Making Sense of Solvents
Practical Sailor wades into the world of thinners and clean-up chemicals.
Systems & Propulsion
Marine Fuel Filter Test
Diesel engines have evolved into incredibly reliable power sources. Change the oil, mind the charging system and batteries, and most importantly, always give them clean fuel.
Belowdecks & Amenities
Clean Potty Overkill?
It’s not sailing, but we’ve got to talk about it because it’s not fun when it goes wrong. The head. We’ve reported on the best hoses, joker valves, toilet paper, and holding tank treatments. Recently readers have asked about cleaners that are safe, and sure...
Belowdecks & Amenities
Webbing Uses For Sailors
When a sailor needs to connect point A to point B, he reaches for rope. We make an exception for jacklines because rope rolls under foot and webbing doesn’t.
Inside Practical Sailor Blog
Tips on Choosing and Sizing Anchor Shackles
July 25, 2019
No matter what brand of anchor shackle you decide to use, understanding sizing and grades of shackles is essential, since this connector between your rode and anchor is often the weakest link in your ground tackle. And the weakest point in the shackle is often where the shackle pin meets the body. When the shackle pin or body is loaded from an angle, the shackle body can be forced open, causing the pin to break or fall out. This is the most common failure we have seen in our tests—even when under straight-pull loads.
Current Issue
November 2019
- Download the Full November 2019 Issue PDF
- Making Sense of Solvents
- Clean Potty Overkill?
- Webbing Uses For Sailors
Resources
Reader Questionnaire
Which of the following best describes your approach to bottom paint?
- I choose my own paint, but I let a professional apply (521 votes)
19%
- I let a professional apply the paint that he (or boatyard) recommends. (329 votes)
12%
- I choose my own paint and I apply it. (1639 votes)
60%
- I apply paint that a local professional or boatyard recommends. (254 votes)
9%