Repair, Tools & Materials

Durabak Nonskid Coating Long-term Test Update

In the January 2012 issue, we evaluated the application ease and traction performance of do-it-yourself nonskid options. A few months prior to the report,...

Marine Sealant Adhesion Tests

We expect a lot from adhesive sealants for the marine environment. They must stick to a wide variety of surfaces, including gelcoat, aluminum, wood,...

Winch Grease Corrosion Tests

When it comes to most mechanical things-like wheel bearings on a car-its miles that wears em out, as my grandfather used to say. And...

Winch Servicing Basics

While using the right winch grease is important, servicing the winch before the grease turns to gum, washes out, or the pawls start to...

Unsticking Molds

Our boats are molded, heart and soul, from fiberglass resin. And while sailors will argue for hours over the best splice, multi-function display, or...

Epoxy Fairing Compounds, Part One

Breathing life into an older fiberglass boat always entails more work than was expected, but for a person with the time, skill, and do-it-yourself...

Testers Check Epoxy Sandability, Adhesion, and More

Testers evaluated sandability, resistance to sag, cure time, and adhesion using sample fiberglass panels with 3-by-3-inch test swatches. The fairing compounds were applied and...

Careful Application Saves Your Sanding Arm

Epoxy fillers can be used to fix surface imperfections or for reshaping appendages like keels and rudders to make them more efficient. The smaller...

Fairing the Keel(s)

One of the more popular uses for fairing compounds is for shaping underwater appendages like keels and rudders so they are more efficient. Adjusting...

Through-bolting Fiberglass: An Inquiry into Failure Modes

How much load does a keel bolt or a winch through-bolt put on a hull or a deck? How thick should the laminate be...

Beneteau 423: What You Should Know | Boat Review

Looking to buy a 40-45 foot sailboat? Considering a Beneteau 423? See a Beneteau 423 for sale? What are the pros and cons of...