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,...
Scully Rig
It comes in a box the size of a golf bag, and all you have to add is the boat.
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...
Video: Beneteau 361 – Full Review
Should you buy an older Beneteau sailboat? In this Practical Sailor boat review and yacht tour, we examine the Beneteau Oceanis 361 to see...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Brewer 12.8/44 Used Boat Review
The Brewer 12.8 and the Brewer 44 are developments of the Whitby 42, a cruising boat from the board of Ted Brewer. Brewer is one of the great modern cruising boat designers. His boats are well-mannered, attractive and practical. To improve windward performance, a high aspect ratio centerboard extends through the bottom of the 12.8's shallow keel. Since the board is not ballasted, it does not affect stability, but can be used when reaching to shift the center of lateral resistance.
