Energy Recovery Watermakers: Running a Watermaker on Solar and Batteries
Let's dig into the truth to the 75-80% power reduction claims for Energy Recovery Watermakers, review some comparison data, chat with the inventors, and...
Wireless Engine Cut-Off Switches Evolve Into Man-Overboard Alarm Systems
Even sailing greenhorns are familiar with those red coiled lanyards that are, theoretically, attached from an engine’s cut-off switch (ECOS) to the operator’s life...
Do Hybrid Propulsion Systems Make Sense on Small Boats?
In the article “Is All-Electric Propulsion Practical on Small Sailboats?” we explored the current state of technology for all-electric marine propulsion. We concluded that...
Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: A LiFePO4 Buyer’s Guide
In the series of articles "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats," "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: Install Guide" and "Lithium Batteries for Small Boats: Troubleshooting"...
Six New Products for Sailors at the Miami International Boat Show
Marking its 85th run in 2026, the February 11-15, 2026 Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show enjoyed a five-day run of warm temperatures, sunny...
Getting Weather on the Water: From VHF to Starlink
We are in the midst of a yachting weather forecasting and awareness revolution. With satellite internet technology today’s sailors have never had so much...
The Fog of Chartplotter Complacency
Cruising the remote west coast of Vancouver Island is the dream of many Pacific Northwest sailors. The journey includes the 80-mile passage from Race...
Moisture Meters: Can You Trust Them? We Test Five Models
You've made an offer on a used boat and have retained a marine surveyor to examine the vessel prior to completing the transaction. One...
Lithium in Winter: Design for the Cold, Not Around It
Winter temperatures are challenging for year-round sailors. Appropriate clothing is vital, including waterproof socks, layering for the legs and midsection, finishing off with a...
The Importance of Sea State in Weather Planning
We all want a crystal ball that tells us exactly what we will be in for during a passage, however long or short it...
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...
