Boat Polish Test: One-Step Cleaner/Waxes
At Practical Sailor, were always looking for boat maintenance shortcuts. Typically, restoring and protecting an oxidized hull is a two-step process, compounding with a mild abrasive, followed by waxing. This time, we looked for the lazy-mans approach-so-called one-step cleaner/waxes. Among the contenders: Collinite 870, Meguiars 50, Restructure Marine Polish, Meguiars 67, 3M Fiberglass Cleaner Wax, 3M Clean & Shine, Interlux Premium, West Marine One Step, Star brite Cleaner Wax, and Simoniz Cleaner/Wax. After three months in the Florida sun, the shirkers route is looking pretty good.
Marine Metal Polish
In an update to our June 2006 and January 2007 metal polish test, we pit three products against PSs favored metal polish: Miracle Cloth (the top pick for both stainless steel and bronze). The challengers-Sure Shine from Weems & Plath and Metal Polish Pros Mirage Polish & Sealant and Prism Polish-debuted in the bronze cleaner test published in January. This time, we put them to work on a stainless steel bow railing. Both Sure Shine and Prism Polish performed well, but the hands-down winner for shiny stainless remains Miracle Cloth.
Teak Caulk
Teak decks can last a century, if theyre properly cared for, and a major factor in successful teak deck maintenance is choosing the right caulk-and applying it correctly. In June 2006, testers applied seven caulks used for teak deck seams to test panels. The products: Simson MSR (Marine Special Range) Deck Caulk Plus, Maritime Teak Deck Caulking, Teakdecking Systems SIS 440 Teak Deck Caulking, West Marines Multi Caulk Sealant, and three from BoatLIFE (Life-Caulk, Teak Deck Sealant, and Life-Calk Type P). We rated each for ease of application in the September 2006 issue, so after eight months, its time to take a look at their durability, adhesiveness, and resistance to chemicals.
Wonder Wash, Spin-drying Sidekick to the Rescue
The value of space onboard a boat means that just about every piece of equipment has to have at least two uses. For the portable Wonder Wash, may we suggest colors and whites?
Marine Antifouling Paint Test
In our bi-annual test of marine antifouling paints, Interlux Optima and a new bottom paint from Sea Hawk Paints, Biocop CF, produce the cleanest bottoms after six months. Interlux VC Offshore (hard) and Interlux Micron 66 (ablative) emerge as the most effective ablative paint after 18 months.
Marine Metal Warning
When it comes to marine metals, appearances can be deceiving. The shiny surface on that brand new stainless steel cleat could really be concealing cheap, highly ferrous metal, while that green crusty silicone bronze seacock could be as structurally sound as the day it was fabricated. As part of a series of articles focusing on problems that plague older boats (as well as poorly built new ones), Technical Editor Ralph Naranjo helps pinpoint potential trouble spots for metal parts and hardware.
A nuts-and-bolts guide to our galaxy
Used boat buyers beware. Some potentially serious problems turn up with discouraging frequency during a routine search for bargains in the used boat market.
Iron vs. Lead Ballast
Whether it is, as the iceboaters say "soft water" or "hard water," the principles are exactly the same. However, because when iceboating the apparent wind behaves so much more radically, the sailtrimming techniques are considerably different. By the way, an airplane wing is just a sail turned horizontal; thats why so many airplane pilots own sailboats or iceboats.
Bronze Polish Test
Bronze portlights, even those coated with a thick layer of patina, give many sailboats a salty appearance, but if you want your portlights to look shiny, what is the best bronze polish? We apply the top products in our stainless steel polish test to some bronze portlights that had not been cleaned since the Carter Administration. Our test field features 19 different products, including: Miracle Cloth, Nevr Dull, Noxon 7, Prizm Polish, Flitz Metal Polish, Collinite No. 850 Metal Wax, Star Brite Chrome and Stainless Polish, 3M Metal Restorer and Polish, Turtle Wax Chrome Polish and Rust Remover, Meguiars Mirror Glaze, and more.
Ethanol Fuel Attacks Outboard Engines, Inboard Engines and Fuel Tanks
No matter what brand outboard engine you have Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury, Tohatsu, or Johnson youll want to be wary of ethanol fuel. Owners of older sailboats with gasoline inboards like the Universal Atomic 4 should also be on alert. Ethanol fuel presents a wide range of problems for owners of gasoline engines. The new blend of fuel can attack tanks, hoses, seals, and can gum up your engine if you don't take certain precautions. We examine the issues surrounding ethanol fuel and offer some tips for safely storing a boat that runs on ethanol fuel.
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.