Repair, Tools & Materials

Multitools Revisited

Several new offerings prompted this renewed look. For versatility and quality we like four particular models, and among those, the Leatherman Wave is our best buy.

Strippers and Crimpers

One crimp or two? In our test and survey, we again find that the well-made multi-purpose tool will suffice for most wiring jobs. If you have more serious work to do, try Klein's #1005 crimper and Ancor's 702030 automatic stripper.

Multi-Purpose Boat Poles

With boathook, mop, squeegee, and net attachments, telescoping poles save space aboard and are quite handy. The MPS Perfect Pole's no-look locking mechanism helps it earn top honors.

Off-the-Shelf Marine Toolkits

We looked at 11 pre-packed sets of tools. Some were OK. None would be enough on its own.

Emergency Rigging Cutters

The new Toolova Shootit 12 is a no-brainer at the high end-it cuts wire and rod almost like butter. At the low end, the old hacksaw does pretty well, too.

Multi-Tools: Leatherman Wave Covers the Waterfront

Leatherman leads the way with a quality tool at a good price. The Gerber 800 Legend, the Kershaw, SOG's Powerlock, and the Spyderco SpydeRench also top our list.

Wiz Oil Filter Cutter

All too often boat owners keep tabs on the condition of their engines by simply running them: If they start and run smoothly...

The Happy Hooker and Other Ingenious (de)Vices

Boat hook attachments to make docking and picking up moorings less terrifying.

Looking for the Perfect Inflatable Pump

The time it takes to fill an inflatable with air to the proper pressure is a function not only of the size of the...

ITT Night Vision 260-A Star Among Night Vision Scopes

When the only thing that keeps you from going aground at night is an unlit channel marker buoy, a night-vision device suddenly becomes less...

Why the Catalina 42 Took Over the Caribbean

You see them everywhere — the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, all across the Caribbean. The Catalina 42, especially the Mark II, has quietly become...

Latest Sailboat Review

Dragonfly 25-2 Boat Review

If you’ve ever dreamed of blasting across the water at 25 knots with the wind in your hair and the spray in your face...