Headsail Roller Furlers
Time was, roller-furling systems were regarded as fragile, fair-weather gear. Now they're a must-have for most—even offshore. Here's a scan of major manufacturers, and the results of our reader survey.
Plea-Free Tacking
I wonder how many people have given up sailing because of the effort it takes to tack a genoa shorthanded. Aside from hitting hard...
Kellets On the Rode
The day after our anchor tests this year we took a couple of commercially made anchor rode sentinels (also called kellets) out into the...
Anchor Tests 2003: Soft Sand Over Hard Sand
In tough testing conditions, and considered by weight, the aluminum Fortress and galvanized West Marine Performance2 do well, along with the Spade Model 80 and the Bulwagga.
Sailmakers’ Advice and Prices
Last month we heard from a group of top sailmakers about the technology and design behind their products, and their loft philosophies. This month they're here to sell sails.
PS Advisor: 10/01/03
Riding Sails Ive read several articles about the benefits of riding sails while atanchor, on a mooring, even during hurricanes.What size is right so...
Market Scan: Sails and Sailmakers
Sailmakers tend to be competitors on the water, and it carries over into the marketplace. But while bragging rights used to come only from the race course, cruising sailors carry real clout today.
PS Advisor: 07/15/03
Storm Jib ProvenanceA barely used, but well constructed, Haarstick storm jib was included with our recently purchased Tartan 34. The clew grommet seems undersized-...
Rod Holders
If you want the best rail-mounted rod holder, get the Lee's RA5001 or Lee's RA5201. Save a few bucks with the Whitecap S7004C and still come away with a durable home for your fishing pole.
Hayn Hi-Mod Terminals
Hayn weighs in with a new variant on the Chinese handcuff principle (the harder you pull, the tighter I squeeze) to rival Norseman and Sta-Lock terminals.
Live On A Cheap and Small Sailboat! The Newport 27
Living on a sailboat might be all the rage amidst high cost of living but, what about the high cost of sailboats? This week...
Latest Sailboat Review
Catalina 25 Used Boat Review
The Catalina 25 is not exceptionally fast, stylish, or spacious compared to newer widebody models, and while the construction and workmanship are adequate, they too are not exceptional. But because of the builder's strict adherence to a philosophy of offering a relatively spacious design, relatively well made, at a reasonable price, and backing up the product with generally good customer service, the Catalina 25 has turned out to be one of the most successful small cruising sailboats ever built, with 5,332 boats sold between 1976 and 1990, when the company ceased producing the model as demand tailed off.