DIY Projects

Bottom Paint Tests 2009 Spring Update

Over the years, Practical Sailor has tracked the evolution in marine antifouling paints. Shaped by government regulations, environmental concerns, and industry innovations, the shift...

Make Your Own Over-the-Boom Riding Sail

Delighted with the performance of the over-the-boom riding sail, we decided to make our own. To measure, we outlined the proposed sail area with -inch...

2017 Top Sailing Gear

Scott Rapid Dissolve Toilet PaperFollowing a carefully considered protocol that is not worth delving into here, testers took a second look at toilet paper...

A Rough Game Plan for Tackling the Dodger

Like most equipment found aboard sailboats, canvas work quality is linked to the material chosen and how the parts are put together. In this...

Nonskid Test Update

Practical Sailor recently tested a nonskid mat from Soft Deck Inc. as a followup to our January 2012 report on do-it-yourself options for replacing...

Mildew-resistant Caulks for Boats

Choosing a marine caulk for use above the waterline comes down to which product offers the best resistance to weathering, dirt, mildew, and ability...

Laid Teak Decks: Hallmark of Quality

There was a time when laid decks — teak, yellow pine, or fir — were the hallmark of a true yacht. The bare wood...

Bringing an Old Boat Trailer Back to Life

Over the years, weve stressed the importance of keeping a close eye on stainless-steel sailboat hardware and why pitting, crevice-corrosion, and galvanic action are...

Maintenance of Interior Teak

With resistance to weathering as its primary virtue, however, teak makes less sense for use as trim below. Nevertheless, the simplicity of finishing teak,...

Professional Advice for Do It Yourself Boat Blister Repairs

Earlier this year, reader and occasional contributor Fred Hatch found himself facing a quandary common among boat owners. The topsides of his 32-foot sloop...

Tayana 37: What You Should Know | Boat Review

Looking to buy a 35-40 foot sailboat? Considering a Tayana 37? See a Tayana 37 for sale? What are the pros and cons of...