# Practical Sailor: Practical Sailor takes the guesswork out of boat \& gear buying with its bold, independent, product\-test reports just for serious sailors\.

> Since 1974, Practical Sailor’s independent testing has taken the guesswork out of boat and gear buying\.

Generated by Yoast SEO v28.7, this is an llms.txt file, meant for consumption by LLMs.

## Pages
- [Sign Up For Practical Sailor's Waypoints](https://www.practical-sailor.com/register-v2/)
- [Products](https://www.practical-sailor.com/products/)
- [Logbook](https://www.practical-sailor.com/logbook/)
- [September 2026 Logbook Preview](https://www.practical-sailor.com/logbook/september-2026-logbook-preview/)
- [Practical Sailor September 2026 Logbook](https://www.practical-sailor.com/logbook/practical-sailor-september-2026-logbook/)

## Posts
- [How Can You Make Low\-Cost Leather Chafe Guards?](https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/diy-projects/how-can-you-make-low-cost-leather-chafe-guards/): Our approach to chafe protection for the upcoming storm season was straight out of the old\-salt playbook\. Using a sharp knife and metal straight edge, we lopped off the size of leather we needed\. Holes were punched opposite each other at 1/2\-inch intervals, and for temporary use, we zigzagged small cord the length of the leather\. For a more permanent installation, we hand\-stitched the leather in place, tucking locking stitches into the rope at each end\. Holes were made with a pliers\-like hole punch, and we fashioned our chafe strips to be long enough to cover the hard points, adding an additional 25 percent to the length to handle stretch and any minor slippage\.
- [How Do You Wax and Polish Your Boat?](https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/cleaning-waxing/how-do-you-wax-and-polish-your-boat/): Spring is but a month away, so I am plunging once again into polishing and waxing fiberglass boat hulls\. This post covers almost everything you need to know about cleaning, polishing, and waxing your boat\. It includes links to our online "how\-to" resources and links to our tests of various classes of products mentioned\. The main purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the many archive articles we have in our library on this topic, so that you can choose which reports best apply to your situation and then dig in as deep as you like\.
- [Diesel Repower From Scratch Part II](https://www.practical-sailor.com/systems-propulsion/diesel-engines/marine-diesel-repower-part-2/)
- [Boat Deck Non\-Skid: What Holds Up After 10 Years?](https://www.practical-sailor.com/boat-maintenance/repair-tools-materials/boat-deck-non-skid-what-holds-up-after-10-years/)
- [What Cameras Can See Inside and Under Your Boat?](https://www.practical-sailor.com/marine-electronics/handheld-electronics/what-cameras-can-see-inside-and-under-your-boat/)

## Products
- [Complete Outboard Motor Guide](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product/complete-outboard-motor-guide/): Choosing the wrong outboard can leave you with too little power, limited range, disappointing performance, or unnecessary expense\. Before you invest, get the facts\. With this new eBook from \<em\>Practical Sailor\</em\>, \<strong\>Complete Outboard Motor Guide\</strong\>, we outline what actually matters\. The perfect motor is tailored to your boat size, total load weight, typical use, and the conditions you actually encounter\.

Are you thinking about buying or switching to an electric outboard motor for the environmental benefits but unsure if it is the right choice for you? Go beyond the typical electric\-vs\.\-gas debate and anecdotal experiences of others\. We have compiled all the practical data you need to make a fiscally responsible and environmentally friendly decision\.

Avoid an expensive outboard mistake\.

By reading this eBook, you'll:
\<ul\>
 	\<li\>Understand the real trade\-offs between gas and electric outboards\</li\>
 	\<li\>Compare performance factors like range, speed, power, and refueling/recharging\</li\>
 	\<li\>Learn how your sailing habits affect your overall carbon footprint\</li\>
 	\<li\>Calculate your true cost of ownership\</li\>
 	\<li\>Discover ways to reduce emissions other than simply buying an electric motor\</li\>
\</ul\>
\<strong\>Bonus Buyer's Guides Included\</strong\>

You'll also receive two comprehensive buying guides:
\<ul\>
 	\<li\>16 Electric Outboards Ranging From 2\.5 to 9\.9 Horsepower\</li\>
 	\<li\>10 Gas Outboards Recommended for Cruising Sailboats\</li\>
\</ul\>
Whether your priority is reducing emissions, lowering operating costs, or simply buying the right motor the first time, this eBook will help you make a confident, informed decision\. Order your downloadable copy of the \<strong\>Complete Outboard Motor Guide\</strong\> today\!
- [A Look At Sails \- Complete Series](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product/practical-sailors-a-look-at-sails-complete-series/): \<strong\>\<em\>SPECIAL OFFER \- BUY ALL 3 E\-BOOKS FOR THE PRICE OF JUST 2\!
YOU GET ONE FREE\!\</em\>\</strong\>

Whether your passion is racing or cruising, sails are one of the biggest investments in your boat that youll ever make\. You want to make the right decisions, but with the wide variety of options available, choosing the right sail \(or sails\) can be a daunting task\.

Now, with this \<strong\>new 3\-part series\</strong\> \<strong\>from \<em\>Practical Sailor\</em\>\</strong\>, you'll learn everything you need to know about sails, including materials, fit, hardware, and choosing the right sails for \<span style="text\-decoration: underline;"\>your\</span\> boat\.

\<strong\>Volume One: Sail Buying, Sail Making, \& Mainsails\</strong\>

Covers sail buying, sailmaking, mainsails, mainsail handling, and furling options\. It also includes a comprehensive list of recommended sail lofts and compares offerings from major brands\. \<span style="text\-decoration: underline;"\>Everything you need\</span\> to choose the right mainsail for your boat\.

\<strong\>Volume Two: Headsails \& Furling Gear\</strong\>

Compares and reviews light\-air headsails, headsail furlers, and bowsprits\. It also closely examines costs, durability, and ease of use\. A \<span style="text\-decoration: underline;"\>must\-read\</span\> before you start shopping for a new jib or furling gear\.

\<strong\>Volume Three: Specialty Sails \& Hardware\</strong\>

Evaluates the value of\-and need for\-riding sails, trysails, reefing staysails, and sail\-handling hardware, including travelers, snatch blocks, and vangs\. The most \<span style="text\-decoration: underline;"\>complete analysis\</span\> of specialty sails you'll find anywhere\.

Having the right sails and hardware is not a luxury, but a necessity\. Eliminate the guesswork when selecting this important and often expensive gear by taking advantage of this special offer\. Order this comprehensive downloadable series today\!

\<em\>\<strong\>\*Please note: This is a downloadable E\-book\.\</strong\>\</em\>
- [Practical Sailor Subscription \(Gift\)](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product/practical-sailor-subscription-gift): \<h1\>\<strong\>Give a gift now and save 42% off the annual rate\.\</strong\>\</h1\>
\<strong\>PRACTICAL SAILOR\</strong\> can be delivered each month to your home or enjoy the convenience of accessing \<strong\>PRACTICAL SAILOR\</strong\> on your phone, computer or tablet\. Choose your format and term option below\.

 
- [Practical Sailor Subscription](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product/practical-sailor-subscription): \<h1\>\<strong\>Are you ready to embark on a new voyage with Practical Sailor?\</strong\>\</h1\>
Our extensive refit is complete, and we're excited to introduce you to a revolutionary experience that brings even more value to your sailing lifestyle\.
\<br\>\<br\>
Subscribe now and save 42% off the annual rate\.
\<br\>\<br\>
\<strong\>PRACTICAL SAILOR\</strong\> can be accessed anytime, anywhere on your phone, computer or tablet\.
- [Practical Sailor Subscription \- Six Months](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product/practical-sailor-subscription-six-months): \<h1\>\<strong\>Are you ready to embark on a new voyage with Practical Sailor?\</strong\>\</h1\>
Our extensive refit is complete, and we're excited to introduce you to a revolutionary experience that brings even more value to your sailing lifestyle\.
\<br\>\<br\>
Subscribe now and save 42% off the annual rate\.
\<br\>\<br\>
\<strong\>PRACTICAL SAILOR\</strong\> can be accessed anytime, anywhere on your phone, computer or tablet\.

## Sales
- [A Look at Sails](https://www.practical-sailor.com/sp/a-look-at-sails/)

## Thank You Pages
- [Thank you Page](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order-confirmed/thank-you-page-5/)
- [Thank you Page](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order-confirmed/thank-you-page-3/)
- [Thank you Page](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order-confirmed/thank-you-page-2/)
- [Thank you Page](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order-confirmed/thank-you-page/)

## Briefs
- [Tools and Tips for Creating a Professional Non\-skid Finish](https://www.practical-sailor.com/brief/tools-and-tips-for-creating-a-professional-non-skid-finish/)
- [Choosing the Right Amount of Grip](https://www.practical-sailor.com/brief/choosing-the-right-amount-of-grip/)
- [Safety Procedures for Confined Spaces](https://www.practical-sailor.com/brief/safety-procedures-for-confined-spaces/)
- [The Budget Plexus \. \. \. and in Smaller Quantities](https://www.practical-sailor.com/brief/the-budget-plexus-and-in-smaller-quantities/)
- [The DIY Aka Repair Using Devcon MA300](https://www.practical-sailor.com/brief/the-diy-aka-repair-using-devcon-ma300/)

## Header Images
- [BoatWatchLogo](https://www.practical-sailor.com/mailingheader/boatwatchlogo/)
- [WIRLogo](https://www.practical-sailor.com/mailingheader/wirlogo/)
- [VideoLogo](https://www.practical-sailor.com/mailingheader/videologo/)
- [WaypointsLogo](https://www.practical-sailor.com/mailingheader/waypointslogo/)
- [PSLogo022112](https://www.practical-sailor.com/mailingheader/pslogo022112/)

## Mailing
- [WP20261020\-HurricanePreparednessSeries](https://www.practical-sailor.com/ac_mailing/wp20261020-hurricanepreparednessseries/)
- [EB20261019\-Mildew2](https://www.practical-sailor.com/ac_mailing/eb20261019-mildew2/)
- [BW20261019\-YouTube](https://www.practical-sailor.com/ac_mailing/bw20261019-youtube/)
- [WIR20261018\-Sub](https://www.practical-sailor.com/ac_mailing/wir20261018-sub/)
- [VI20261017\-Sub](https://www.practical-sailor.com/ac_mailing/vi20261017-sub/)

## Checkout
- [Subscribe Now](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order/practical-sailor-subscription/)
- [Checkout Page](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order/checkout-page-3/)
- [A Look at Sails — Checkout](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order/a-look-at-sails-checkout/)
- [Checkout Page](https://www.practical-sailor.com/order/checkout-page/)

## Funnels
- [Upsells](https://www.practical-sailor.com/?wfocu_funnel=upsells-4)
- [Upsells](https://www.practical-sailor.com/?wfocu_funnel=upsells-2)
- [Upsells](https://www.practical-sailor.com/?wfocu_funnel=upsells)

## Offers
- [Offer](https://www.practical-sailor.com/offer/offer-1784147422/)
- [Offer](https://www.practical-sailor.com/offer/offer-1779302449/)
- [Offer](https://www.practical-sailor.com/offer/offer-1767643296/)

## Categories
- [Boat Maintenance](https://www.practical-sailor.com/category/boat-maintenance/)
- [Mailport \& PS Advisor](https://www.practical-sailor.com/category/mailport-ps-advisor/)
- [Safety \& Seamanship](https://www.practical-sailor.com/category/safety-seamanship/)
- [Sails, Rigging \& Deck Gear](https://www.practical-sailor.com/category/sails-rigging-deckgear/)
- [Inside Practical Sailor](https://www.practical-sailor.com/category/blog/)

## Tags
- [Waypoint Tips](https://www.practical-sailor.com/tag/waypoint-tips/)
- [Boat Owner’s Mechanical \& Electrical Manual](https://www.practical-sailor.com/tag/boat-owners-mechanical-electrical-manual/)
- [Handbook of Sailing](https://www.practical-sailor.com/tag/handbook-of-sailing/)
- [cruising](https://www.practical-sailor.com/tag/cruising/)
- [Marine Electrical Systems Batteries](https://www.practical-sailor.com/tag/batteries/)

## Product categories
- [EBooks](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product-category/ebooks/)
- [Used Sailboats](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product-category/used-sailboats/)
- [New Sailboats](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product-category/new-sailboats/)
- [Boat\_ Maintenance](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product-category/boat-maintenance/)
- [Buyers Resources](https://www.practical-sailor.com/product-category/buyers-resources/)

## Optional
- [Sitemap index](https://www.practical-sailor.com/sitemap_index.xml)