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...
PS Advisor: 04/15/04
Stuffing Box HoseIve been scouring the Web to try and find what the specs are for stuffing box hose. I know one shouldn't use...
Winch Handles
Getting the most out of modern multi-speed, self-tailing winches requires strong, smooth-turning handles with good grips. Here's a scan of the crowd.
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – October 2026
This month leans into used-boat value and hands-on maintenance: Tim Labute tours the traditional, shoal-draft Bayfield 32, Nick Nicholson revisits the much-requested Morgan 38/382,...
Video: Catalina 356 Review – The First Boat of the Comeback
Catalina Yachts is BACK! After a change in ownership and a pause in production, Catalina has returned to building sailboats in America, and we're...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
10 New Sailboats at the 2026 Annapolis Sailboat Show
As North America’s largest sail exhibition, the Annapolis Sailboat Show always delivers a bevy of new boats. This year’s October 15-18 run didn’t disappoint,...
