Harken’s Carbo Ratchet Blocks
Made from fiber-reinforced plastic, these blocks are stronger and lighter than their predecesors, but a little more costly as well.
Reefing Preferences from the Pros
We surveyed a cadre of experienced delivery skippers from around North America to find out what systems and gear they favor for reefing mainsails, and to find out what they don't like, and why.
Discount Options for Sails
We web-surfed our way to some real bargains on working sails. It takes time, persistence, and a little self-education, but there are good deals out there.
Seldén’s In-Mast Furling System
There's not much new about in-mast furling, except for those spars that now accommodate sails with full-length vertical battens.
Seldén’s In-Mast Furling System
There's not much new about in-mast furling, except for those spars that now accommodate sails with full-length vertical battens.
Chainplates Revisited
Chainplate failures aren't common, but when one occurred on a new boat during its inaugural sail—with our reviewer aboard—we knew it was time to investigate.
Mainsail Track Hardware
The systems used to attach a mainsail to its mast have come a long way, and the variety of options now available plays to the advantage of the consumer.
PS Advisor: 12/04
Leaving Your Mast Stepped?Every year when I go to haul my boat I face a certain dilemma. Should I keep my mast in place,...
Scully Rig
It comes in a box the size of a golf bag, and all you have to add is the boat.
Snuffer Test
Among off-the-shelf options for taming spinnakers, we favor North's SnufferPlus for its refined design, lighter weight, and moderate price.
Bayfield 32 Boat Tour – The Canadian Cruiser That Crossed the...
In this Bayfield 32 boat tour, we explore the deck, cockpit, cabin layout, galley, sleeping accommodations, construction and sailing characteristics. We also look at...
Latest Sailboat Reviews
DIY Survey Checklist for Used-Boat Buying
Boat buying is an exciting, maddening exercise that can test the tolerance of even the most patient sailor. Most of the maddening part has to do with trying to ferret out a boats problems before buying it-and making the problems your own. Hiring a professional marine surveyor can be expensive when youre looking at multiple boats, so save yourself some money-and potential heartache-by learning how to examine a used sailboat, from stem to stern and mast to bilge. Practical Sailors DIY survey how-to details common problem areas (like engines and rigging), what issues are easy to remedy, and what red flags you should walk away from.
