Boat Maintenance

Lowering the Beta 20, the Kubota 722 block marinized by the British, to replace a Volvo MD7A two-cylinder. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Engine Replacement on Islander Bahama 30

There may come a time when repowering your cherished sailboat needs to be addressed. I suspected that not all 13 horses of the venerable...

Simple Lithium for Outboard-Powered Tenders, Daysailers, and Sport Boats

Lithium is cool. Your cell phone uses it. Cameras, laptops, flashlights … everything. But “cool” is not a reason. Fire is not a big...
"The epoxy primer was applied quickly by Jacob and Hanneke, one rolls it on the other strokes it out. We applied two coats and afterwards wet-and-dry sanded them." (Info/Photo Wharram Designs)

Glues and Resins: Can Boatbuilding Be Regenerative?

The use of glues and resins is indispensable in modern wooden and plywood boat construction. Ahead of self-building a 41-ft. Wharram Designs Narai Mk...
A Sabre 38 Mk I on a classic Chicago windy day in early June. One reef in the main and a fully furled genoa kept her balanced. (Photo/ Nick Van Antwerp)

How Much Does it Cost to Have a Boat in Chicago?

Sailing is a weather dependent sport. When I learned to sail, I would head out on Lake Michigan in heavy wind, light wind, rough...
This Feinspiel Vendia boat is made from their proprietary Nordic pine plywood planks. The planks are made from sliced veneer so it looks like solid wood, but is actually ply. (Photo courtesy of Vendia)

Wooden Boat Revival: Can Boatbuilding Be Regenerative?

The dawn of the fiberglass era transformed the boatbuilding industry, making sailing more accessible and affordable. With fiberglass’s strength, low maintenance and adaptability, boat...
This completed cardboard dodger cover pattern has all of the marking elements indicating where different snaps and straps need to be sewed on. (Photo/ Marc Robic)

How to Make Dodger Cover Canvas Pattern

For those of us with dodgers, we know how truly practical they can be. They protect the crew from wind and water splashes and...
If you're looking to tie up and explore New York City on foot, there are various small marinas and moorings. However, there are more options across the river in New Jersey where you can dock and take a short ferry to NYC. (Photo/ Kim Saylor)

How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Boat on the Hudson River, New...

I have a pocket dictionary I keep in the navigation desk of our 1978 Catalina 30 called Sailing: The Fine Art of Getting Wet...
1978 Islander Bahama 30 that we’ve owned for just over 20 years. We keep her in good condition and therefore she is relatively easy for us to insure. (Photo/ Bert Vermeer)

Insurance For Older Sailboats

In our modern, risk-adverse world there is seldom the opportunity to stand alone, to be self-insured as it were. Gone are the days that...

What Are the Best Options in Hose Clamps and Barbs?

In “Stainless Steel Hose Clamps,” February 2016, we reviewed hose clamps by testing corrosion resistance and clamping security. Not a lot has changed; cheap...
The author's Catalina 270, Aquaholic, on slings. You can easily see where the slings are properly set. Even the crane seems happy! (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Haul Out Tips to Avoid Confusion and Delays

Every fall, we sailors living in the colder, wintery parts of the world, must haul out our beloved boats and set them gently onto...

Solo Ocean Sailing: Expert Tactics & Survival Tips for Sailing Alone...

Thinking about sailing solo across the ocean? Whether you're planning your first solo passage or looking to refine your offshore sailing skills, this video...

Latest Sailboat Review

Hunter 45DS Used Boat Review

Hunter Marine unveiled its latest large cruising monohull, the Hunter 45DS, in late 2007. The boat is essentially an upgrade of the 44DS, with twin wheels, a new transom, new styling, and a roomier, reconfigured interior. Hunter has sold 152 hulls since the boats debut, making it a fairly successful endeavor. To increase the Hunter 45DSs interior volume, designer Glenn Henderson opted for relatively high freeboard and additional length. Henderson also matched a nearly elliptical rudder with a smaller keel. The 54-horsepower Yanmar auxiliary engine moved the Hunter through calm water at 8 knots at 3,000 rpm. Testers sailed the 45-footer in flat water and 13.5 knots of wind, making 5.8 knots and were able to tack through 110 degrees. The current base price of the Hunter is $268,990.