March 2003

PS Advisor: 03/03

Helpful Refrigeration-Free Food Ideas for Your Next Sailboat Outing

Subscribers Only A lot of people can't imagine cruising without refrigeration, but in fact it was done successfully from the beginning of boats until about 20 years ago—and we're much better equipped to manage it today.

Teak Treatment All-Stars Grudge Match

Subscribers Only Here's the kick-off of a long-term 'test of the best'—products that have come out at the tops of their types, now pitted against each other.

Cal 35

Subscribers Only The more moderate younger sister of the giant-killing Cal 40 proves a balanced, capable cruiser. Essential structures are reported to be very strong, while reviews of the interior finish are mixed.

Small Four-Stroke Outboards

Subscribers Only Today's small four-stroke engine is still heavier than its two-stroke cousin, but at least prices have come down across the board. Consider this field if you need dinghy power or main propulsion.

Offshore Log: Kiwi Spars, Hatches, and Pumps

Subscribers Only From the most traditional polished metal galley pumps to the latest carbon fiber tech, New Zealand has a good grip on the marine gear marketplace. Nick Nicholson continues his series.

Compact Binoculars

Subscribers Only For onboard back-ups and excursions ashore, a set of good compact binox are almost required. Nikon fielded a strong team—their Mountaineers are a Best Buy. But the race is also to the Swift.

Mailport: 03/03

Not Your Mom's Kitchen

Inside Practical Sailor Blog

Eco-friendly Bottom Paints 2012

February 01, 2012

There are very few times when the door to my office is closed. Bottom paint rating tabulation time is one of them. For the past week I’ve been poring over bottom paint data collected earlier this month – three Excel tables representing more than 300 data points. Although mammoth data tables are not what drew me into this business, the bottom paint program is still one of my favorite projects. I’ve spent enough time scrubbing and scraping and painting to appreciate the importance of what we do.

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