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...
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...
Refurbishing the Inflatable Dinghy
Inflatable tenders have become the family car for many cruisers. They haul groceries, take us to snorkeling spots, shuttle guests, haul out second anchors,...
The Best Gloves for the Boatyard
We choose our sailing gloves and deck shoes with great care, because they are our interface with the boat. The same goes for work...
A Brief Modern History of Fiberglass
Fiberglass, also known as glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), has been an integral material in modern engineering and design, especially within the marine industry. Its lightweight,...
Propane Leak: How to Detect, Locate and Fix
There isn’t much that scares or worries me when it comes to all things about boats. Except two: large amounts of water coming in...
Sailing Triteia: Budget Bluewater Cruising
If I were to sum up, in one word, how James Frederick has managed to create his sailing life, I’d say “resourcefully.” The 49-year-old...
Boat Improvements for the Technically Illiterate
My wife Amanda often asks fellow cruisers the question: Would you prefer to sail with an experienced mechanic who knew little about sailing, or...
Whats the Best Way to Restore Clear Plastic Windows?
Preserving a clear view through clear plastic on dodgers or enclosures is one of the most challenging tasks in boat maintenance. Restoring a vinyl window is almost impossible, but that doesn't stop the tide of products that claim to make this job easy. Practical Sailors eisenglass cleaners test looks at 27 products touted primarily as cleaners or treatments for vinyl windows. The test products were divided into type: cleaners, scratch repairers, polish protectants, and UV protectants. After a week of testing, we found Imar Strataglass Protective Cleaner and Imar Strataglass Protective Polish, distributed by Defender Industries, to be the Best Choice. Collinite No. 845 Insulator Wax and Mer-Maids Plexiglass Plastic Cleaner and Polish were the Budget Buys. The test also included products from the following manufacturers: 303, 3M, Aquatech, Armada, Davies, Marykate, Meguiars. Mothers, Novus, Plexus, Sailors Solutions, Star brite, Turtle Wax, West Marine, and Yacht Brite.
Windlass Replacement on an Island Packet 40
At first I thought that standing on the V-head toilet and climbing awkwardly into the chain locker was funny. I tried not to think...
This Hidden Part Keeps Your Sailboat From Sinking
Your sailboat has a hidden hole below the waterline, and the stuffing box, shaft seal, or saildrive is what keeps that hole from becoming...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Pearson Rhodes 41/Rhodes Bounty II Used Sailboat Review
Buyers looking for a good used sailboat should ask themselves, When is a bargain really a bargain? The time-tested Pearson Rhodes 41 is one of the most popular boats on the used-boat market. They have a strong following, and an aging Pearson 41 with a previous owners accumulated TLC is one of the smartest buys among used boats. The Pearson 41 is a modest draft sailboat with a lean, long overhang and real sea berths. It features a solid fiberglass hull with encapsulated lead ballast. The low-aspect sailplan, which relies on a big genoa to boost horsepower. The Pearson 41 has an easy motion and enough functional space to qualify as a good inshore or offshore cruiser. It makes an excellent DIY candidate. Most of the 50 Pearson Rhodes 41s, built from 1961 to 1968, are still around today and have a cult following, making it one of the most sought-after used boats.
