Offshore Log: Setting Up a Maintenance Program

A written maintenance log is the only way to keep up with the entropy of systems and schedules.

Bottom Paints 2002

Micron Extra from Interlux and Pettit's Trinidad SR are still top-notch paints, but running nearly neck-and-neck with the coppers is E-Paint's EP 2000.

Bilge Absorbers

Standard flat sheets perform far better in our tests than the fancier, more expensive kinds.

Plastics Versus Weather: The Nature of a Losing Battle

Here's a short, painless lesson on plastics and the abuses of nature, with a sidebar on goops we like.

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.

Performance Sailing – Beneteau First 44 Review

The Beneteau First 44 Performance is not just another modern cruiser. In this Practical Sailor boat tour, we take a close look at the...

Latest Sailboat Reviews

Tartan 395 Boat Review            

Co-founded by Charlie Britton in the early 1960s, Tartan Yachts was established on the shores of Lake Erie in Grand River, Ohio. The original...