While most of us are-hopefully-out sailing this summer, we know that many sailors are busy with system upgrades, do-it-yourself projects, and the usual marine maintenance adventures. Here are some archive articles we think will help you tick off the tasks on your to-do list.
SAILS & HARDWARE
In the market for a new mainsail or hardware? Check out the August 2011 article on how to choose a new cruising main and the June 2013 review of mainsheet tackle. For hardware seekers, we recommend the test reports on ratchet blocks (May 2009), snatch blocks (August 2008 and August 2007), and rope clutches (March 2009, June 2009, and November 2014). In August 2009, we looked at genoa furlers, and in October 2015, we compared stanchion-mounted fairleads for roller furling gear. Youll find these articles and more in our three-part ebook series, A Look at Sails, which is available at www.practical-sailor.com/books.
DO-IT-YOURSELF
For the DIYer, we have a slew of possible spring projects worthy of your time. Cruisers will want to look into the trysail-track refit report (May 2012) and the blog post on how to build your own custom medical kit (Practical Sailor, July 2014).
For the maintenance-minded, theres a comprehensive look at gelcoat restoration
(Inside Practical Sailor blog, Sept.13, 2017) and articles on DIY blister repair and re-doing your teak decks (June 2011).
MAINTENANCE
Wondering what the best products are for those spring-summer cleaning jobs? Be sure to read our test reports on boat soaps (January 2013), waterline stain removers (April 2014 and November 2007), isinglass/clear-vinyl cleaners and protectors (May 2014 and March 2009), and hull waxes and polishes
(Inside Practical Sailor blog May 12, 2015).
ANCHORING EBOOK
Our four-volume ebook series on anchoring continues to be one of the most popular downloadable ebooks in our library. Anchoring-The Complete Series, is a multi-part ebook series that offers over 15 years of comprehensive anchor test reports in one publication. Find it at www.practical-sailor.com/books.
