Bungy

Simple, clever, convenient, but not cheap, this little device can take the load off your rode.

Windlass Test

Maxwell’s Freedom 500 speeds past all competitors in an under-$1,000 powerwinch pull-off. The Lewmar Horizon 600 is the top horizontal windlass.

PS Advisor: 02/01/04

Anchoring Hand SignalsYour recent article on anchoring prompted a discussion among friends. Is there an agreed-upon set of hand signals for anchoring, between...

Kellets On the Rode

The day after our anchor tests this year we took a couple of commercially made anchor rode sentinels (also called kellets) out into the...

Anchor Tests 2003: Soft Sand Over Hard Sand

In tough testing conditions, and considered by weight, the aluminum Fortress and galvanized West Marine Performance2 do well, along with the Spade Model 80 and the Bulwagga.

A Tale of Two Anchors

We check out the Digger Anchor and Kingston QuickSet in the latest series of anchor tests.

Mounting the ‘Odd’ Bulwagga Anchor

In several of the most recent reports on anchor testing, Practical Sailor has commented favorably on the setting ability and holding power of the...

Mounting the ‘Odd’ Bulwagga Anchor

In several of the most recent reports on anchor testing, Practical Sailor has commented favorably on the setting ability and holding power of the...

Anchor Reset Tests

When direction is reversed 140°, a third of the anchors never broke out, another third reset at some length, and two never reset.

The Happy Hooker and Other Ingenious (de)Vices

Boat hook attachments to make docking and picking up moorings less terrifying.

Bayfield 32 Boat Tour – The Canadian Cruiser That Crossed the...

In this Bayfield 32 boat tour, we explore the deck, cockpit, cabin layout, galley, sleeping accommodations, construction and sailing characteristics. We also look at...
Catalina 25 Sailboat Tour video from Practical Sailor

Catalina 25 Sailboat Tour

Latest Sailboat Reviews

DIY Survey Checklist for Used-Boat Buying

Boat buying is an exciting, maddening exercise that can test the tolerance of even the most patient sailor. Most of the maddening part has to do with trying to ferret out a boats problems before buying it-and making the problems your own. Hiring a professional marine surveyor can be expensive when youre looking at multiple boats, so save yourself some money-and potential heartache-by learning how to examine a used sailboat, from stem to stern and mast to bilge. Practical Sailors DIY survey how-to details common problem areas (like engines and rigging), what issues are easy to remedy, and what red flags you should walk away from.