Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Whatever jackline system is used, it should be supplemented with fixed clip-in points in the cockpit, at the helm, and around the mast-wherever crew members work for extended periods. International Sailing Federation recommendations require that two-thirds of the crew be able to be simultaneously clipped on without depending on jacklines. Our top choice is a low-stretch Dyneema or Spectra jackline custom made by a professional with loops bartacked in place. For those on a budget, low-stretch polyester jacklines like those made by one of our recommended suppliers will suffice. In either case, routine inspection for wear and UV damage is imperative.

What kind of glue do you use when that faux leather or woven liner starts falling off the cabin top? The best solution may be no glue at all.

When a cruising sailor starts thinking about exploring fjords and glaciers, he starts putting a little more thought into his boat’s diesel engine and drivetrain components. High-latitude cruising sailor Andy O’Grady writes about several parts that has served him well in extreme conditions: the Kiwiprop, the Manecraft dripless prop shaft seal, the PRM150 transmission, and the K&N reusable air filter.

When a cruising sailor starts thinking about exploring fjords and glaciers, he starts putting a little more thought into his boat’s diesel engine and drivetrain components. High-latitude cruising sailor Andy O’Grady writes about several parts that has served him well in extreme conditions: the Kiwiprop, the Manecraft dripless prop shaft seal, the PRM150 transmission, and the K&N reusable air filter.

Noted West Coast sailor Skip Allan - fresh from "falling" off the deck of Wildflower in our harness test (December 2006) - spent several days offshore again, this time tangling with sailing safety tethers. The results were shocking. Several major retailers continue to sell safety tethers with jackline snap hooks that might disengage themselves, and one of the two child safety tethers we tested broke - twice.

Do those shiny, polished stainless steel anchors that hang from the bow rollers of boat-show boats actually set well and hold? In our latest anchor update, Practical Sailor examines the ability of some very expensive stainless steel anchors to set and hold in soft mud. The lineup includes the 28-pound STL Powerhold 350, an adjustable 25-pound anchor from Hunter Boat Anchors, and an odd-looking anchor called the Ton.

MARINE INSURANCE REDUXI have been reading with much interest your articles about marine insurance this year (April and May 2006).

It was mid-July 1990 on the Caicos Banks, a stretch of shallow, gin-clear water extending for about 70 miles east to west in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Along with a dozen other cruisers whod chosen to thumb our noses at hurricane season (ah, those were simpler times), we were pausing in Providenciales before heading south. …

PS puts adjustable anchors to the test in soft mud.

After six months, Acco proof coil looks the best of the seven test chains.