Life Rafts

Winslow still leads, but the gap narrows. Viking's RescYou Pro earns a Best Buy.

Offshore Log: Made In New Zealand

Sailors shopping for boat gear get a lot of bang for the buck in this sailing-crazy island nation.

Weems & Plath GPS Plotter

We regularly point out that chart plotters, GPS receivers, and navigation software should be thought of as supplements to—and not replacements for—paper charts, even...

Offshore Log: Anatomy of a Machine

The Offshore Log this month is a photo essay from the lions' den in New Zealand. And a rope tale.

Offshore Log: America’s Cup Technology

From the cutting edge to the mainstream-at the apex of the racing scene, sailors break things until they get them right. Eventually, the refined parts trickle down to the rest of us.

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.

Electronic Charting Evolution

The following report was written by RonDoescher, of Westford, MA. It started as a letter to Mailport, and turned into a very interesting...

Offshore Log: The Real Cost of Cruising

There are extremes, but most people can probably cruise for what it costs to live ashore. Here's a list of expense categories to consider.

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.

Video: Beneteau 361 – Full Review

Should you buy an older Beneteau sailboat? In this Practical Sailor boat review and yacht tour, we examine the Beneteau Oceanis 361 to see...

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