Boat Maintenance

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.

Fiberglass Hull Restorers : 21-month Report

Our annual report on products that attempt to bring back hull shine.

Measure Twice, Mix Once?

We decided to paint our masts ourselves. Why not? How hard could it be? My friend Bill and I had done virtually everything else...

Winters Work

Each spring I make a list of boat projects that includes routine maintenance and a few important upgrades. Inevitably, the work is cut short...

All That Stuff

Its crazy. All the stuff you can put on a boat these days. GPS chartplotters, tactical computers, propane barbecues, automatic anchor light switches, tank...

Top Flashlight: Dorcys The Boss

While the Pelican PeliLite proves the value of 'marine-grade,' The Boss has the edge.

Late to Launch

As long-time readers well know, each year we undertake at least one major project upgrade on Viva, our 1975 Tartan 44 test boat. This...

Chandlery 05/01/00

Anal About Cleaning?We're not sure about this. However, any marine innovator deserves a Warhol moment or a day in the sun. So meet Mark...

PS Advisor 07/15/99

Holding Tanks and HosesMy brother-in-law and I are planning to install a holding tank in our 1970 Morgan 28. Ive tried to research the...

Sticky Business: Duct Tape Tested

Theres probably not a handyman (or woman) in existence who hasn't had experience with duct tape. The universal holder-together, duct tape has been used...

Bahamas for $5000? The Watkins 27 foot Sailboat

Is the Watkins 27 the ultimate small cruising sailboat? In this video, we take a deep dive into the Watkins 27 — a classic...
How Long Do Sails Last? video from Practical Sailor

How Long Do Sails Last?

Latest Sailboat Review

Tartan 30: An Affordable Classic

The early 1970s was the heyday of the Tartan 30' racer/cruiser. In all, no less than two dozen boats of a similar size and type were introduced in just three years, many of them to become highly successful among sailors eager for the performance and amenities of big boats at a modest price. Among the most noteworthy and enduring of the 30-footers from this era has been the Tartan 30.