Belowdecks & Amenities

Dirt-cheap Winter Insulation for Liveaboards

Insulation is a greater energy-saving expedient; if our heater or air conditioner is undersized, fixing drafts, shading or insulating windows, and insulating non-cored laminate...

Test Compares Insulation Below Waterline

The following is the test protocol for our report on cost-effective insulation for boats. First, we set up an R-value test rig, exposing sample materials...

How to Measure Boat Humidity: Psychrometric Charts Do It Right

Insulation is a greater energy-saving expedient; if our heater or air conditioner is undersized, fixing drafts, shading or insulating windows, and insulating non-cored laminate...

The Rain Catchers Guide

An efficient, clean rainwater catchment isn't just for cruisers venturing into remote areas. While biologically safe, many areas of the U.S. are served by...

Simple Steps Will Keep Salt Out of the System

Depending on the collection area and the sailing, salt can be a primary problem. Spray falls and dries, layer after layer, until the decks...

Winterizing Wisdom from the Chemistry Lab

Each winter sailors must tackle the project of winterizing their potable water system. Our preferred method is to dry the system completely (see PS...

Heating Equipment Support Warms Our Heart

Hurricane Heaters from ITRThree and a half years ago I had a Hurricane hydronic heater installed on our 1969 Grand Banks 32, Athena. Compared...

Folding Cart Does Yeomans Duty

In our previous review of dock carts, folding file carts were a standout. Marina carts are a hike to retrieve and return, where as...

Top Fire Blankets for the Offshore Sailor

Fire extinguishers are a U.S. Coast Guard requirement, and every boating instruction manual starts by telling you how many you need, where to mount...

Onboard Fire Fighting

When a fire strikes at sea, you need to respond quickly, aggressively, and with a cool head, and you will not give up easily....

Universal Diesel Engines – What You Should Know

This week we take a look at the Universal Diesel Sailboat Engine and its history including the Atomic 4 sailboat engine followed by the...