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Bilge hose connected to the air intake, sucking hot air from the alternator area. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Alternator Overheat: A Surprising Solution for Older Boats

Over the years, and with two different small diesels working in the tight quarters of the engine compartment of our 1978 Islander Bahama 30,...
The dinghy pump connected to the raw water hose removed from the strainer, ready to blow air back through the saildrive leg, ready to be taped. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Unblock Seawater Intake: Dinghy Pump Hose Hack

It was another spectacular summer day as we released the dock lines and once again escaped life ashore, the trusty diesel humming beneath our...
Although the cause of this delaminated rudder is unknown, In most cases the delamination comes with age. Also, a small nick from hitting a rock or coral will let water in and, if not attended too, the delamination will worsen in time. (Photo/ Ray Ville)

Pre-Purchase or Insurance Survey: Which One Do I Need?

You’ve been bitten by the sailing bug and every spare minute is spent searching online for that perfect vessel. You’ve narrowed it down to...

In Search of Better Filters

Presumably, air cleaners are about dusty environments, and dust is a rare thing on the water. But is the engine room actually clean? We’ve seen...

Offshore Log: Thoughts on Engine Spares For Cruising

Perhaps the biggest surprise during our 30,000-mile circumnavigation was just how critical the engine is to a cruising sailboat. We motored or motorsailed almost...

The Front Line in Filtration

Wire mesh screens are a pain to clean. Fibers push through neighboring holes, resulting in what is known in the industry as “stapling.” They...
Lowering the Beta 20, the Kubota 722 block marinized by the British, to replace a Volvo MD7A two-cylinder. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Engine Replacement on Islander Bahama 30

There may come a time when repowering your cherished sailboat needs to be addressed. I suspected that not all 13 horses of the venerable...

Simple Lithium for Outboard-Powered Tenders, Daysailers, and Sport Boats

Lithium is cool. Your cell phone uses it. Cameras, laptops, flashlights … everything. But “cool” is not a reason. Fire is not a big...

Ensuring a Safe Space for Batteries

When charging, lead acid batteries generate hydrogen from the electrolysis of water, and some acid gases, the amount of which vary with the battery...

Impact of Modern, Triangular-Design on Boat Performance

Go round any boat show and look at the hulls from underneath—most now have a narrow, very pointed bow and a broad flat stern....

The UNIQUE Maxus 26 Lifting Keel Trailer Sailor

What is the best trailerable sailboat? One big feature is the mast stepping system. Today we look at trailer sailors like the Catalina 275,...

Latest Sailboat Review

Morgan Out Island 36 Used Boat Review

Most are familiar with Charles Morgan and his Out Island 41, primarily made to cruise and charter in the Bahamas, but not many are...