Emergency Rig Repairs at Sea
Rigging problems at sea are like broken shoelaces. Ideally, replacement is in order, but in reality a knot might be the right short-term solution....
Safe Options for Stowing LPG on Deck
Disposable propane cylinders are darn handy, powering stern-rail grills, propane torches, and catalytic cabin heaters. I’ve also had the valves fail twice, the result...
Sailboat Safety on Deck
We often think of safety on deck in terms of PFDs, lifelines, and jacklines, but the falls they protect against only happen after something...
RAM Lights for Sailboats
We have the minimum required lights, including running lights for sailing and motoring, and an anchor light. We might even have an electronic distress...
Powering Portable Devices Safely
Most mariners, especially those on the West Coast, have heard about the horrific fire aboard the dive boat Concepcion near Santa Cruz Island, California,...
Lifesling Inspection Tips
For many sailors in the northern hemisphere winter is the off-season, which means it's a great time inspect safety gear. Personal floatation devices (lifejackets)...
Cordless LED Spotlight Update
Our first LED flashlight test appeared in March 2000. Even two decades ago, we were becoming concerned with beam patterns. In fact it was...
Practical Boarding Ladders
Every year I read of near-drowning episodes that were compounded by the deficiency or complete absence of a boarding ladder. A fall from a...
Going Aloft with the Multi-use Prusik
At least once each season, someone should make the trip up top to inspect the rigging. There can also be more immediate needs. An...
Showing Good Ladder Sense
A few years ago, while sitting on the gravel applying fairing compound to my keels (see “Fairing the Keels,” July 2016), I heard a...
The Great Loop – The Basics
Join us this week as we discuss taking a sailboat around North America's great boating adventure - The Great Loop. We discuss advice from...
