Life Rafts
Winslow still leads, but the gap narrows. Viking's RescYou Pro earns a Best Buy.
Type IV Throwable PFDs
The Jim-Buoy life ring did well in throw and flotation tests, as did horseshoes from Jim-Buoy and Forespar. A new hybrid—the Lifeline cushion with attached throw rope—is a versatile device that could become a simple staple.
Handheld Horns & Whistles
The Coast Guard requires competent noise-making. Here are the horns and whistles to do it.
Which Sunscreen?
SPF-30 sunscreens fare about the same on our now-striped volunteer. Consider cost per ounce.
Offshore Log: Man Overboard!
Bad news: People are still falling overboard unharnessed. Good news: Practice with good rescue techniques and gear definitely saves lives.
CO Detectors
Of the two marine-rated units tested, Fireboy/Xintex gets our vote, but if you're more cautious, go with the MTI. The non-marine units are good, too, especially the Kidde Nighthawks.
First-Class Aid For First-Aid Kits
It all packs securely, refills and all, in a well-made, compartmented canvas bag that has the System O2 embroidered label and, in even larger...
Dry Boxes
Ever dig out your first-aid kit or boat's registration only to find it damaged by the wet, salty surroundings? Dry boxes can help. In our tests, Pelican edged out UWKinetics and Otter.
Off-the-Shelf Medical Kits
If you need a ready-made kit for coastal cruising, Adventure Medical has a Best Buy.
Medical Matters
As this issue goes to press in late November, Keith Kilpatrick, a crewmember aboard Amer Sports One in the Volvo Ocean Race, has just...
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – September 2026
In September we tour the Hans Christian 48T — the offshore cruiser many sailors call the holy grail — walk the custom Antigua 60...
Video: If You See This on a Used Sailboat, Walk Away
If you’re searching the used sailboat market, comparing sailboats for sale, or learning how to inspect a sailboat before buying, these are the red...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Cal 2-27 Used Boat Review
Our story begins in 1970, with the introduction of the Cal 29. Looking for something similar but a bit smaller, the company asked designer Bill Lapworth for a 27-footer, which at first was the Cal 27, a fin keel, spade rudder design with a convertible pop top; another incarnation of this basic hull was the T/2. But the concept of the 29 found its full expression in the Cal 2-27, which began production in 1975 and continued to 1977, after which it was again modified and called simply the Cal 27...again. Production of it ceased in 1986.
