Systems & Propulsion

Solar Panel Survey 2003

For measuring satisfaction, we asked for actual solar panel performance and longevity versus manufacturer claims. These scores were measured on the basis of 0...

Small Four-Stroke Outboards

As most of us know by now, 4-stroke engines are cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient than their two-stroke cousins. A 4-stroke is like...

Towed Water Generator

Back in 1992, a friend of ours competed in the OSTAR (Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race). Onboard electrical demands, especially from electronics, had recently grown,...

HUM Bugs vs. the Pristine Tank

What is the crud that, if left to have its way, can foul your filters, starve the fuel pump, and bring your diesel engine...

Deck-Fill Fuel Filters

Any analysis of the simple act of pouring an oily liquid called"Number Two Diesel" in your fuel tank can get very complicated. What's coming...

Composting Marine Heads

The safe disposal of human waste in the waters of the world is a major problem today. A steady increase in the number of...

Manual Galley Pumps

Time was, pressurized freshwater systems on mid- and small-size boats were a rarity. The galley had a single manual pump to draw water out...

Refrigeration Survey 2002

The survey respondents operate their refrigerators for prolonged periods: 206 days a year, on the average. Surprisingly, no fewer than 39% told us that...

Portable Heads

As boatowners have had to cope with local no-discharge regulations, many have decided to yank their conventional heads for a far simpler solution: the...

Breaker Panels

Making the purchase decision for marine electrical distribution panels —AC or DC—can be tough, not because you're in danger of selecting a bad product...

The History of Cape Dory Sailboats

Cape Dory Yachts was founded in 1963 by Andrew Vavolotis in East Taunton, Mass. In the following 28 years, the company built over 2,800...

Latest Sailboat Review

Cape Dory 30 Used Boat Review

When the Cape Dory 30 entered production in 1976, it was the largest boat in the expanding line of the Taunton, Massachusetts boatbuilder. In...