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Ray Ville

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Ray Ville has been a Navtech Certified Marine Surveyor since 2009. He has surveyed vessels in Canada and the Dominican Republic, where he currently resides. During the summer, he flies back home to Canada and lives aboard his 1982 Mirage 33 in the North Channel of Lake Huron.
During the survey on this CS 36 in the Dominican Republic, the author found widespread moisture, hidden core rot, and structural concerns beneath her freshly painted topsides.(Photo/ Ray Ville)
Boat Maintenance

Not All That Glitters Is Gold: A Surveyor’s Cautionary Tale

The freestanding 62-ft. carbon fiber mast eliminates the rigging maintenance typical of stayed rigs, with the thicker aerodynamic profile engineered to flex under load like an aircraft wing—spilling wind in gusts and providing stability without shrouds or stays. Photo courtesy of YachtWorld.com
Sailboat Reviews

Freedom 45 CC Used Boat Review

The Mirage 33 has a well laid out cockpit but it is a bit difficult to walk around with the wheel nearly touching the side benches. Coaming is high making it a comfortable and dry seating area. (Photo/ Ray Ville)
Sailboat Reviews

Mirage 33 Used Boat Review

Inside Practical Sailor

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

This DC panel was tagged as being a fire hazard, which should be at the top of your list in terms of project priorities. (Photo/ Ray Ville)
Boat Maintenance

How to Prioritize Projects on Your New-To-You Boat

Sailboat Reviews

Morgan Out Island 36 Used Boat Review

The hull, rudder, keel and prop should be clean and dry. This 1982 Mirage 33 was perfectly prepared. (Photo/ Ray Ville)
Boat Maintenance

How To Prepare Your Boat for a Survey

Although the cause of this delaminated rudder is unknown, In most cases the delamination comes with age. Also, a small nick from hitting a rock or coral will let water in and, if not attended too, the delamination will worsen in time. (Photo/ Ray Ville)
Boat Maintenance

Pre-Purchase or Insurance Survey: Which One Do I Need?

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Latest Sailboat Review

The port-side settee is less than 5 ft. long, making it a child's berth at best. Outboard of it, a narrow pilot berth is comfortable and secure, and mercifully isn't jammed up under the side decks. (Photo courtesy of SailboatListings.com)
Sailboat Reviews

Tartan 33 Used Boat Review

In 1978, Tartan brought out the Tartan Ten, a 33', fairly light, fractionally-rigged "offshore one design." The boat was a huge success: fast, easy to sail, and unencumbered by the design limitations of a rating rule. But the Tartan Ten had one big problem: limited accommodations with stooping headroom, an interior most kindly described as spartan. A hardy crew could take the Tartan Ten on a multi-day race such as the Mackinac, and you might even coax your family aboard for a weekend of camping out. But cruising or extended racing in comfort? Forget it!
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