A Brief Modern History of Fiberglass
Fiberglass, also known as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), has been an integral material in modern engineering and design, especially within the marine industry. Its lightweight,...
Another Look at ‘Dustless’ Sanding
In “Dustless Sanding,” (see PS April 2016), we described a simple modification to a 5-gallon bucket that would make collecting dust from bottom painting...
How Much Does it Cost to Own a Sailboat in Quebec, Eastern Ontario, Upper...
You’ve been out a few times with friends on their sailboat and now, you’ve caught the sailing bug and, be well advised, there is...
Anode Basics: Dos and Don’ts
No matter what type of boat you have, if she’s kept in the water all season, maintaining your sacrificial anodes must be part of...
What’s The Best Bottom Paint?
We consider two years to be the practical limit for antifouling paints, and we like to haul our boats every two years for other...
Boat Hook and Fender Hacks
Point me to any boat, anywhere, anytime and I can guarantee you I will find a few tricks or particular set-ups made by its...
Propane Leak: How to Detect, Locate and Fix
There isn’t much that scares or worries me when it comes to all things about boats. Except two: large amounts of water coming in...
Sailing Triteia: Budget Bluewater Cruising
If I were to sum up, in one word, how James Frederick has managed to create his sailing life, I’d say “resourcefully.” The 49-year-old...
Why Choose the Wharram Design?
Gathered on the sofa, I fumbled with the HDMI cable, trying to connect my laptop to our TV.
“What’s this movie about?” Ryder, our eldest,...
Winterizing: Make It Easy With Checklists
When summer turns into fall, most DIY boat owners start exchanging ideas on how each one proceeds with their winterizing process. This is definitely...
Lithium Batteries on Sailboats: The 3 Mistakes Everyone Makes
Lithium batteries are one of the most popular sailboat upgrades today—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. In this Practical Sailor Saturday episode,...
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.