Fire Extinguisher Test
The Kidde Pro Plus 5HM is our top choice among the clean-agent portables. The Sea-Fire, with its lower toxicity, makes sense for enclosed spaces. We also like the Kidde Foam Spray's ability to stop re-ignition.
Seaberths Examined
The design of offshore production-built sailboats often overlooks a crucial element in crew comfort and safety—the seaberth. So what qualifies as a proper seaberth? û
Sea Anchor Match-up
Sea anchors have evolved to become a vital component of the serious sailor's arsenal in heavy weather. We favor Fiorentino's for their rugged construction.
Belt-style Inflatable PFDs
High buoyancy and a good price lifts the Sospenders 38MBP past the competition. Stearns is a close second with its 375 model.
PS Advisor: 10/01/04
Quick-Stop Defined Dan Dickison's editorial mentions "the Quick-Stop." I thought I knew of most of the MOB-type products, but I haven't heard of this...
Inflatable PFDs Put to the Test
The UK-made Crewsaver's Crewfit takes first prize in our test of nine vests. The hitch—it's not USCG approved. Mustang is our runner-up.
EPIRB Update: 09/04
In the wake of independent tests conducted by the Equipped to Survive Foundation (ETS), wherein the GPS components of two EPIRB models from McMurdo...
Safe and Sound
As of this summer, Practical Sailor enters its fourth decade as a journal of fact and opinion pertaining to the gear and equipment we...
EPIRB Test
An independent evaluation of GPS-equipped 406-MHz EPIRBs leads to the suspension of sales of two models from McMurdo.
Fee-Based Weather Forecasts
We compared four forecasting services — three for pay, one free, on an East Coast passage to Bermuda.
Video: Why Are Sailboats So Cheap?
Why are sailboats so cheap right now? The used sailboat market is flooded with affordable boats from the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, and...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Brewer 12.8/44 Used Boat Review
The Brewer 12.8 and the Brewer 44 are developments of the Whitby 42, a cruising boat from the board of Ted Brewer. Brewer is one of the great modern cruising boat designers. His boats are well-mannered, attractive and practical. To improve windward performance, a high aspect ratio centerboard extends through the bottom of the 12.8's shallow keel. Since the board is not ballasted, it does not affect stability, but can be used when reaching to shift the center of lateral resistance.
