Hidden Causes of Rig Failure
Pictured here is a Norseman fitting on a big charter catamaran. Note the diagonal crack right across the top. This was hidden because it...
Mounting an SSB Antenna on a Gaff-rig boat
Any suggestions for an SSB-radio antenna installation on a 32-foot boat with a gaff rig and no backstay? Also, the hull ismild steel, and...
Rig Tips that You Can Use
This issue of Practical Sailor offers a wake-up call for owners of sailboats with rigs of an indeterminate age. But it also offers some...
Manson vs. CQR Sea Trials
Photos by Ralph Naranjo
When the forecast turns bad, and its time to find shelter in a new cove or harbor, questions arise about the...
Managing the Manson as a Working Anchor
The Manson Supreme is also quite willing to rotate into a fluke-down, ready for the roller, alignment. I prefer to avoid the use of...
Is Hand-stitched, Nylon Webbing Strong Enough?
Photos by Drew Frye
Rope is the mainstay of sailboat rigging, and knot-craft and splicing are the marks of a seaman. Sewn joins are also...
Going Soft on Shackles
Fiber shackles have been in use for centuries-the simple knotted toggles provided all manner of service on square-riggers and even older craft. When made...
The Mystery of the Bulging Fin Keel
I was reading a Mailport letter in the December 2014 issue of Practical Sailor, and it led me to your May 27, 2014 blog...
UV, Chafe Protection
What We FoundIn our search for the best way to protect a stitched loop or splice, we made several interesting discoveries.None of the liquid...
Abrasion and Break Testing
Testers first task was to determine whether any of these coatings could weaken line in the near term. To do this, we formed 20-inch...
Tayana 37: What You Should Know | Boat Review
Looking to buy a 35-40 foot sailboat? Considering a Tayana 37? See a Tayana 37 for sale? What are the pros and cons of...
