That Old Nasty Problem Caused by Dissimilar Metals
A lot of boats depend on a large Edson diaphragm pump as a last ditch emergency pump. Pumps are either permanently mounted or bolted...
Offshore Log: Trapped in Paradise
You would think that after a decade of construction and almost two years of full-time cruising, we would have Calypso pretty much finished. Nothing...
Vetus, Simpson Lawrence Best Of The Nonskid Add-Ons
Anyone who has spent time on a number of boats knows that there are usually some spots that could use some form of nonskid...
Yet Another Motor Hoist-the Kato
Lifting the outboard motor from the dinghy to its mount on the stern rail (or pushpit as the Brits say) has always been a...
Understanding Sealants: We Test Urethanes, Sulfides & Silicones
Choosing the right sealant or flexibile adhesive for the job used to be fairly straightforward. Brands were few and products were fewer, and there...
CS Owners
Since we posted a notice in the August 1, 1997 issue announcing the formation of a CS (Canadian Sailcraft) owners group, we were pleased...
Offshore Log:Winch Maintenance – Do It Now, Not Later
Maintenance aboard a cruising boat is truly never-ending. Twenty years of preparation for offshore racing have left us with an absolute fetish for the...
Offshore Log:Winch Maintenance – Do It Now, Not Later
Maintenance aboard a cruising boat is truly never-ending. Twenty years of preparation for offshore racing have left us with an absolute fetish for the...
Marsolve: Marine Descaler
An old product is being introduced to a new market. Marsolve has been used for years to treat and clean steam boilers and other...
Strippers 2000: Peel Away Still Champ
In a test of Peel Away #1 vs. the “marine” Peel Away, the showdown is a draw. Franmar’s Soy-Gel™ also works well.
Small Boat, Big Keel Why This 27 Footer Works
What makes a small sailboat truly seaworthy? In this video, we take a deep dive into the Pacific Seacraft Orion 27, a rugged, long-keel...
Latest Sailboat Review
Island Packet Estero Used Boat Review
Florida-based Island Packet targets a relatively narrow niche, so the toughest competitors to its new boats are often older Island Packets. Introduced in 2010, the 36-foot, shoal-draft Estero is the company’s latest attempt to introduce a distinctive model that doesn’t stray too far from the company’s proven formula for success: moderate displacement, full-keel cruisers designed to be lived on, sailed far and in comfort, and endure the bumps, scrapes, and storms that cruising boats inevitably encounter. After sailing the Estero on Florida’s Sarasota Bay and inspecting its interior, construction, and systems, Practical Sailor testers noted that the shoal-water cruiser will appeal strongest to Island Packet fans who’ve been waiting for a shoal-draft, easy-to-sail boat that compares to the IP37 in terms of interior space. These strengths will be most apparent on intracoastal or riverine adventures like the Great Loop.