Off-the-Shelf Marine Toolkits
We looked at 11 pre-packed sets of tools. Some were OK. None would be enough on its own.
Topside Paint Test Kick-Off
Eight coatings, all made by either Interlux or Epifanes, earn excellent ratings in our kick-off test.
Varnish Exposure Update (and Coatings Recap)
Paint and varnish shouldn't be too difficult to understand: They're coatings you apply with a brush, roller or pad to protect or beautify the...
Emergency Rigging Cutters
The new Toolova Shootit 12 is a no-brainer at the high end-it cuts wire and rod almost like butter. At the low end, the old hacksaw does pretty well, too.
Multi-Tools: Leatherman Wave Covers the Waterfront
Leatherman leads the way with a quality tool at a good price. The Gerber 800 Legend, the Kershaw, SOG's Powerlock, and the Spyderco SpydeRench also top our list.
Brinkmann, LSI, Optronics Shine Bright in Spotlight Test
Sixteen lights from six manufacturers.
Gelcoat Repair Kits: Bondo Best
In the beginning, there was paint, and for a long time the repair of scratches and gouges was relatively simple.
Update: Honey Teak Has Staying Power
Last March, we reported the initial results of a new long-term varnish exposure test. What a difference a year makes!
Hull Blisters: Know the Enemy
In 1990 Practical Sailor published Comtex Development's definitive findings about the causes of blisters on fiberglass hulls. The author was Rick Strand, then president...
PS Advisor: July 2001
Lexan vs. PlexiIm planning to replace my wooden companionway boards with translucent plastic. Is there a difference between Lexan and plexiglass? Can both be...
Inspection Checklist: Sailboat Buyers Guide
If you're buying a used sailboat, this sailboat inspection checklist will help you avoid expensive mistakes. In this video, we cover exactly what to...
Latest Sailboat Review
Pearson 37 and 37-2 Used Boat Review
This 1981 Bill Shaw design is a late-IOR racer/cruiser.