Toilet paper, Vacuflush, and a search for PS testers
Last months report on fast-dissolve toilet paper took on a new significance this past week as we began testing Sealands Vacuflush toilets, toilets that literally suck waste into the holding tank. The chief advantage of the Vacuflush system is the reduced requirement for water for flushing. These units required very little water to flush, but this also makes it harder for toilet paper to dissolve.
Summer Dreams, Brad Van Liew, and Moitessier
I can feel it. This will be a very big summer. The solstice still lies ahead, and look what the year has brought us already. The Americas Cup slips into San Francisco. Brad Van Liew sashays into La Rochelle with a clean sweep in the Velux 5 Oceans around the world race.
Deadly Accident, Swing Keels, and Mandatory PFDs
This is a sad story about a sailboat accident that didn't have to happen. Apart from the obvious problems with a night-time adventure (likely involving alcohol) with 10 people on a 22-foot sailboat, a couple of details caught my attention.
Big Adventures in Small Boats
I've always admired adventurers in small boats. If I were to trace my sea addiction it would likely be to Kon-Tiki, a book that fell into my hands as a boy. So I was happy this month to get the chance to spend some time aboard Kevin Jeffrey's Norseboat 21.5, the sort of craft that inspires small boat adventures. In fact, two Royal Marines were so taken by Jeffrey's Norseboat 17.5, that they sailed one through the Northwest Passage.
Welcome (Part II) and Meet the Skipper
In keeping with this blog's theme of offering a glimpse of what's going on "inside" Practical Sailor, this post-our second since we've revamped the new website-will offer a brief introduction to who is behind these missives. Most of the posts from the old Inside Practical Sailor blog have been transferred over here, but a few entries, including biographies of other crew at Practical Sailor have not. We'll find a home for these at the Practical-sailor.com soon.
Welcome to the new Practical Sailor Website
Practical Sailor is pleased to announce its completely redesigned website. Practical Sailor is the independent resource for sailboat and gear tests for the serious sailor.
Port of San Diego Publishes Antifouling Paint Study
San Diego port officials forwarded the Final Report on Safer Alternatives to Copper Alternatives to Antifouling Paints for Marine Vessels to the EPA on Feb. 4. Presenting data on a wide range of alternative antifouling paints that contain limited or no harmful biocides, the 152-page report is based on both controlled panel tests and field tests on several different powerboats and sailboats that berth in the port district.
Port of San Diego Publishes Antifouling Paint Study
San Diego port officials forwarded the Final Report on Safer Alternatives to Copper Alternatives to Antifouling Paints for Marine Vessels to the EPA on Feb. 4. Presenting data on a wide range of alternative antifouling paints that contain limited or no harmful biocides, the 152-page report is based on both controlled panel tests and field tests on several different powerboats and sailboats that berth in the port district.
Quickline Recalls Cast Stainless-steel Flip Swivels
Quality Marine Importer, Quickline, Recalls UFS8 Swivel Designed For Use With 1/4- and 5/16-inch Anchor Chains.
Build Your Own Long-range WiFi Antenna for Less than $100
As most sailors have found, trying to use a typical laptop WiFi card to connect to a marina or yacht club hotspot doesn't cut it. A more acceptable compromise is an amplified WiFi card which can theoretically boost transmission power to about 1,000 milliwatts.
Lagoon 55 – The Perfect Charter Boat for Your Caribbean Vacation
Looking for the ultimate sailing vacation in the Caribbean? Step aboard the Lagoon 55, a modern catamaran that combines luxury, comfort, and performance—making it...
Latest Sailboat Review
Irwin Citation 34 Used Boat Review
The Irwin 34 is in many respects a typical Irwin boat. It was originally called the "Citation 34," which was meant to indicate that it was more of a plush cruiser than the race-oriented Irwins at the time, but more of a racer than the larger cruisers. According to the company, 305 Irwin 34s were built in the production run, from 1978 to 1985, a moderate but successful model for the era. Near the end of its production, the boat was advertised as the Irwin 34 rather than the Citation 34. There were no major changes in the boat from beginning to end, just the details and equipment that are typical of any long production run.