’d serendipitously bought almost the perfect ICW boat. I can’t take credit...

The Gill Pro Long Finger ($50) is Practical Sailor's top pick for sailing gloves.

Five Best Gloves: Sailing and DIYing in All Weather

Subscriber Only September 30, 2024

Hands take a beating while sailing, from chafe, pressure points, cuts and cold. Hard heads will say “you just need to let the calluses...

Leszek Wolnik, left, with granddaughter Reija, center, and crew Marija before their Atlantic crossing on a Vancouver 32. Reija and Marija had their hair braided in preparation for the voyage, while Leszek's hair was naturally voyage-ready. (Photo/ Leszek Wolnik)

Crossing the Atlantic with Kids: Intergenerational Voyaging Tips

Subscriber Only September 30, 2024

“It was Reija who started it all,” smiles Leszek, talking to me from his home in Dublin, Ireland. The idea of crossing the Atlantic had...

The Beneteau 393 is a comfortable, extended coastal cruiser with a handsome interior. Photo courtesy of Yacht World.

Beneteau 393 Used Boat Review

Subscriber Only September 30, 2024

Beneteau is one of the few builders (along with perhaps Catalina, Hunter and its own corporate cousin, Jeanneau) whose volume of production can generate...

Propane tank valve and pressure gauge. Since a propane leak can be catastrophic, make sure to schedule in a propane tank and fitting check into your maintenance calendar. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Propane Leak: How to Detect, Locate and Fix

Subscriber Only September 23, 2024

There isn’t much that scares or worries me when it comes to all things about boats. Except two: large amounts of water coming in...

Revive Your Mast Like a Pro

Subscriber Only September 23, 2024

Unobtainium is the metal at the top of every Naval Architect’s wish list. It’s a perfect marine material; light, strong, stiff yet flexible—it’s as...