New Handheld GPS Plotters
No sooner had we wrapped up our review of three GPS plotters in the May 1, 1998 issue than we got a preview of...
Mast Steps: No Perfect Design
In this report, first published in 1998, we discuss various designs of mast steps for climbing, or for assisted climbing. Here is a link...
Standing Rigging: How Tight Is Right?
Standing rigging tension is a peculiarly under-addressed subject. Easy to see how it would worry a new boat owner or someone going to sea....
Offshore Log: Anchor Shackle Warning
After six months of daily use, we were surprised to discover that the shackle pin on the high-tensile galvanized shackle connecting our anchor chain...
Going Up the Mast Alone
A certain appeal of sailing is its seeming limitlessness. One can spend a lifetime perfecting navigation skills. Remember Marvin Creamer, who circumnavigated by the...
Wichard Safety Hook
We think highly of Wichard, the French stainless steel maker. So far, the company has made nothing deserving of anything less than wholehearted approval....
Scanstrut A Best Buy in Radar Mounts For Masts
Radar (radio detection and ranging) is a marvel. It was invented and patented 75 years ago. But the British perfected it for use during...
A Better Chain Grabber
Like most long-range cruising boats, Calypso is anchored on an all-chain rode. Deep water, windy anchorages and uncertain bottom conditions-including rope-eating coral heads-make chain...
That Old Nasty Problem Caused by Dissimilar Metals
A lot of boats depend on a large Edson diaphragm pump as a last ditch emergency pump. Pumps are either permanently mounted or bolted...
The Waltz Rates a Best Buy Among Gimbaled Backstay Radar Mounts
The September double issue contained the first of three articles on radar antenna mounting choices. That first report was on mast mounts. This one...
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.
