Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Harken’s Carbo Ratchet Blocks

Made from fiber-reinforced plastic, these blocks are stronger and lighter than their predecesors, but a little more costly as well.

Reefing Preferences from the Pros

We surveyed a cadre of experienced delivery skippers from around North America to find out what systems and gear they favor for reefing mainsails, and to find out what they don't like, and why.

Discount Options for Sails

We web-surfed our way to some real bargains on working sails. It takes time, persistence, and a little self-education, but there are good deals out there.

Seldén’s In-Mast Furling System

There's not much new about in-mast furling, except for those spars that now accommodate sails with full-length vertical battens.

Seldén’s In-Mast Furling System

There's not much new about in-mast furling, except for those spars that now accommodate sails with full-length vertical battens.

Schaefer’s Universal Deck Mount

Deck plate ... $76Cleat ... $115Screw eye ... $20Standup block ... $142When offered through West Marine or Defender, as the components no doubt will...

Chainplates Revisited

Chainplate failures aren't common, but when one occurred on a new boat during its inaugural sail—with our reviewer aboard—we knew it was time to investigate.

Mainsail Track Hardware

The systems used to attach a mainsail to its mast have come a long way, and the variety of options now available plays to the advantage of the consumer.

The ClamSeal

Typically, you repair torn or punctured inflatable boats with a glued patch, but the folks at Barton Marine in the U.K. have introduced a...

PS Advisor: 12/04

Leaving Your Mast Stepped?Every year when I go to haul my boat I face a certain dilemma. Should I keep my mast in place,...

Anchor Swivels: The Shiny Part That Can Lose Your Boat

Anchor swivels are everywhere. They’re shiny, expensive, and sold as a “must-have” upgrade for your anchoring system. But do they actually solve a real...

Latest Sailboat Review

Jeanneau 65 Used Boat Review

From the drawing board of Philippe Briand, a renowned marine architect over the past four decades, comes the Jeanneau Yachts 65. This boat is...