The Everlasting Multihull Trampoline
Multihulls commonly have net or webbing trampolines that cover the large areas of deck. The trampoline is vital to both performance and seaworthiness. It...
The Cruising Sailor’s Argument for High-tech Fibers
We’re not racers. A few ounces doesn’t matter to us, so why should we be interested in Dyneema, or any of the other popular...
Mailport: Boat heaters, digital charts, photophobia, downsizing
HEATING EFFICIENCY
I just saw, with interest, your article about onboard fireplace safety, with the emphasis on safety (see “LPG Fireplace Safety Guidelines,” Inside Practical Sailor)....
Rugged Winch Handle Holders
In 40 years of sailing I’ve lost only two winch handles. I was reefing the main when I lost the first. I reached up...
Liquid Chafe Protection
We recently learned that Spinlock RP25, one of our favorite cordage treatment used to prevent chafe and to improve grip in jammers has been...
Mailport: Winch Maintenance, Painting Jib, DIY Mainsail Cover
BLANKET WINCH SERVICE
Regarding your blog post “Simple Tips on Servicing Your Sailboat Winches,” I do my winches every two years when the boat is...
Unwrapping the Revealing Capstan Equation
High-strength, high-tech fibers have transformed so many aspects of sailing—sometimes in ways we might not even recognize. Consider the way these new fibers behave...
Better Winch Grip
Winches are the power behind the sails. A dinghy can use a 2:1 tackle to sheet in the jib, but greater purchase than that...
Be Careful with Boom Brakes
I love the idea of a preventer that can be engaged by pulling on just one line and that can be eased just as...
Controlling Jibes and Case Studies
We are vehemently against using a boom brake to prevent a jibe. Even using them to control a jibe introduces problems, requiring that we...
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – October 2026
This month leans into used-boat value and hands-on maintenance: Tim Labute tours the traditional, shoal-draft Bayfield 32, Nick Nicholson revisits the much-requested Morgan 38/382,...
Video: Catalina 356 Review – The First Boat of the Comeback
Catalina Yachts is BACK! After a change in ownership and a pause in production, Catalina has returned to building sailboats in America, and we're...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Tartan 31 Piper: Used Boat Review
The Tartan 31 is one of the new line of performance cruising yachts from the venerable-and durable--Grand River, Ohio boatbuilder. In the last few years, Tartan Marine has come out with a range of new models, including the T-28, the 3500 and the 4600. A 41-footer is in the works. Both the 28 and the latest version of the 31 are part of the new Piper series, which are marketed in sailaway condition. Tartan has a reputation for solid construction and good workmanship and that's what the 31 is: solid and well put together. The hull is hand-laminated with alternating layers of chopped strand mat and unidirectional E glass. Behind the NPG/ISO gelcoat there's a layer of vinylester resin, which so far appears to provide the best osmotic blister protection available.
