Become an Expert Judge of Used Sailboats

Step by step, the author of the bestselling This Old Boat shows you how to evaluate the condition of an older fiberglass sailboat-the one you own or the one you'd like to purchase. Don Casey's expert advice helps you:

• Assess the condition of a used sailboat in 30 minutes
• Prioritize maintenance and repair tasks for a boat you already own
• Catch potential problems early
• Know where to look and what to look for (and how to interpret what you see)

A professional survey is recommended before purchasing a boat-and usually required for financing-but with Inspecting the Aging Sailboat, you can consider and reject any number of boats before settling on "the one." This book will streamline your used-boat shopping while saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in professional survey fees.

Not every potential or existing boat owner wants to spend every last penny getting or staying afloat. Alastair Buchan brings a wealth of firsthand experience of where sensible economies can be made in order to cap costs and as a result extend your cruising options. He looks at the major areas of expenditure, such as boat purchase, mooring fees, navigation equipment, electronics, antifouling, maintenance, dinghies, outboard engines, safety gear etc. and examines the range of options available to keep costs under control - and therefore keep owners still on the water. The book contains tables of comparisons (in price ranges) and suggests a variety of practical ways of reducing expenditure without curtailing enjoyment! This is a unique guide which will be welcomed by potential and existing boat owners alike.

Newly updated and now in paperback, this classic contains 2,000 diagrams and photos enabling you to visualize every sailing procedure and maneuver; reflects the latest word on procedures, techniques, and equipment. 48 pages of full-color photos.

Extremely comprehensive of almost all aspects of sailing. For beginners through advanced levels including spinnakers, weather, navigation & lights, tides, first aid, knots, recovering from various emergencies, entering & leaving difficult moorings, rafting, anchoring, and much more. Experts in any area will want greater detail on a topic but others will be grateful for the help that's here. The 1250 drawings and photos are outstanding for their clarity and illustrative value.

From Rebecca Wittman, author of the bestselling "Brightwork: The Art of Finishing Wood", The Brightwork Companion is the perfect guide to help you make your boat's wood trim beautiful.

With its technical expertise in a quick-reference style, The Brightwork Companion makes every project easier with:

-Lists of the must-have tools and materials (and important safety information)

-Step-by-step procedures for bleaching, sanding, oiling, and varnishing

-Refinishing instructions for spars, decks, trim, and interiors

The Brightwork Companion will immediately become your "go-to" manual for all your brightwork projects, and help you avoid frustrations and prevent costly mistakes.

Order your copy today!

Sailors' Secrets contains over 1,000 tips, suggestions, evaluations, and nuggets of hard-won advice from more than 300 seasoned veterans.

Instructive humorous, biting, and challenging, Sailors' Secrets can be opened anywhere and enjoyed. Its wide-ranging chapters cover routine maintenance, understanding weather, safety at sea, storm strategies, piloting, engine troubleshooting, gear and outfitting, and simple solutions to complex problems.

In a book that is sure to become a classic, internationally respected boatbuilder, yacht manager, and delivery skipper Bill Seifert shares his hard-won solutions to a host of boat design, construction, and equipment issues and seamanship dilemmas. Unlike other books on the subject, Offshore Sailing doesn’t just tell readers what to do for safe and comfortable passage making; it shows them how to do it with clear, step-by-step instructions and nearly 200 detailed drawings and photographs.

This inspirational and comprehensive manual leads you step by step through every aspect of choosing, planning, and following the voyager’s life. Using three example boats representing three cruising lifestyles—Simplicity, Moderation, and Highlife—Beth Leonard helps make your bluewater dreams come true, whether you’re sailing on a shoestring or a CEO’s pension. Starting with the things you can’t do without—an enthusiastic crew, a seaworthy boat, and, of course, money—Leonard offers sage advice on how to select crewmembers who are truly committed to the voyage, how to choose the right boat for you, and how to find just the right approach to financing your voyage and making the most of every dollar spent.

Whether you take to the sea under power or sail, bounce around the bay in your runabout, or cross oceans in your cruiser, you’ll find everything you need to maintain, repair, and upgrade your boat’s DC and AC electrical systems with this comprehensive and fully illustrated guide.

Tackle onboard electrical projects and learn how to:

* Meet ABYC standards for both DC and AC wiring * Install solar- and wind-power systems * Add electrical components * Prevent corrosion of your electrical system . . . and more

If it's on a boat and it has screws, wires, or moving parts, it's covered in Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual. When you leave the dock with this book aboard, you have at your fingertips the best and most comprehensive advice on:

* Battery technologies * 12- and 24-volt DC systems * Corrosion, bonding, and lightning protection * Generators, inverters, and battery chargers * Electric motors and electric lights * Marine electronics, antennas, and RFI * Diesel engines * Transmissions, shaft brakes, and propellers * Refrigeration and air-conditioning * Tanks, plumbing, and through-hulls * Pumps and watermakers * Steering, autopilots, and wind vanes * Stoves and heaters * Winches, windlasses, and bow thrusters * Spars, rigging, and roller reefing

Purchasing new sails is a big deal for a boat owner: Materials, design, features, construction methods, etc., all need to be examined carefully.

Now, with this new series from Practical Sailor, “A Look at Sails,” we’ll help you navigate the waters of what is often a difficult decision-making process.

In Part One, “Sail Buying, Sail Making, & Mainsails,” you’ll find:

- An objective overview of today’s most popular sailmaking companies.

- Which material will give you the most bang for your buck—is Dacron still king?

- The two questions you should always ask your sailmaker.

- What to look for in clews, eyes, and battens.

- A comprehensive list of new, used, and discount sailmakers.

Also included is a review of mainsail handling systems like lazy jacks, the pros and cons of in-mast and in-boom furling, the advantages of a loose-fitting main, and the 3 critical points that any capable sail designer must address (especially since many loft floors are now overseas).

Using a poorly made sail is like driving on bald tires, so learn as much as possible about this fundamental piece of equipment before you spend another dime. Order your copy of this money-saving e-book today!

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 3 SAIL PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 2! YOU GET ONE FREE!

When buying new sails, sailors often overlook key details in jibs, genoas, and furling gear that can dramatically affect performance. Whether you want to reduce your tacking angles, make headway in heavy weather, or maintain good downwind speed in light air, finding the right headsail or furling system for your boat requires careful thought. Let Practical Sailor take the guesswork out of the decision-making with this detailed, in-depth look at headsail options. With Headsails & Furling Gear (Part 2 of Practical Sailor’s “A Look at Sails” series), you’ll learn everything you need to know about:

- Furlers (with and without head swivels) — and our pick for “Best Choice.” - Asymmetrical spinnakers and why shorthanded cruisers will find them valuable. - Mini bowsprits and why they’re so popular on modern cruising hulls.

With this special publication, you’ll also learn the best time to buy a sail, the advantages (and disadvantages) of foil-less furlers, and about some of the best sailmakers in the business. (One company will repair your sail for as long as you own your boat!)

So order this valuable e-book today and discover how adding new sails and improving light-air performance is easier than ever.

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 3 SAILS PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 2! YOU GET ONE FREE!

Part 3 of Practical Sailor’s “A Look at Sails” series examines important sails and equipment that sailors often overlook when they are adding to their racing or cruising inventory. The Specialty Sails and Hardware e-book explains which specialty sails and key accessories deserve a place in your gear inventory and why they are so important.

Riding sails, storm trysails, and reefing staysails—along with their corresponding hardware—are explained, examined, and reviewed in this one-of-a-kind e-book. In it, you’ll discover:

- Proper size and shape for a storm trysail. - When a riding sail makes the most sense. - How a reefing staysail simplifies your sailing, and why a custom-fit is necessary. - What features make for an ideal snatch block and which is the most user-friendly.

In addition, you’ll understand the key advantages of a mainsheet traveler vs. simple mainsheet rigs, find out what makes the best rigid boom vang, and learn how to properly inspect a trysail (including head, clew, tack, leech and luff)!

While a new mainsail will likely consume the biggest share of your sails budget, don’t forget about the supporting cast of characters. Cruising sailors, in particular, need to think carefully about storm trysails, reefing staysails, and sailing hardware like snatch blocks.

Learn which sails and related hardware are right for your needs with this insightful e-book. Order your copy today!

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 3 SAIL PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 2! YOU GET ONE FREE!

SPECIAL OFFER – BUY ALL 3 E-BOOKS FOR THE PRICE OF JUST 2!

YOU GET ONE FREE!

Whether your passion is racing or cruising, sails are one of the biggest investments in your boat that you’ll 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 new 3-part series from Practical Sailor, you’ll learn everything you need to know about sails, including materials, fit, hardware, and choosing the right sails for your boat.

Volume One: Sail Buying, Sail Making, & Mainsails

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. Everything you need to choose the right mainsail for your boat.

Volume Two: Headsails & Furling Gear

Compares and reviews light-air headsails, headsail furlers, and bow sprits. It also closely examines costs, durability, and ease of use. A must read before you start shopping for a new jib or furling gear.

Volume Three: Specialty Sails & Hardware

Evaluates the value of—and need for—riding sails, trysails, reefing staysails, and sail-handling hardware, including travelers, snatch blocks, and vangs. The most complete analysis 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!

Downloadable E-Book

Boating is one of life’s great pleasures, but owning a boat can also be a labor of love. The gelcoat needs polishing and waxing, teak decks need cleaning, ropes and sails need washing…these can eat-up a lot of time, and money!

But now with this incredible 3-part series from Practical Sailor you’ll learn how to minimize your work and maximize your dollar.

Volume One: Gelcoat Restoration & Maintenance

Reviews hull cleaners, polishes, and waxes, with test-results up to 3 years! Also includes a step-by-step guide on the best method to maintain your gelcoat.

Volume Two: Essential Marine Cleaners

Rates the most common (and uncommon) cleaners on the market for price and ease of use. Everything from deck cleaners to metal polishes to mildew (and barnacle!) removers. Plus, the ultimate guide to bilge cleaners and oil absorbers.

Volume Three: Specialty Marine Cleaners

Reviews the products that only a sailor would need – black streak removers, line, rope and rigging cleaners, degreasers, even waterspot removers. Also includes a special section on sail cleaning and care.

Using the right cleaners the right way will get you off the dock faster and back on the water (and isn’t that where you want to be?) So take advantage of this special offer and order this one-of-a-kind downloadable series today!

Downloadable E-Book

WHY YOU NEED TO SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF!

Your gelcoat is cleaned and waxed. Those nasty stains have been removed from your deck. And your bronze shines like new. Your boat is spotless – or is it?

How are your fenders looking? Is your vinyl beat-up? Are your ropes and rigging in good condition (and are they safe)? These items are often overlooked but go a long way in keeping your boat clean and protected. And with Practical Sailor’s Specialty Marine Cleaners you’ll learn why it’s not just your hull that needs to be kept clean.

Black Streaks?

There’s a cleaner that’s cheap and effective (and we’ll show you where to find it).

Clear Vinyl Need Attention?

If you’re using these common products you’re making things worse.

Got Grease?

This bargain de-greaser is the best of the bunch, and it’s in your hardware store!

Plus there’s a special section on the care and cleaning of your ropes (keep a pillowcase handy but DO NOT use bleach!) and sails (please don’t hang them to dry), as well as ratings and reviews of the newest “green” products.

So finish cleaning your boat the right way without breaking the bank. Order your copy of this unique publication today!

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 3 MARINE CLEANER PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 2! YOU GET ONE FREE! CLICK HERE!

Downloadable E-Book

KEEP HER CLEAN!

Mildew removers, bilge cleaners, metal polishers - the sheer number of supplies you need to keep your boat clean seems endless. But now, thanks to Practical Sailor’s Essential Marine Cleaners, you can keep your bronze burnished and your teak tip-top without spending a fortune on unnecessary cleaning products.

With this concise publication you’ll discover:

-Which bargain cleaner rated EXCELLENT on fiberglass, rubber, vinyl, and formica

-Why a 2-part teak cleaner should be used only when absolutely necessary

-What metal polisher works fast and easy on bronze and stainless

-How the right bilge absorber can be the most important gear on your boat

So don’t let grime and grunge, blood and beer, or coffee and ketchup keep your boat from sparkling. Learn how to keep her clean inside and out, by getting this special publication today!

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 3 MARINE CLEANER PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 2! YOU GET ONE FREE! CLICK HERE!

Downloadable E-Book

IS YOUR HULL HEALTHY?

Protecting your boats exterior is an absolute necessity, but it can be a time-consuming and muscle-straining job. But with Practical Sailors Gelcoat Maintenance you’ll save time, energy, and money by using the right products the right way.

In this detailed new publication every type of cleaner, wax, polisher, and restorer is tested (some for results up to 3 years!) and reviewed – the Practical Sailor way!

DID YOU KNOW?

- Wax offers little UV protection (regardless of these manufacturers claim!)

- There’s a good reason you should NOT use an acrylic coating on a new boat

- To scrub-away a waterline stain, find a cleaner with a low PH

- The best product to remove salt deposits is right in your kitchen cabinet

Plus, you’ll get a step-by-step regimen in topside maintenance that will keep your boat clean and shining, all for less than $50 a year in materials!

So keep your gelcoat in great shape, and stop wasting money on products that don’t do as advertised. Get this time (and money) saving publication today!

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 3 MARINE CLEANER PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 2! YOU GET ONE FREE! CLICK HERE!

Downloadable E-Book

Lifelines, jacklines, tethers, nonskid decks, and good man-overboard procedures - these are a given for every good sailor, but that hasn’t stopped an alarming number of fatal man-overboard occurrences.  Now, with Practical Sailor’s Survival Electronics, you’ll discover how to fully protect yourself and your crew.

With the wide array of man-overboard devices now available (beacons, alarms, trackers, etc.) it’s no wonder there’s confusion.  Practical Sailor will help you cut through the clutter and tell you:

• Which OB alarm had an MOB mark with a quarter-mile discrepancy!
• Why a Sat Phone can be an excellent backup to an EPIRB
• Which beacon is capable of being detected from a full-mile away
• It’s not only which OB alarm but how it’s worn

Maritime safety should always have the highest priority, and with the vast majority of alerts being false alarms (96%!) a solid working knowledge of how the IMO’s worldwide rescue network works is essential.

So keep yourself and your crew as safe as possible, order your copy of this vital publication today!

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 4 MARINE CLEANER PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 3! YOU GET ONE FREE! CLICK HERE!

Downloadable E-Book

Owning a boat and being on the water can be one of life’s most relaxing and rewarding experiences.  But are you prepared for possible nautical emergencies?  In this ground-breaking 4-part series from Practical Sailor you’ll learn what you need to have on board to remain safe.
 
Choosing The Right Life Raft - Learn which life rafts were the safest and easiest to operate (is automatic deployment really safer?).  Includes a special Life Raft Value Guide.

Ditch Bags and Emergency Gear - Make sure you have all the supplies necessary for emergency survival (yes - you do need a compass, and only one Kit supplied one!).  A comprehensive guide to what you’ll need, and what is available, if you must abandon ship.

Onboard First Aid - A complete guide to the basic, and not-so-basic medical supplies you need to have onboard.  Reviews near-shore and off-shore kits (is yours water-tight?) and what you’ll need to supplement them.

Survival Electronics - Discover why these devices are a must have for any sailor. Evaluates the usability and functionality of the wide-range of man-overboard devices now on the market.  It’s imperative you have the right device onboard.

Choosing the proper emergency items can be a life and death decision.  Eliminate the guesswork and order this downloadable landmark series today!

Downloadable E-Book

As a sailor you know that being prepared for an emergency is vital. Your life raft comes with supplies, but are these sufficient? With Practical Sailor’s Ditch Bags and Emergency Gear, you’ll learn what your life raft might be lacking, and what you’ll need for a separate abandon-ship bag.

With this essential publication you’ll discover:

• How to determine the correct supply of drinking water
• Which is the only raft-kit to contain smoke canisters
• What vital piece of equipment all standardized packs failed to include
• Why an EPIRB is worth its weight in gold
• Which important items are most often overlooked (e.g., copy of your passport)

Also included is a special section on staying hydrated at sea. Sure, you have plenty of water and energy drinks on board, but there’s something even more effective (and it grows on trees!)

So order your copy of this important publication today, and ensure that you are fully equipped for even the most serious emergencies.

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 4 MARINE CLEANER PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 3! YOU GET ONE FREE! CLICK HERE!

Downloadable E-Book

An accident can happen anywhere, but when it happens on your boat your access to medical treatment often is not close by. With Practical Sailor’s Onboard First Aid, you’ll learn which items you need to keep onboard for both minor and major injuries.

In this new publication, concise evaluations were conducted for both near-shore and off-shore kits, and the results were surprising.  Many kits were missing essential elements (one day kit lacked basic aspirin!) and some were stocked with more than many sailors would need (one includes a full oxygen kit – but at a cost of almost $5,000!)

From contents to construction to price, all types are examined, and you’re sure to find the one kit that best suits your voyaging needs (and you’ll also learn about the one first aid item that is an absolute must!)

So order your copy of this essential publication today, and make sure you’re prepared for boating medical emergencies.

SPECIAL OFFER! BUY 4 MARINE CLEANER PUBLICATIONS FOR THE PRICE OF 3! YOU GET ONE FREE! CLICK HERE!