Boat Maintenance

As we've learned from past test, there's no chemistry in a bottle that is going to keep mildew at bay like desiccants or dehumidifiers (PS, June 2013). But there are easy to use products, including two inexpensive home-made formulas, that can help keep a boat as fresh as your home.For this report, we tested 13 liquid sprays, gels, and solids formulated to fight mildew, remove mildew stains, and keep crew noses happy. The test field included the experimental Goldshield GS 5, 3M's Marine Mildew Block, Forespar's tea tree oil spray and gel, Henkle Chemical's Renuzit, Siamons Concrobium, Damp Rid Odor Genie, Pur-A-Fy Air gel, and two homemade concoctions based on Borax and TSP.

Our boat came with an Iota battery charger installed. The cooling fan started squealing three years after we bought the boat, but theres no telling how old the charger was. Iotas website (www.iotaengineering.com) has photos and emails for the company president, vice president, sales, and tech-support people. Thats fantastic compared to other companies in the marine industry where its like pulling teeth to reach anyone. And they sent me a replacement fan-no charge, no shipping cost.

Over the past five years, in our search for the best bottom paints, weve reported on three sets of bottom paint test panels that have been in salt water for two years or more. Most panel sets contained the same roster of 60 to 70 antifouling paints from Blue Water Paints, Epaint, Interlux, Pettit, Sea Hawk, and other makers. In the end, only seven antifouling paints proved capable of combatting barnacles after 24 months. We consider these to be the most reliable bottom paints available for the cruising sailor.

Most sailors have discovered that when it comes to applying marine coatings, the type of masking tape used is as important as the type of paintbrush if you want clean edges. But what is the best tape to use for boat varnish projects, or bottom paint application? Testers compared eight of industry leader 3Ms general masking and specialty tapes to find out.

Practical Sailor editors waded through the dozens and dozens of test products of the previous year to pick the best of the best. Only 17 earned the 2013 Editors Choice designation, a special recognition for products that clearly stood out among their peers during our independent tests as the best in their category and whose performance earned PS editors confidence. This years top gear included a slew of marine electronics, onboard systems, and deck hardware products.

In regard to your request for recommended sailing dogs: We sail with a Sheltie who puts up with a lot! Hes spent three winters cruising in the Bahamas with us and has the distinction of being the only one aboard who hasn't gotten seasick. Bailey is the perfect size (about 18 pounds) to tuck under your arm when getting on and off the boat. We purposely try and keep him from…

We filled our water tanks (40 and 72 gallons) in May, and now the water is brackish, brown. Have you done a study on purifying water or tanks? Bleach is one remedy, but I wondered whether PS has ever done an article on this subject?

A marine spotlight, as opposed to a floodlight or flashlight, must sufficiently illuminate an object at a considerable distance. Clearly seeing navigation aids, floating debris, breaking surf, or a man overboard requires a dependable device with a bright beam of light, one that can be kept at the ready. The best marine spotlights combine improved LED technology with sufficient power, a quality reflector lens, single-hand ergonomics, quick recharging times, and a rugged durability that includes withstanding submersion. We evaluated seven LED spotlights, including the new Streamlight Waypoint Rechargeable and three new West Marine lights.

Alpenglow I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to (and recommendation of) the folks at Alpenglow Lights (www.alpenglowlights.com). We have many of their fixtures and have contacted the company on numerous occasions for new sales, upgrades, and technical questions. Without fail, they have exceeded our expectations, from offering to perform upgrades at minimal cost, to telling us secret workarounds that enabled us to use locally sourced parts and supplies to re-invigorate their excellent lighting units.

In response to Whats in the Practical Sailor Toolbag? (PS, January 2012): How about a list of tools that a live-aboard cruiser should carry? Given storage, power, and workspace limitations, many of the suggested tools are not feasible and may require alternatives. For instance, I carry a major Dremel toolkit, and it cuts the very occasional holes I need for switch installation, etc., plus helps me with sanding and minor refinishing work. I use my Dewalt 18-volt right-angle drill probably twice a month for repairs and upgrades. I also use my cordless screwdriver several times per year, especially when removing and reinstalling my headliner while chasing wires. Most others are tools that don't require electricity, but there are many.