Systems & Propulsion

New Clear, No-rust Propane Tanks

Unlike aluminum or steel tanks, the relatively new, clear composite propane tanks allow users to see how much fuel remains, a nice feature when...

Portable Sailing Tools for Tracking and Tuning Boat Speed

The marine GPS receiver in its purest form is meant to answer three important questions: Where are we? What direction are we going? How...

Which is the Best Marine Inverter-charger for Your Boat?

Modern boats are becoming increasingly complex electrically and electronically. Customer expectations call for all manner of home-like creature comforts on board. Things like flat-screen...

Practical Sailor Tests 4-horsepower Electric Outboard

Exploring the benefits of electric propulsion is an ongoing effort at Practical Sailor. As we test products currently on the market, we also keep...

Mailport: 12/09

Electric OutboardsI have a Pearson Ensign 1962 now at a slip in New Rochelle, N.Y. This season marked the first time we had the...

PS Advisor: Safe Mounting for Radar

I am looking at antenna mounting options for my 2.2-kilowatt radar. I like the idea of keeping the antenna out of the foretriangle and...

PS Advisor: Synthetics for Marine Diesels?

I recently read that synthetic oils, such as Mobil 1 have been approved for diesel engines. Do you have anyone with knowledge or opinion...

Boat Holding Tank Sensor Long-term Test Update

In the spring of 2008, Practical Sailor installed and tested seven internally mounted liquid-level sensors and their mated remote monitor panels. Testers evaluated them...

Practical Sailor Tillerpilot Test: the Simrad TP10 and the Raymarine ST1000 Plus

The last time Practical Sailor looked at tillerpilots (Sept. 1, 1996 and Jan. 1, 2001), testers concentrated on a series of bench tests evaluating...

Conversion Kits that Turn Your Boat’s Ice Box Into a Galley Refrigerator

During the past few decades, a technical evolution has made the hardware that powers the refrigeration cycle more efficient and more reliable than ever....

HOW TO BUY A CHEAP SAILBOAT – $20,000 or less!

Buying a sailboat on a budget of $20,000 is easy! Today we’re looking at a Pearson 31, a Hunter 31, a Bristol 29.9, and...

Latest Sailboat Review

Catalina 34 Used Boat Review

American sailboat manufacturers have had their highs and lows, and many have dropped right off the map. But Catalina has been going strong for...