Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

Gaskets Galore

Finally, a source for replacing the leaky hatch seals on your boat with custom-extruded gaskets that are identical to the originals.

Snuffer Test

Among off-the-shelf options for taming spinnakers, we favor North's SnufferPlus for its refined design, lighter weight, and moderate price.

Headings: Olaf Harken Sounds Off

The co-founder of an outstanding—and most innovative—sailing equipment manufacturer offers his outlook on the mechanics of trickledown technology and its future.

Gear Lifts

A new hoist from Island Marine Products gave us a chance to revisit a little-changed field where fault is hard to find. We still like the Garhauer and Kato lifts.

Unibody Blocks

We were impressed with the Unibody blocks' finish quality and pricing. The milled blocks are more robustly rated than those with the folded aluminum...

Mailport: 08/15/04

Longer Winch HandlesYour review of winch handles (April 15) reminded me of one of the unsolved mysteries of the sea: Why are winch handles...

Furlers: Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

What the best riggers in the business have to say about the systems they install, maintain, and repair.

PS Advisor: 08/01/04

Rigging TerminalsHas Practical Sailor conducted a study of swaged terminals vs. screw-on terminals? I've heard opinions recently that the screw-on ones are preferable because...

Bungy

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

PS Advisor: 05/01/04

Sailplan Balancing ActYour February 1 editorial on the benefits of small, self-tending headsails is thought-provoking. As I enter my golden years, I like the...

STOP Buying These 4 Products! The Practical Sailor Warning That Saves...

STOP wasting money on faulty boat gear! In this exclusive deep-dive, Practical Sailor reveals the 4 worst products and maintenance mistakes that routinely fail...

Latest Sailboat Review

Catalina Morgan 440 Used Boat Review

The Catalina Morgan 440 is a massive ocean-capable design from the drafting board of Gerry Douglas, a prolific designer for Catalina Yachts for over...