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.
Offshore Log: The Reefing Staysail
With a double-headsail rig, you already have some powerful gear-shifting options. Putting your staysail on a furler adds an overdrive.
Block Efficiency
We put 19 of the best small blocks through a home-grown friction test, and took looks inside.
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...