Emergency Rigging Cutters
The new Toolova Shootit 12 is a no-brainer at the high end-it cuts wire and rod almost like butter. At the low end, the old hacksaw does pretty well, too.
In-Boom Furling: Five Systems
It's not an easy bit of engineering. Still, all the systems on the market continue to mature. Schaefer's new offering looks like a good bet for medium-sized boats.
Webbing: Match Quality to Usage
There are several places where the flat stuff is the right stuff. Make sure type follows function.
High-Tech Rope Test
We'd read about problems with terminations in high-modulus line. They're true.
Market Scan: Running Rigging
Replacement guidelines for sheets, halyards, and topping lifts.
Tiger Too Preventer
Toby Ritter of Mamaroneck, NY, has a nice preventer rig aboard his Sparkman & Stephens center-cockpit 48-footer, Tiger Too. He sent us the following...
Topclimber: Going Aloft Solo
Figuring the best way to get to the masthead is one of those conundrums seldom resolved.
Offshore Log:Life with the Profurl
Our headsail reefing system, anchored by a Profurl C42 furler, has had its share of teething problems, most of which are associated with our...
Offshore Log:Life with the Profurl
Our headsail reefing system, anchored by a Profurl C42 furler, has had its share of teething problems, most of which are associated with our...
New Harken Blocks
Harken’s quest for the lightest, easiest-running yacht blocks never ends. Harken makes a huge line of blocks, from tiny “Micro Blocks” with 22 mm...
Latest Logbook
Practical Sailor Logbook – September 2026
In September we tour the Hans Christian 48T — the offshore cruiser many sailors call the holy grail — walk the custom Antigua 60...
Video: If You See This on a Used Sailboat, Walk Away
If you’re searching the used sailboat market, comparing sailboats for sale, or learning how to inspect a sailboat before buying, these are the red...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
Cal 2-27 Used Boat Review
Our story begins in 1970, with the introduction of the Cal 29. Looking for something similar but a bit smaller, the company asked designer Bill Lapworth for a 27-footer, which at first was the Cal 27, a fin keel, spade rudder design with a convertible pop top; another incarnation of this basic hull was the T/2. But the concept of the 29 found its full expression in the Cal 2-27, which began production in 1975 and continued to 1977, after which it was again modified and called simply the Cal 27...again. Production of it ceased in 1986.
