Fall is a good time to tackle do-it-yourself projects and onboard maintenance or systems upgrades. It’s also when many of us will shop for that next “new” boat.
Do-It-Yourselfers
Here are a few worth DIY projects tackling in the off-season. We detail building a simple winter boat cover frame in the September 2011 issue. For those with tired-looking decks, be sure to check out our reports on nonskid options for the do-it-yourselfer (PS November 2013); these include mats and paints. Have an electronics installation or rewiring project on tap? Get some pro tips for rewiring (PS July 2016). If you’re looking for a boatyard where you can actually do the work yourself while hauled out, you can find a rundown of DIY-friendly boat yards (PS June 2009), as well as a list of reader-recommended DIY yards in the Oct. 29, 2013 Inside Practical Sailor blog post. Other good cool-weather projects worth considering: fuel tank cleaning (blog post, June 6, 2018), sail cleaning (blog post, Dec. 6, 2016), making your own chafe guards (PS July 2011), and building your own dinghy wheels (blog post, August 15, 2017).
Boat Shopping?
In the market for a new-to-you boat? We highly recommend reading our checklist for DIY boat surveys (PS June 2012 online) and our “Sailor’s Guide to Marine Insurance” (PS October 2012 online). Cruisers should also be sure to check out the April 2009 issue’s look at cruising boats over 35 feet long and under $75,000, “Affordable Cruising Sailboats.” If you’re considering a boat that’s well-weathered (or possibly storm damaged), the January 10, 2017 blog, “Buyers Beware of Post-storm Bargains,” is also useful.
PS’s Exclusive Ebooks
Our new three-volume water report will ensure that your crew will stay healthy and hydrated with clean, fresh-tasting water straight from your tanks. Volume One compares the most popular water filters on the marine market, and describes some cost-saving do-it-yourself options. In Volume Two you’ll learn secrets to ensuring that your water supply remains clean and good-tasting throughout your voyage. In Volume Three, you’ll see the results of our head-to-head testing of the major brands of watermakers sold today. Available at www.practical-sailor.com/products.
