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...

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...

Headsail Roller Furlers

Time was, roller-furling systems were regarded as fragile, fair-weather gear. Now they're a must-have for most—even offshore. Here's a scan of major manufacturers, and the results of our reader survey.

Plea-Free Tacking

I wonder how many people have given up sailing because of the effort it takes to tack a genoa shorthanded. Aside from hitting hard...

Sailmakers’ Advice and Prices

Last month we heard from a group of top sailmakers about the technology and design behind their products, and their loft philosophies. This month they're here to sell sails.

PS Advisor: 10/01/03

Riding Sails Ive read several articles about the benefits of riding sails while atanchor, on a mooring, even during hurricanes.What size is right so...

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-...

Why You Might Regret Buying a Watermaker

Thinking about installing a boat watermaker? Before you buy a marine watermaker, there’s a lot more to understand than gallons per hour. In this...

Latest Sailboat Reviews

Pearson 35 Used Boat Review

The Pearson 35 was introduced in 1968 and remained in production for the next 14 years. In all, 514 P35s were built, almost all for East Coast and Great Lakes owners attracted by the 35's shoal draft (3' 9" with centerboard up) and "classic" proportions. Even the popular Pearson 30, usually heralded as the enduring boat from a builder otherwise noted for its frequent introductions of new boats and short production runs, remained in production only 10 years, albeit with almost 1,200 boats built.