Mailport & PS Advisor

PS Advisor

Water Heater PlumbingI am planning to install on my 35 sailboat a hot water heater using the closed circuit cooling system of my engine,...

Mailport

Wind Generator NoiseMeeting all the design criteria for a sailboat wind generator does require some compromises.With respect to your commentary on the noise of...

PS Advisor

Sail PricesI keep reading in your publication-and others-how sailors will order new sails based primarily on price-bids. Years ago, before computer designed sail programs...

Mailport

Varnish on GelcoatIn the June 1999 issue, Frank Ficken sought help removing dried varnish safely from his gel coat.I suggest he try a Bruce...

PS Advisor

Gelcoat CrazingFor the past (too many to admit) years I have been working on the completion of a Corbin 39. Recently I have noticed...

Mailport

South Pacific: Then and NowWhat a pleasure to read Nick Nicholsons excellent account of his trans-Pacific crossing. My wife and I made the trip...

PS Advisor

Tacking DegreesWhat fudge factor can I use to deal with the following upwind claims: 1. The brochure of an older, narrow, deep, fin-keel boat...

Mailport

WomanshipFollowing our August 15, 1999 report on sailing schools, we received numerous letters from readers concerning Womanship. Many supported our conclusion that Womanship needs...

PS Advisor

That Slippery Shock CordCan you recommend a knot to be used successfully with shock cord? Marv SannesSalem, OregonShock cord is tough to tie. It...

Mailport

Flag Failures & DisposalWhen Nick Nicholsons Offshore Log first started appearing, I concluded it was a clever and incestuous dodge that would help Nicks...

Before You Buy a Beneteau Watch This First – Hanse 430E...

Thinking about buying a 40–45 foot cruising sailboat? Before you default to a Beneteau, Jeanneau, Catalina, or Hunter, this in-depth Practical Sailor review takes...

Latest Sailboat Review

Tartan 33 Used Boat Review

In 1978, Tartan brought out the Tartan Ten, a 33', fairly light, fractionally-rigged "offshore one design." The boat was a huge success: fast, easy to sail, and unencumbered by the design limitations of a rating rule. But the Tartan Ten had one big problem: limited accommodations with stooping headroom, an interior most kindly described as spartan. A hardy crew could take the Tartan Ten on a multi-day race such as the Mackinac, and you might even coax your family aboard for a weekend of camping out. But cruising or extended racing in comfort? Forget it!