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...
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...
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – September 2026
This month we tour the Hans Christian 48T — the offshore cruiser many sailors call the holy grail — walk the custom Antigua 60...
Video: Morgan 44 Review – The Catalina Cruiser Everyone Forgot
The 1989 Morgan 44 is a big center-cockpit cruising sailboat with Catalina DNA—but it may be one of the most overlooked boats of its...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Bayfield 32 Used Boat Review
At first glance, the Bayfield 32 looks less like a fiberglass production boat from the 1980s and more like somebody shrank a traditional sailing...
