Stopping Holding-tank Odors
In response to our summer report on chemical treatments for holding tanks, Practical Sailor readers wrote in, suggesting we check out the products that have kept their boats smelling sweet. Our initial look at odor-fighting agents included some disappointing deodorizing products as well as the latest generation of holding tank treatments-those that use enzymes, bacteria nutrients, and live bacteria to kill odors more naturally, and often more effectively. This round, we included additional new-generation products from Happy Camper, Zoal, Bactank T3, Raritan, Forespar, Yara Chemicals, and Rid-X. Once again, the bacterial products were favored over the disinfectants.
What’s the Best Sunscreen?
Social media seems to be stirring up fear that sunscreen is more than harmful than beneficial, without legitimate studies to support this fear mongering....
Galley Gadgets for the Cruising Sailor
Historically, the cook has always enjoyed a privileged position on board a boat. And no wonder, since the cook almost always works the hardest, whether the boat is underway or at anchor. While the navigator and helmsmans job is no less critical, the nerve-wracking labor of maintaining a steady course and plotting an accurate DR position has nearly evaporated in recent years, thanks to GPS, chartplotters, and autopilots. The cooks job, on the other hand, hasn't gotten a whole lot easier. So, in honor of the hardest working crew, Ive put together a list of five items that can help make a cooks life easier underway. Id be interested in hearing what other suggestions our readers have.
Sailing On After Losing a Sailing Partner
My sailing skills developed alongside my partner’s. We went to sailing school together for my 40th birthday. We bought our first, second and third...
The Rain Catcher’s Guide
An efficient, clean rainwater catchment isn't just for cruisers venturing into remote areas. While biologically safe, many areas of the U.S. are served by well water that is not chlorinated, high in sulfate that makes it prone to going bad. When stored in the absence of oxygen, the sulfate becomes the preferred oxygen source for microorganisms and hydrogen sulfide is the byproduct. Only .05 parts per million (ppm) sulfide is required to make water distasteful. Even if the water at your next marina is fresh and sweet, filling from an unfamiliar source is always a roll of the dice.
The Great Loop: An Accessible Adventure Sail Through North America
What is the greatest adventure you can have in North America?
RV enthusiasts will drive to the desert to see the Grand Canyon, visit Yellowstone...
How to “Home School” Your Child Afloat
If you and your family are living afloat, or are thinking about heading out soon, one concern you may have is educating your children....
George Town Is a Changing
Change is everywhere. As sailors and cruisers change is something we are very used to. Changing countries, anchorages, and overall changing the way we...
Lithium Batteries on Sailboats: The 3 Mistakes Everyone Makes
Lithium batteries are one of the most popular sailboat upgrades today—but they’re also one of the most misunderstood. In this Practical Sailor Saturday episode,...
Latest Sailboat Review
Island Packet Estero Used Boat Review
Florida-based Island Packet targets a relatively narrow niche, so the toughest competitors to its new boats are often older Island Packets. Introduced in 2010, the 36-foot, shoal-draft Estero is the company’s latest attempt to introduce a distinctive model that doesn’t stray too far from the company’s proven formula for success: moderate displacement, full-keel cruisers designed to be lived on, sailed far and in comfort, and endure the bumps, scrapes, and storms that cruising boats inevitably encounter. After sailing the Estero on Florida’s Sarasota Bay and inspecting its interior, construction, and systems, Practical Sailor testers noted that the shoal-water cruiser will appeal strongest to Island Packet fans who’ve been waiting for a shoal-draft, easy-to-sail boat that compares to the IP37 in terms of interior space. These strengths will be most apparent on intracoastal or riverine adventures like the Great Loop.