Sails, Rigging & Deck Gear

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.

PS Advisor: 03/03

Rope Lifeline TerminalsYou have been a big help with maintaining my Catalina 27. I have been following the articles about lifelines and the reply...

High-Tech Rope Shackles

The future is here, and it looks quite a bit like the past. Within a couple of years, rope may be replacing stainless shackles on boats of all stripes and budgets.

Shackles

Considering some of the loads involved, it's no wonder that shackles are made to be reliable. Wichard's 'D' shackles are excellent. Tylaska makes a top-quality snap shackle, but you won't go wrong with Schaefer or Wichard.

Removable Boarding Ladders

West Marine and Dixon offer the best latch ladders. For occasional use, a hook-type from Garelick should do the job. Sport ladders from Garelick and Armstrong are great, but will be an odd fit for most sailboats.

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...