Boat Maintenance

Rebuilding a Cape Dory 36

This is Part 1 in a multi-part series detailing the rebuilding of our then 35 year old Cape Dory 36 sailboat. The purpose of...

A Rough Game Plan for Tackling the Dodger

Like most equipment found aboard sailboats, canvas work quality is linked to the material chosen and how the parts are put together. In this...

Mailport: Noise control, outboard maintenance, fuel tanks, powerline safety

E15 IN CARBURETORS I enjoyed your E15 fuel article in the September edition of Practical Sailor “Gas Engine Owners Beware of E15.” I don’t think that the picture...

Mailport: Noise control, outboard maintenance, fuel tanks, powerline safety

A RESOUNDING CLARIFICATION Regarding the blog post, “Reducing Boat Noise,” I wonder if this is correct: “The actual noise level in the cabin will depend...

Bungee Lanyards Take the Shock Out of Tools Dropped from the Mast

Iput a nice dent in the deck several decades ago when I dropped a wrench from the masthead. It scared the crew too. I haven’t...

It’s Hard to Beat Needle and Palm for Hand Stitching

Torn canvas is no fun for the sailor, but there is something uniquely satisfying about making repairs or hand-stitching new creations using needle and...

Stitching Awl vs. Leather Palm for Sail Repair

Got a small sail or canvas repair? “Get a Speedy Stitcher!” is common advice, though rarely from someone experienced in sail repair. Sure, it seems...

Mailport: Sealant advice, sandblasting warning, tool bags

MORE 4000UV FAILURES With regard to your recent report on the sudden failure of 3M 4000UV, I like the product for its resistance to UV...

Boat Repair in the Age of Plexus

Historically, fiberglass boat hulls and decks were molded separately, and then bonded at the deck seam. Bulkheads were added either with polyester or epoxy...

Choosing the Right Boat Glue

Any time I start researching glues, I can hear the voice of Old Man Parker from the classic film “A Christmas Story,” ringing in...

Why Sailors Love to Hate the MacGregor 26

The MacGregor 26 might be the most controversial sailboat ever built. Half sailboat. Half powerboat. Water ballast. A 50-horsepower outboard. Capable of sailing… and...

Latest Sailboat Review

Catalina Morgan 440 Used Boat Review

The Catalina Morgan 440 is a massive ocean-capable design from the drafting board of Gerry Douglas, a prolific designer for Catalina Yachts for over...