Repair, Tools & Materials

For hull bottom and topside repair, we love our Porter-Cable random orbit sander and WEST System Microlight Fairing Compound.

Probably nothing can make or break the appearance of a fiberglass boat more quickly than the appearance of the exterior teak trim. Contrary to popular belief, teak is not a maintenance-free wood that can be safely ignored and neglected for years at a time. Though teak may not rot, it can check, warp, and look depressingly drab if not properly cared for.

A snug-fitting teak grating adds safety and a touch of class to the cockpit of any boat. Spray or rain runs under the grating to the cockpit drains, leaving a reasonably dry footing for hopping about the cockpit as you haul in sheets to tack or trim sails. Unfortunately, you can't buy a grating off the shelf to fit your boat, and having a grating custom-built can be a costly and nerve-wracking experience. The solution to both of these problems: build your own grating. Its a fun job that can keep you busy for a few winter evenings, and you can build it for less than one-third the cost of a custom-built job.

We tested a total of 15 products-including eco-friendly cleaners, concentrated formulas, degreaser-cleaners, and even one homebrew formula-from 11 manufacturers. While the test field wasn't inclusive of all the marine cleaners marketed as multi-purpose products, it did include a good cross-section of products from such companies as Star brite, Nautical Ease, Spray Nine, Yacht Brite, Biokleen, MDR, and Marykate. To get an idea of how they would stand up to real-world tasks, the products were tested on grease and grime on multiple surfaces-fiberglass, rubber, vinyl, and Formica. Practical Sailor also measured the pH balance of each test cleaner to find out which products were best suited for certain applications. With multiple data tables presenting the test findings, the report offers PS's picks for the best general cleaner, the best green cleaner, and the product that offers the best clean for the buck.

Practical Sailor rounded up seven readily available marine sealants and adhesives, including products from 3M, West Marine, BoatLife, and Sika Corp. The test included four polyurethane-based products, one silicone product, one polysulfide caulk, and one polyether caulk. Testers found that not all caulks will work for all applications. For example, the versatile polyurethane 3M 4200 was fast drying but didnt adhere well to wood, and all polyurethane products have to be kept away from acrylics and Lexan surfaces. Products tested were: 3M 5200 Fast Cure, 3M 4200 Fast Cure, West Marine 8200, Sikaflex 291 Lot, 3M Silicone, BoatLife Life-Caulk, and West Marine Multi-caulk.

In January 2009, Practical Sailor tested 14 mold and mildew cleaners, and two household products stood out: the super-chlorinated Klean-Strip Mildew Stain Remover and Spray Nine, a chlorine-free household cleaner. After that test, several readers asked about products to prevent mold. One product in particular, Concrobium Mold Control, was repeatedly suggested for testing. We found Concrobium at Home Depot, and to make things interesting, we included two other mildew preventers that readers suggested: 3M Marine Mildew Block, a treatment formulated to follow the 3M Mildew Cleaner tested in January, and Mold Off, a product billed as an eco-friendly commercial-grade cleaner and protectant.

Whether its wood flooring or boat decks youre dealing with, cleaning teak presents special challenges. In March 2008, we tested one-part teak cleaners to see which ones cleaned teak decks without being too harsh on the wood, the applicator, or environment. In this report, Practical Sailor follows up with an evaluation of two-part cleaners and how they compare to one another and to the top pick from the test of one-part solutions for cleaning teak. Testers applied five two-part cleaners for this test. Four of these were liquids: Amazons Quicki-II Teak Cleaner, Nautical Ease Teak Cleaner and Brightener, West Marines Teak Cleaner and Brightener, and TE-KA Teak Wood Cleaner by Marinetex. Tip Top Teak combines liquid and granular powder parts. Two-part cleaners were compared to Iosso one-part teak cleaner.

As all boatowners know, spills and stains are inevitable, particularly when you count children among your crew. Our heavily trafficked teak cabin soles and fabric-covered settees have seen their fair share of misfortune, so we keep our ears open for any recommended stain removers. A recent hunt for a product to clean stains from teak led us to K2r SpotLifter, which came highly recommended by Teak Decking Systems Jeff Scott.

Practical Sailors endless testing of hull waxes and polishes gives us ample opportunity to try out electric buffers. Weve used countless brands and types over the years-from cheapos to professional grade-and decided to see how Shurhold Industries new Dual-Action Polisher compared.

These six-month and 18-month bottom paint test updates cover dozens of antifouling paints that were immersed in Florida waters.Tested paints include marine coatings from Blue Water, Epaint, Flexdel, Interlux, Pettit, Sea Hawk, and Copper Coat, an epoxy-copper blend that claims multi-year protection. BoatKoat Laminates experimental stick-on antifouling for sailboats also was included in the fray. Hard antifouling paints and ablative antifouling paints work differently and are intended for different applications. Find out which type best matches your sailing style and boat maintenance regimen. Testers flagged the best bottom paints in each category, including ablative paints, hard paints, freshwater paints, aluminum paints, racing paints, water-based paints, and eco-friendly paints. Copper-free bottom paints and low-copper coatings performed surprisingly well at the six-month mark.