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Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Mud Anchoring Wisdom

For as long as I can remember, and probably for generations, it has been Chesapeake Bay lore that the longer an anchor soaks the...
The test rig mimicked cross-fiber abrasion against wood and concrete.

Dyneema Abrasion Test

As outlined in our previous report on lifelines, high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fiber rope has revolutionized sailboat rigging during the past decade (see Fiber lifeline Protection Plan, PS September 2015 online), however sailors arent the only ones benefitting from the introduction of this super-strong, low-stretch cordage. Virtually any application that once employed a stranded wire-rope-ranging from tow cables to hoists-is now also served by HMPE. The widespread availability of generic brands of this super-strong, low-stretch cordage made us curious. How do these non-marine brand products compare to known marine brands? And what types are best suited for the various sailboat applications?

Anti-Seize Coatings for Spars

If youve ever been humbled by a single impossibly stuck fastener, or plan on adding hardware to your spar, running gear, or deck, this report on anti-seize protectants is right up your alley.

Wheel Thimbles for Synthetic Line Terminals

This is not a completely new concept. Spool thimbles have long been used on multi-pulley block beckets to increase the pin diameter to better...
Although the cause of this delaminated rudder is unknown, In most cases the delamination comes with age. Also, a small nick from hitting a rock or coral will let water in and, if not attended too, the delamination will worsen in time. (Photo/ Ray Ville)

Pre-Purchase or Insurance Survey: Which One Do I Need?

You’ve been bitten by the sailing bug and every spare minute is spent searching online for that perfect vessel. You’ve narrowed it down to...

Do Twin Sheets Control the Mainsail Better?

The main traveler is one of those love-hate pieces of gear on a boat. We love that it separates control of twist and angle...

Shock Cord Hardware for Sailors

Every rope we have on board has its quirks when you’re trying to form a knot that won’t slip or come untied. Dyneema is a...
The author's Catalina 270, Aquaholic, on slings. You can easily see where the slings are properly set. Even the crane seems happy! (Photo/ Marc Robic)

Haul Out Tips to Avoid Confusion and Delays

Every fall, we sailors living in the colder, wintery parts of the world, must haul out our beloved boats and set them gently onto...

Checking Rope Strength

We like nylon for docklines, anchor rode and chain snubbers because it stretches, absorbing jolts that would otherwise be transferred to the boat and...

Lashing for Strength

Standing rigging, stays, and lifelines; these have always been steel cable, terminated with a shackle or ball at one end and a turnbuckle at the other. Steel fittings for steel rigging. For synthetic rigging, lashings seem like the logical replacement. They have a simple ruggedness that we think we understand, and like seems to fit with like.

Teak and Holly Sole Repair The RIGHT Way! Sailboat DIY Projects

This week, Bert Vermeer takes us through a teak and holly sailboat cabin sole repair on a 2005 Tartan 34 with water damage from...

Latest Sailboat Review

Tally Ho: Historic Boat Review

This is not going to be your typical Practical Sailor boat review. Not by any stretch of the imagination. You will not be able...