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...

Personal Rescue Lights: Less Than Brilliant

ACR slightly outshone the rest of a dim group. These lights can help in a quick pick-up, but youre unlikely to see them beyond a half-mile in most sea conditions.

Zero Dollar Cruising Dream | Halcyon 23

Could you really live on a small sailboat, go cruising cheap, or chase the sailing dream without buying a huge expensive boat? In this...

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The Marshall Sanderling 18 retains the catboat’s traditional appeal as well as a viable interior. Racing fleets keep interest alive.

C&C 40 Used Boat Review