Mailport & PS Advisor

In regard to your article on mold release agents in the September 2016 issue: We often have small epoxy repairs that require mold release, and weve found that box tape works well to help release the molds. For example, the interior wood surrounding our Perko ports became wet and rotted, so we removed the wood and created clear box-tape molds/release surfaces to replace the removed wood. Box tape, neither the shiny or adhesive surface, does not stick to epoxy. Once cured, the tape is easily removed, leaving a smooth surface. Sometimes, the clear tape alone creates an adequate mold. In other situations where the tape deflects, it is easy to back up the box tape with clamped wood to prevent deflection. The box tape has not been tested with radical cure systems, though they are usually less adhesive than epoxy.

Have you done any research on the best means of cleaning an aluminum mast? Im having other work done to mine and thought it would be a good time for a cleaning.

Harkens shackles are not intended for securing to any part of an anchor rode or to an anchor. We are adamant that stainless-steel shackles are not to be used for this purpose and ask that you do not include the Harken name in anchor-shackle articles.

If youve ever had to deal with a drain clog, you know it is no easy task to get rid of. Below, PS gives 7 tips to help prevent clogs.

With regard to your July 2016 article on storm preparedness and spring lines, what advice is there for storm prep for floating piers? We are in a slip with a 36-foot boat, and there is no way to cross-tie to pilings across the slip. Also, there are no cleats at the head of the slip, only on the finger pier.

After corrosion destroyed the water-lift muffler aboard his 1972 Irwin 37 (above) and he could not find a replacement, subscriber Gene Millard fabricated his own.

About 20 years ago, I purchased a lovely pair of Nikon binoculars, the 7x50 Ocean Pro (see PS August 2006 online), for my father for Christmas. Over many years of use, they became slightly damaged after being dropped on one eyepiece. This year, I sent them to Nikon (www.nikon.com) to be repaired. They made them perfect again, with a new strap and case, for no charge, not even shipping. Their lifetime warranty really is for a lifetime. I look forward to another 20 years of use, and then passing them along to my son. The best is always the best.

Most of us have low expectations of Velcro type products, especially for onboard uses, so PS testers set out in the April 2016 issue to find out whether any of them actually work.

In response to the June 15, 2016 blog post titled Summer Squall Sailing Tactics: From our experience, most localized fronts are marked by a gray sky transitioning to a definite line of approaching black clouds, which will bring 20- to 35-knot winds. Once in a while, we see more severe frontal transitions from clear blue sky to a roiling black line of clouds, blasting in far higher wind speeds. I cannot imagine any reason to leave any part of a mainsail up to face an initial slam of localized weather.

Looking for an alternative to installing an on-deck chartplotter? PS reader Bill Boyeson came up with a creative way to use his laptop for navigation, rather than a multi-function display in the cockpit of his J/42. The Kirkland, Wash., sailor designed an enclosure that protects the setup from the elements and that can be easily removed and stowed belowdecks when not in use. Here are the details that Boyeson shared with Practical Sailor.