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.
Brinkmann, LSI, Optronics Shine Bright in Spotlight Test
Sixteen lights from six manufacturers.
Personal Rescue Lights: Less Than Brilliant
ACR slightly outshone the rest of a dim group. These lights can help in a quick pick-up, but youre unlikely to see them beyond a half-mile in most sea conditions.
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...
Lifesling Goes Throwable
Were safety conscious at Practical Sailor. Readers know that, from the numerous articles about our in-the-water and bench tests. We rarely fail to comment...
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
Catalina 356 Used Boat Review
Arguably, the Catalina 34 first produced in 1985 with 1,438 constructed of various marks, and the Catalina 36 first produced in 1982 with 1,766...