Practical Sailor - Practical Sailor

Testing CIGS Solar Panels: Are Most of Us Holding onto an Inferior Technology?

July 21, 2025

DIY Soundproofing for the Engine Compartment

July 21, 2025

Fair Through Hull Fittings: Essential to a Smooth Bottom

July 21, 2025

Latest News

In Search of the Snag-free Clew

Running Rigging July 21, 2025

A smooth tack can be a thing of beauty, until a sheet hangs up and ruins it. A crew member must run forward to free it, which can be challenging if...

In May 1999 Practical Sailor reviewed the then-new Corsair F-24 Mark II trimaran. Nearly 20 years later, were here to follow up with a focus on the Corsair F-24 Mark I, a boat that can represent a good value today since many newer designs have entered the market.

How to Replace Moldy Fabric with Wood Strips

DIY Projects July 14, 2025

Many of the fiberglass boats manufactured in the 70s and 80s, sail or power, were built on production assembly lines where speed and expense were a primary focus. Finishing was somewhat...

The Best Bosun’s Chair Might Not Be a Bosun’s Chair at All

Safety & Seamanship July 14, 2025

I’ve long thought there must be a safer, more comfortable way to go up our mast than a Bosun’s Chair. When I criticized our use of this ancient design concept, my...

A J-Boat Drops In

Inside Practical Sailor July 14, 2025

The J-Boat Class, which vied for The America’s Cup in the 1930s, is considered the very pinnacle of competitive sailing. Yes, the new crop of America’s Cup foiling monohulls are faster....

Digital Echo-Charge: DIY Dual Battery Bank Charging

Electrical July 14, 2025

I like to think and believe that for most sailors, keeping an eye on our environmental footprint is somewhat important. It certainly is for me. To that end, I always consider...

O’Day 30 Used Boat Review

Sailboat Reviews July 9, 2025

Over 350 O'Day 30s were built between 1977 and 1984. During 1984, the 30 was modified by changing the keel and rudder, and the stern was lengthened to accommodate a European-style boarding platform. This "new boat" was called the O'Day 31, and it stayed in production until 1986.

Seven Lessons From a Dockside Dismasting

Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear July 7, 2025

Valentine’s Day is not my favorite holiday. Now it will remain the anniversary of my dismasting rather than the day with romance, roses, chocolates and cards. Although, I did end up...

Sailboat Tech: What’s Worth it and What’s Not

Inside Practical Sailor July 7, 2025

While you may feel the pressure to constantly update your boat tech, its important to understand which features are worth opening your wallet for. The latest advancements offer ways to stay...

Spiffy Teak Tips for the Penny Pincher

Boat Maintenance July 7, 2025

Most teak cleaners don't just clean; they also remove weathered woods surface fibers and expose new wood. As much as 0.010 inches of surface teak can be removed in a single cleaning when using some common teak-cleaning products. Regularly cleaning with these products will shorten a teak decks life. Some also contain strong alkalis that can harm paint, caulk, and aluminum.

Latest Sailboat Review

Sailboat Reviews

Catalina 25 Used Boat Review

July 23, 2025

The Catalina 25 is not exceptionally fast, stylish, or spacious compared to newer widebody models, and while the construction and workmanship are adequate, they too are not exceptional. But because of the builder's strict adherence to a philosophy of offering a relatively spacious design, relatively well made, at a reasonable price, and backing up the product with generally good customer service, the Catalina 25 has turned out to be one of the most successful small cruising sailboats ever built, with 5,332 boats sold between 1976 and 1990, when the company ceased producing the model as demand tailed off.