Buyer’s Guide: Simrad CP32 and RayChart 520 Top Gray Scale GPS/Chartplotters
The Simrad CP32 and Raytheon RayChart 520 have the best combination of features and displays of 10 gray scale units tested.
Offshore Log: Rigged For Downwind
Nick Nicholson critiques his downwind rig that uses a carbon fiber spinnaker pole from Hall Spars with Forespar end fittings.
Sunscreens: We Test Nine
With little difference between brands, we say go for Nantucket Gold at less than a dollar per ounce.
Offshore Log: America’s Cup Triumphs and Failures
This is the way the world endsThis is the way the world ends:Not with a bang, but with a whimper.-T.S. EliotThe world of America's...
Life Rafts: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Part 1 - General findings from wave pool tests, plus intense scrutiny of the design and quality of 27 inshore, coastal and offshore rafts, reveals what to look for when buying the 'final option.'
Comings and Goings
Weve been aware for some years that the Loran navigation system is presumably on the way out, this despite the fact that the global...
GMDSS: Mass Confusion?
Recently we received the following e-mail from reader Gerard Lacroix, asking questions about radio communications that must be on the minds of others. Your...
Handbearing Compasses: Plastimo Iris
One of the most time-consuming chores at Practical Sailor is finding, selecting and assembling the products to be tested. Even before we figure out...
Offshore Log: All Aboard!
When you own a double-ender, a midship swim ladder is the way to go. Tops-In-Quality worked with us to develop a simple, rather elegant ladder.
Offshore Log: Things That Go Bump
The crew of Calypso learns the danger of negotiating South Pacific reefs.
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: The BEST Sailboat You Can Buy for $35,000 – Catalina...
If you’re searching for a mid-30-foot sailboat, affordable cruising sailboat, liveaboard sailboat, first sailboat, or a capable used sailboat for coastal cruising, the Catalina...
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.
